HUMMER H2 Overland truck

[HUMMER/Expeditions]

At least they have decent payload capacity, something we can't say about a lot of platforms these days..

They have excellent payload capacity
One of the best departure angles in car industry
One of the best approach angles
Boxed frame
Heavy duty suspension
Excellent engine
roof that can handle 800 LB
Ride like a dream
20 cup holders
19 cigarette lighter ports
Stand on the hood
Stand on the bumper
Stand on the roof

I LOVE IT

Funny part from my last trip was
3 vehicles run out of fuel,
h2 wasn’t one of them.
In fact H2 had to save then with its spare fuel

Grenadier out of fuel
Defender out of fuel
4 runner out of fuel.

They split 6 gallons ( 2 on each to finish the trail.)

 

[HUMMER/Expeditions]

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View attachment 42db554d-72a1-4a06-a142-45d9c7afb233.mov

 

[Umbrarian]

"Sleeper" I dont agree with.

I do t think people realize how much of a 3/4 GM truck it is.

That is literally the definition of a sleeper.

 

[iwillnc]

37s would be my next and final mod.

So fwiw, this is my experience with tires.

I’ve had the original factory KO1s
I then went to Cooper STT Pro (the old design) in 35x12.5r17. They wore (and rode) like iron, seriously I got 56k miles out of them and they weren’t horrendous when I changed them out.
I could tell a slight power loss.

I then went to BFG KO2s in 37x12.5r17 when they first came out in 2016. The power loss was super noticeable because I started doing a lot of highway driving, even in eastern NC with mostly flat areas my truck took nothing to shift down into 3rd on the highway. I’m going to make a super important note here - BFG KO2 are known for running VERY small. So the true diameter of 37KO2s is around 35.6in brand new.

About half way through the life of those tires I had the truck regeared to 4.56. That was a dramatic inprovement - my fuel economy went way up, easily gained 2MPG + on the highway (70MPH roads running 79) and 1MPG in the city. At 60MPH I could get 15-16MPG.

I’m now as of this year running Cooper 37x13.5r17 which run true to size. I’m again feeling the drag.

Now a tune would probably be super helpful here since my RPM is still very close to stock with the 4.56s. But there are a couple pieces of advice I’m going to offer.

-Don’t go 13.5 if you’re not planning to do anything else with the vehicle.
-Go for a smaller 37s if you don’t want to regear.
-Plan to tune at minimum.

When I went to 4.56 I was doing a lot of highway driving or else I would have went 4.88s and been prepared to move up to 38s when that time comes. It’s a hard decision - today I wish I had went 4.88, but at the time 4.56 was perfect.

Regearing isn’t super expensive I paid about $2,200 for 2 axle regear, all new bearings and seals and putting new harder bushings into the front axle from East Coast Gear Supply, pretty big company especially for Toyotas here in NC.

Your experience may differ, I know of people running 40s with stock 4.10s and they dont seem to mind. However myself, I use every single HP every time I drive, I hit the 5,600rpm fuel cut off every day. I want ALL the power. Lastly, the 4l65 life is closely tied to gear ratio, a gear like 4.10s with 37s is going to put more stress on the system vs 4.88s with 37s.

My next tires are either going to be 38x11.5r17 of some sort or the KO2/3 39x13.5r17. Might require a 2in lift but I’m going to try to go without.

 

[Gravelette]

Interesting thread, thanks! Makes you wonder how the H2 acquired the "poser" reputation in the first place.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

That is literally the definition of a sleeper.

Aye, but it's not a sleeper as an overlanding vehicle. That's literally what it was made for

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Interesting thread, thanks! Makes you wonder how the H2 acquired the "poser" reputation in the first place.

Starbucks. Showing up at Starbucks with MILFs in yoga pants carrying Stanley Quencher cups in the city.

But me? I've always thought it was kick-a s s

 

[LRNAD90]

They have excellent payload capacity
One of the best departure angles in car industry
One of the best approach angles
Boxed frame
Heavy duty suspension
Excellent engine
roof that can handle 800 LB
Ride like a dream
20 cup holders
19 cigarette lighter ports
Stand on the hood
Stand on the bumper
Stand on the roof

I LOVE IT

Funny part from my last trip was
3 vehicles run out of fuel,
h2 wasn’t one of them.
In fact H2 had to save then with its spare fuel

Grenadier out of fuel
Defender out of fuel
4 runner out of fuel.

They split 6 gallons ( 2 on each to finish the trail.)

Well, Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.. And the H2 does carry almost 10 gallons more fuel stock (32 gallons I think), but it is a considerably larger vehicle so easier to package that larger tank.

Grenadier and 4 runner both have good Longer Ranger Aux tank options, though they are expensive..

Interesting thread, thanks! Makes you wonder how the H2 acquired the "poser" reputation in the first place.

