H3 Alpha

[OTR]

My neighbor has an H3T Alpha and he's really happy with it. His does have the factory F/R lockers and 285's. He has said it is very capable for a stock vehicle.

I almost bought an H2, mostly influenced from my wife, but I was afraid of long term reliability of a GM product. Have you thought of a new 4-runner? I'm sure with the high fuel prices you may be able to get a good deal if your willing to call several dealers. I have found that by the time you consider the lower interest rate offered by Toyota compared to used care bank rates and also the warranty, it sometimes better to go new.

 

[tdesanto]

I spent some time in ARBs old H3A, both on and off road.

On the road, it handled well, got reasonable fuel mileage, was reasonably quiet and comfortable.

Off the road, it was a bit of a pig. The suspension was mush, but it was loaded down pretty heavy with the stock suspension, so I'm sure that was a contributing factor. As already mentioned, visibility pretty much sucks, but if you aren't on tight trails, it wasn't *that* big of a deal.

Overall, it was a bit too much of a 'car' for me . . .

Brian, is this a typo? ARB's old H3 had stock suspension? Was that before they made OME suspension components for it?

 

[tdesanto]

Bill,

Have you considered the previous generation 4-Runner with the v8, like James Langan (Redline) has?

That's got a bit more cargo room than you have now and more power for towing. I've considered this a lot too as I get tired of the lack of power for towing with my v6 too.

 

[Hilldweller]

I don't think I could enjoy life with a Toyota; I've had a couple as company cars and they leave me cold.
The Hummer would make me feel dirty enough...

The PW stokes me. And the idea of the Supercharger too. I've had 3 cars with FI and enjoyed the heck out of them.

Still weighing options. I think I'll be ruling the Hummer out unless they want to give it away.

 

[Rovertrader]

Bill- could you do a SBC for about half that? I concur the $20k Hemi is doable as many friends have done it for that. I also considered the blower for my JK a few years back, but felt it still didn't get me 'there'. I've been wheeling Rovers for the last 15 years and Jeeps for the 25 prior that, and while the PW is big, it wheels smaller than it looks. And when you factor in the 99% road miles vs. the <1% trail miles, well, you know my choice. And while I need to('only money') sell mine I am seriously considering selling off everything else and keep it and the Ford. That tells my level of satisfaction...
the weak link is still the fuel milage:-(

 

[Haggis]

Bill you might want to go out and give an late model 4runner with the V8 a test drive. While I've always been a Dodge guy and Jeep is part of my DNA the 4.7 V8 in my Tundra has been a revelation. This engine and the drivetrain it's couple to is one of the best out there. And while it makes my Tundra haul in a 4Runner its a rocket ship. Add great gas mileage to that power and it makes a great combo. We are currently looking at one for my wife's next ride and have been impressed so far. Though the seating position could be improved.

 

[goodtimes]

Brian, is this a typo? ARB's old H3 had stock suspension? Was that before they made OME suspension components for it?

Yes, it was prior to the OME suspension. It had the air lockers in both ends, their drawer system, fridge, recovery gear, etc in the back, and of course a roof rack, awning, etc. Thankfully, no RTT when I picked it up in Moab. It would have been interesting to drive it again after they stiffened up the suspension a bit. I'd bet it handled a lot better than when I had it.

 

[Hilldweller]

Bill- could you do a SBC for about half that? I concur the $20k Hemi is doable as many friends have done it for that. I also considered the blower for my JK a few years back, but felt it still didn't get me 'there'. I've been wheeling Rovers for the last 15 years and Jeeps for the 25 prior that, and while the PW is big, it wheels smaller than it looks. And when you factor in the 99% road miles vs. the <1% trail miles, well, you know my choice. And while I need to('only money') sell mine I am seriously considering selling off everything else and keep it and the Ford. That tells my level of satisfaction...
the weak link is still the fuel milage:-(

Everything else?
That's pretty serious for you...
The RIPP supercharger is just under $6k installed.


