New to offroading, how does the H3 compare with an Jeep Rubicon?

[FormerJeeper]

Comparing an H3 to a Wrangler Rubicon isn't really fair.
I've built a TJ wrangler all the way up to 38.5" tires, Atlas 2 t-case. shaved D70/D60 axles etc and it's a fun thing to do and great experience but a Wrangler is a lot smaller in every respect to an H3 and will wheel comletely differently.

You need to start with the wheelbase.

A stock Wrangler has 97.4", the Unlimited 101.4". The Grand Cherokee 111" or there abouts.
I believe the H3 is around 111" so if its a Jeep you are comparing, then compare it to the GC.
The H3 is a bit heavier but once you add bigger tires and armour to a GC, it's going to be close.

OK, the H3 with Adventure Package comes with 33" tires and a 4:1 t-case and a full rear locker.
The older ZJ GC can fit 33" tires with 6-7" of lift and a long arm kit for better stability but it's kind scary to drive, suffering from "death wobble" if the lift and allignment isn't performed correctly.

I don't know if anyone has lifted the last model GC, the WJ to fit 33s, but I know the wheel weels are smaller than on the ZJ.
I don't know how anyone would go about lifting the newest model in the front because of the IFS, but I'm sure it's doable at a price.

None of the GC models have a 4:1 t-case or fully locking diferentials.

OK, so suppose that the latest IFS equipped GC can be lifted 6" or so to fit 33s. The cost of the lift kit is going to be close to $2K for a quality long arm kit. Then you have to fit new tires. 5x decent offroad tires are $1K. 5x rims another $1K.
An Atlas 2 t-case for the 4:1 is another $2K. Then there's a fully locking differential like the ARB, add another $700. Regearing both diffs, add another $300+.
Then there's the rear bumper + swing out (for the 33" wheel) + rock rails, skid plates etc and you will be close to $10K on top of the new price, which to begin with is around the price of the H3 + AP.

It also gets worse gas mileage in stock form and now you've added the 33" tires and all the weight and increased the center of gravity and rolling resistance its a lot worse.


See what I'm getting at?

Yes, the Rubicon is a great rig but it's pretty basic in features and comfort. It's noisey, drifts and gets blown all over the highway but it will get you places in stock form that no other vehicle could come close to, until now

I'm too busy to go wheelin every weekend like I used to but it's still in my blood. I love it and miss it a lot.
When I found out the features availabe with H3 + AP, I was already sold.
Two test drives later (Luxury Package followed by AP) convinced me.
I didn't even drive the two blocks further to my local Jeep dealer and test drive the new GC.
The H3 was that impressive.
BTW, I traded a 04 Jeep Unlimited which I was sick of driving on the highway. It has a longer wheelbase than the stock TJ (whcih makes it smoother to drive) but it still got blown all over the road compared to my previous WJ GC.
The H3 by comparrison is like driving a luxury SUV. Smooth, solid and has as much apparent power as the Jeep Unlimited had and simillar, if not better, fuel economy.

Buy the H3

-C