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

[fuentex]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
Extending a TJ by 18" does make a difference, but it still doens't have the storage room of a Hummer...or the towing capacity... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I said as much on both points (3500 lb. vs 4500 lb. on towing capacity just so it's here).

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">As to the flex of a STOCK Rubi... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My picture is a 100% stock Rubicon LJ (unless you count the iPod adapter ).

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...not particularly impressive </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

In all seriousness, do you think an H3 would have all 4 wheels planted on the hill I picutured after looking at the ones I posted? Honestly now... I've never ridden in/with an H3 so I have no choice but to respect your opinion on that (and anyone reading can judge for themselves).


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...and the width and wheelbase of a Hummer makes up for some flex defeciencies with balance and stability </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Width, yes, it's much wider, but that's still a picture of an H3 in a flexy situation in my initial post and the width didn't really seem to help. I can defintely see the width helping (and hurting BTW) in other situations though.

Wheelbase H3: 111.9, LJ: 103.4 that's 8.5 inches (8.2%) on an already long wheelbase... you decide if that's significant. I would argue that 8.5 inches added to a normal TJ wheelbase would indeed be singnificant, but that once you're already out in the 100+ inch range, it's much less so.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">(and the rear end of H2's and H3's flex more than you probably think). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Possibly, but there's pictures like this. At least they did stick with a solid axle in the rear and I'm sure different springs/shackles could help here.




<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The lack of a front locker is debatable (but cheap to install if you really need one)... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm curious what you consider cheap. To match the Rubi's selectable locker (and the rear selectable in the H3) you're looking at something like this: $899 plus install which (if done "properly") would include resetting the gears. I just paid $150 to have my front D44 Detroit installed in my Scrambler and that was with the axle out of the vehicle and totally stripped down.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...but honestly most people would be their own worst enemy with a front locker when off-roading. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's one way to look at it. Could have been a nice option in the Adventure (IIRC) package though.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Now let's put the Rubi (even an unlimited) on a nice steep hill climb and put the Hummer on the same hill....which one is gonna be more "uncomfortable" to be in? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have been discussing only the Rubicon Unlimited, as a better comparison to the H3 in size.

See my comment about the difference in wheelbase. I don't really know what you consider "uncomfortable" but neither my Scramber (104" wheelbase) or Unlimited have ever felt anything close to "uncomfortable" on steep hills. I guess it's familiarity with the vehicle maybe? Again, once you're 100+" in wheelbase you're pretty dang stable on hills.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Like I said different vehicles, different strengths....and the Hummer wins walking away as a daily use vehicle. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Except for maybe the "walking away" comment, I'll totally agree with this