Mark --- I just couldn't do a 4Runner. I'd feel like I was in a minivan.
...I feel the same about non-Defender Land Rovers too...
I've tried 'em. Sure, they drove pretty nice. But they made me feel like eating quiche and sushi; it's just not me.

 

[Haggis]

...they made me feel like eating quiche and sushi; it's just not me.

:sombrero: While I love my truck, I do miss the menacing snarl of my old Dodge. The Tundra just looks like a happy puppy.

You know you could keep your beloved Jeep just the way it is to use for single day romps, causal explorations and trail rides and pick up a nice, older piece of American steel in the form of a classic 60's 4x4 truck to haul the new teardrop in style. That's my plan once the kids get out of the house and I don't need a quad cab truck anymore. I've already got dips on a sweet '62 Dodge 4-by one of my buddies has done up right. 440 Commando is all I'm sayin'. :elkgrin:

 

[SFROMAN]

My wife has an adventure not an Alpha model though. Hers has the inline 5. Hers is an 07 model bought new in 06. At the time I'm pretty sure the 4 door jeeps were not out yet and the v8 version came out a year later.
I bought the H3 for a few reasons. First I needed a 4 door 4wd compact suv. Since it is the wives vehicle I wanted something with leather heated seats. I also needed onstAr. The adventure package came with 285/75-16 all terains with a full size spare, anchor points, and under carriage protection, and to top it off an electric locker. Yes, I got it , I know I could have bought a landcruiser 100 series and gotten that and more, but I was not about to pay 70 or 80 grand for one. Also with me always being deployed onstAr was very important. The inline 5 is great on gas but admitly lacks power, but if I wanted to go fast I would buy a sports car.
So at the time I bought it I lived in new Mexico my wives work was about 45 miles away. If she cut through the desert it was only about 26 miles. So it saw 50 miles 5 days a week of caliche rough desert roads for the first year she owned it.
With my projects at the time an 85 Toyota truck

continue

 

[SFROMAN]

Coninued
Always broken, apart, or in storage due to deployment. I always would take out the h3. I drove that thing all over southern new Mexico. When we moved to NC I ended up in the same situation. With my cruiser always broken I have driven my wives h3 all over ure with the exception of Daniel. Yes, I did brake the passenger half shaft but my wife drove it for another 3 months before we found the time to bring it in for service. To my surprise we did not pay a dime. They covered it under warranty. Even though the vehicle is already past the 30k mile mark.

So in short I bought the vehicle because it met the criteria and my price range and most importantly because my wife likes it. And to be honest I have learned to like it as well because it has done everything I have asked from it and then some.

 

[addicted56]

Well said Del,

You have a picture of your cruiser next to that SASd H3 don't you? He is a guy at Bragg? I can't remember anything other than he had a wounded warriors logo on it. I need to do some digging and see if I can find it.

Ohh and you sure are one for shortcut :sombrero: I remember the first time I spotted you in your ford you were shooting thru that "back way" off of 87.

Sold the LX but we need to get together and I'll bring the FJ40 and have to take a look at your H3 again.

 

[SFROMAN]

He is not at Bragg. He just moved here from the west coast. He builds and designs recon vehicles for the Military. It is NICE.
I rode with him out at Devils playgraound about a month ago and that thing walked up a few obstacles like nothing.
He has not wheeeled it much so he is still trying to work out all the kinks out of it.

Here is a few pics





I took alot of pics and videos that day but my lense was dirty so it ruined most of the pics.

 

[Heimz]

Take it for a test drive while paying attention to your feet on the gas and brake. The brake pedal is extremely close to the gas, and if you have Sz 12 sneakers like me you can get them caught under the brake during a panic stop.

I wish my I-5 had a bit more power, but its honestly not horrific. Aside from that, the non-ergonomic 2006 window switches, and the non-flat folding seats, its been an AWESOME truck. Its my wife's daily driver and she can zip that thing into any parking spot, and very rarely has a blind-spot issue. You get used to it pretty quick.

 

[Rovertrader]

Bill- here's the $10k answer, seriously:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55432