The most frustrating thing about the H3

[FormerJeeper]

Is the sheer LACK of aftermarket parts for the main purpose this vehicle was supposedly designed - OFF ROADING.

No decent winch bumper solutions yet.
No rear bumper with tire carrier.
No front locker available
No ring and pinions available in 4.88:1 or higher.
No decent lift kit yet, although the Rough Country will probalby do WHEN IT SHOWS UP.

Contrast this with the new Toyota FJ Cruiser.
I read an article stating there were already 90 aftermarket companies involved with producing products for it soon after release.

ARB have a winch bumper already and I've seen picures

Frustrated...

-C

[Ma\'Deuce]

I tend to agree with some of your dissapointments. I also think the spare should be OFF the swinggate on a beefy bumber mount. the front locker seems like it would be an option, albeit an expensive one, still an option. ARB? And for the lift kit, I'd like to see a middle of the road kit. 2-2.5". just enough to get 35's on and still keep it road worthy. there sure seems to be a lot of "bling" aftermarket suppliers out there. i could care less about that stuff. give us "full on" off roading equipment from the people that know how to make it. enough of the soap box, i guess it's still a hell of a vehicle right out of the box.

[aggiehummer...er]

Demographics. There are far more people who like chrome than there are extreme offroaders.

[HummBebe]

I think GM wants more of the aftermarket business.....that's why we are waiting....waiting....waiting.

The fact of the matter is that the bling market is far bigger and more lucrative for aftermarket companies than the offroad market. And GM intentionally markets Hummers as a premium vehicle like a Land Rover.



S.

[Shawn from Angry Iron]

Patients Grass Hopper I only have so much time in a day. We do have plans.

[f5fstop]

Originally posted by aggiehummer...er:
Demographics. There are far more people who like chrome than there are extreme offroaders.

I agree, and there are more people who will never off-road this vehicle, than will actually off-road it.
As for a swing mount for the tire. I read a marketing survey on SUVs, and it was pretty even on the rear mount tire versus an undermount or interior mount tire, but it was in the high percentage that did not want to have to swing a tire out of the way, and then swing open a door. In other words, ok to mount to the door, but don't make me do a two-step procedure to open the rear door.
As for GM and accessories, one thing to remember. If the manufacturer develops and sells an accessory part, it must be tested to meet their specs, and in the case of brush guards, side steps, and rear tire carriers, they must pass crash worthiness tests. (NHTSA required plus GMUTS-General Motors Uniform Test Standards.)
In the case of the front brush guard, it must not interfere with the operation of the front discrimminating sensors used on the air bag system. In the case of side steps, they must not allow a specified size vehicle hitting the H3 from the side, to ride up and cause more damage to the doors.
Not sure about a rear swing gate.

[FormerJeeper]

Ma'Deuce,

I'd do the torsion bar adjustment and if that wasn't quite enough, add a 1" body lift and then trim the fenders if need be.

-C

[evomind]

im pretty happy with my rancho lift. but all in all, aftermarket support for offroading stuff is pretty weak.
in my opinion, the aftermarket support will determine the better offroad vehicles.
in stock form, its a great offroader off the showroom floor. but compare it to a rubicon in what you can do with aftermarket parts....

[HUMTECH]

First production year of any vehicle will be this way. Far easier to design plastic chrome bling than actual real world accessories. Give them time they will come. Get the ball rolling and write to aftermarket suppliers, if's there's no demand why build it. Also most aftermarket companies have to wait to get an actual truck for research, nothing for free from the general.

[GreenH3]

Maybe I played my cards right. I leased my H3 for 3 years knowing that a first year vehicle will go through some growing pains (i.e. 3rd party after-market parts, engine boost, etc.) so when my lease expires I plan on purchasing the new diesel H3 that runs on (bio-diesel I hope by then) and getting the RC lift kit & Pro-Comp 37s. Folks can try wiping the smile off my face when that happens in 2008. Anybody with me?

[Idaho-Hummer]

I wish there was a diesel option

[HummBebe]

Originally posted by Shawn from Angry Iron:
Patients Grass Hopper I only have so much time in a day. We do have plans.

Hurry up all ready!!!!!