Cause it was mostly guys with gold chains and their shirts unbuttoned to the belly button that bought them and drove them primarily just to get attention (hey Look at Me)

 

[LRNAD90]

I thought it was odd that they never offered the H2 with a front locker. I guess the front end just wasn't deemed strong enough by the engineering teams to handle it.

The H3 eventually got a triple locked option, with a nice 4:1 low range transfer case. I honestly really liked the H3 Alpha with Offroad package (V8, triple locked, 4:1 t-case, larger tires).

It's size was better for off road work, and I liked the styling better (H2 was always a bit too 'slab sided' and 'oddly proportioned' from some angles for my taste).

H3 was a bit limited in interior space though, and payload capacity wasn't very good, both negatives for overlanding.

It did however take a 35" tire pretty much stock, which along with the alpha's V8 power, Triple lockers and 4:1 low range made it pretty darn capable, even by today's standards.

Though I always wondered why they didn't design it with a coil sprung rear axle, I mean I know it was 'born' of the Colorado platform, but they made so many other changes to the frame, why not? It is also unfortunate that the V8 was stuck with the 4L60e auto gearbox, and they never gave it the 6 speed, supposedly it couldn't be packaged in the platform.

Unfortunately, too many ended up 'Bro Dozers' like the H2's with 20+ inch chrome wheels, and too many chrome accents. But I think they look good pretty much stock with aggressive 35's..

 

[iwillnc]

I thought it was odd that they never offered the H2 with a front locker. I guess the front end just wasn't deemed strong enough by the engineering teams to handle it.

The H3 eventually got a triple locked option, with a nice 4:1 low range transfer case. I honestly really liked the H3 Alpha with Offroad package (V8, triple locked, 4:1 t-case, larger tires).

It's size was better for off road work, and I liked the styling better (H2 was always a bit too 'slab sided' and 'oddly proportioned' from some angles for my taste).

H3 was a bit limited in interior space though, and payload capacity wasn't very good, both negatives for overlanding.

It did however take a 35" tire pretty much stock, which along with the alpha's V8 power, Triple lockers and 4:1 low range made it pretty darn capable, even by today's standards.

Though I always wondered why they didn't design it with a coil sprung rear axle, I mean I know it was 'born' of the Colorado platform, but they made so many other changes to the frame, why not? It is also unfortunate that the V8 was stuck with the 4L60e auto gearbox, and they never gave it the 6 speed, supposedly it couldn't be packaged in the platform.

Unfortunately, too many ended up 'Bro Dozers' like the H2's with 20+ inch chrome wheels, and too many chrome accents. But I think they look good pretty much stock with aggressive 35's..

The early front diff on the H2 isn’t quite the same diff (strength wise) as the later model years (08-09) - it was an aluminum case and spinning 35/37s locked just wasn’t a good idea for warranty purposes. Hummer was very good as a brand for replacing parts damaged from offroad use within reason under warranty - it’s hard to argue if someone blows a front axle on stock tires using the locked front. It needed an iron diff for that. Plenty of people locked the front aftermarket of course.

The H3 when triple locked OR V8 OR with Manual transmission came with an iron front diff that was much stronger than the base aluminum.

Yea I never completely understood the design decision to use leafs on the H3, it definitely affects ride quality and by that time hadn’t the Wrangler moved to coils? Makes sense on the H3T but the regular, short wheel base H3 not so much.

There are several write ups online to swap in 6 speeds - it’s actually not super hard, but realize the H3 was near a refresh when was discontinued so I’m sure it was next in line for that change. Similarly the H2 had an update shortly before being discontinued and would have likely got the planned 4.5L Duramax and long bed.

The 4L60 wasn’t * that bad* on the smaller H3, my buddy just rebuilt his for the first time with 280k miles.

 

[HUMMER/Expeditions]

I thought it was odd that they never offered the H2 with a front locker. I guess the front end just wasn't deemed strong enough by the engineering teams to handle it.

The H3 eventually got a triple locked option, with a nice 4:1 low range transfer case. I honestly really liked the H3 Alpha with Offroad package (V8, triple locked, 4:1 t-case, larger tires).

It's size was better for off road work, and I liked the styling better (H2 was always a bit too 'slab sided' and 'oddly proportioned' from some angles for my taste).

H3 was a bit limited in interior space though, and payload capacity wasn't very good, both negatives for overlanding.

It did however take a 35" tire pretty much stock, which along with the alpha's V8 power, Triple lockers and 4:1 low range made it pretty darn capable, even by today's standards.

Though I always wondered why they didn't design it with a coil sprung rear axle, I mean I know it was 'born' of the Colorado platform, but they made so many other changes to the frame, why not? It is also unfortunate that the V8 was stuck with the 4L60e auto gearbox, and they never gave it the 6 speed, supposedly it couldn't be packaged in the platform.

Unfortunately, too many ended up 'Bro Dozers' like the H2's with 20+ inch chrome wheels, and too many chrome accents. But I think they look good pretty much stock with aggressive 35's..

View attachment 897646

You have to experience the GM traction control system on the H2
It’s unbelievable good.

I did a lot of cross axle testing on my H2 this last month,
I believe it works as good as the locker,

So one of my tests was doing the same obstacle with rear locker on and off depending only on traction control,

I was shocked how fast it locks the spinning wheel.

 

[HUMMER/Expeditions]

The early front diff on the H2 isn’t quite the same diff (strength wise) as the later model years (08-09) - it was an aluminum case and spinning 35/37s locked just wasn’t a good idea for warranty purposes. Hummer was very good as a brand for replacing parts damaged from offroad use within reason under warranty - it’s hard to argue if someone blows a front axle on stock tires using the locked front. It needed an iron diff for that. Plenty of people locked the front aftermarket of course.

The H3 when triple locked OR V8 OR with Manual transmission came with an iron front diff that was much stronger than the base aluminum.

Yea I never completely understood the design decision to use leafs on the H3, it definitely affects ride quality and by that time hadn’t the Wrangler moved to coils? Makes sense on the H3T but the regular, short wheel base H3 not so much.

There are several write ups online to swap in 6 speeds - it’s actually not super hard, but realize the H3 was near a refresh when was discontinued so I’m sure it was next in line for that change. Similarly the H2 had an update shortly before being discontinued and would have likely got the planned 4.5L Duramax and long bed.

The 4L60 wasn’t * that bad* on the smaller H3, my buddy just rebuilt his for the first time with 280k miles. View attachment 897647
View attachment 897648

Buddy of mine who i go exploring with has the H3 alpha with lockers,

It is absolutely monster capable rig,
he has 35s on it, it basically just walks over obstacles.
He traded 1993 defender 110 diesel for H3
Before that he had 2017 discovery diesel,
But he spent over 25 grand on maintenance alone in 6 years,

We talk about it all the time how cheap parts and service is on the H3 compared to the discovery.

 

[iwillnc]

You have to experience the GM traction control system on the H2
It’s unbelievable good?

I did a lot of cross axle testing on my H2 this last month,
I believe it works as good as the locker,

So one of my tests was doing the same obstacle with rear locker on and off depending only on traction control,

I was shocked how fast it locks the spinning wheel.

The TC isn’t terrible - it’s not so great with mud, I’ve had the rear axle with both rear tires in a red clay ditch with the front two tires on asphalt and in standard AWD mode it didn’t want to slow my rear enough to send power up front - but in most cases it’s perfectly adequate between bigger obstacles.
There’s actually a manual that came with the trucks brand new and you could sign up for classes with AM General/Hummer to go on the Humvee proving grounds AM General owned with an instructor and other owners.

Obviously nothings ground breaking but it does help explain a few electronic nuances.
View attachment IMG_5242.jpeg
View attachment IMG_5243.jpeg

 

[HUMMER/Expeditions]

The TC isn’t terrible - it’s not so great with mud, I’ve had the rear axle with both rear tires in a red clay ditch with the front two tires on asphalt and in standard AWD mode it didn’t want to slow my rear enough to send power up front - but in most cases it’s perfectly adequate between bigger obstacles.
There’s actually a manual that came with the trucks brand new and you could sign up for classes with AM General/Hummer to go on the Humvee proving grounds AM General owned with an instructor and other owners.

Obviously nothings ground breaking but it does help explain a few electronic nuances.
View attachment 897653
View attachment 897654

You really are a walking encyclopedia for H2 ❤️
I appreciate all your knowledge,

I know every single bolt and nut on the H1/ HUMVEE platform
I own 9 of them currently and over 20 for the last 23 years.
I have rebuild them from frame up.

To your point about noticeable power loss from 35 to 37,
That’s what I am kinda scared to do.

Even on the H1 platform going from aluminum rims to factory 12 bolt steel rims makes a huge difference.

I am looking for a place to permanently mount the air compressor, so far no luck.

 

[iwillnc]

Buddy of mine who i go exploring with has the H3 alpha with lockers,

It is absolutely monster capable rig,
he has 35s on it, it basically just walks over obstacles.
He traded 1993 defender 110 diesel for H3
Before that he had 2017 discovery diesel,
But he spent over 25 grand on maintenance alone in 6 years,

We talk about it all the time how cheap parts and service is on the H3 compared to the discovery.

I have a couple low volume vehicles including a manual SS sedan and old 4x4 IH pickup - and I’m struggling with getting an H3T.

I want a H3T Alpha triple locked, but parts beyond the driver door and back are hard as hell to find - either you got into the platform when it was brand new and have all the sweet accessories and don’t mind the rare parts or you’re taking a big leap to get into it.

No new beds have been produced since production ended - if you get hit you’re FUBAR. If you want the original dealer accessories you’re paying double the cost brand new (if not more) good luck finding a snug top, and if you do the original quality was so poor it probably needs repairs.

5,600 trucks produced, 56 of them manuals, 2,450 with V8.