H3 or H3T with manual transmissions

[davidcctx]

I originally PMed this question to Nips, but haven't gotten an answer so I will ask the whole board.

I am in the market for a H3T and have a good lead on one with the 3.7 and the 5-speed. I have heard mixed things about the 5-speed versus the auto.

Wanted to know what everyone thought about that combination. How streetable, how much power (stock and with the 35's), how smooth does is shift etc? Thanks for your input.

[HummerHippy]

I had 06 H3 w/ 3.5L 5-speed, and now 09 H3T w/ 3.7L Auto. Cant quite compare auto to manual becuase of the change in engine size. But...
I thought 3.5 could use a little more power. I notice the increased power in the 3.7 and when I need to accelerate I can stomp on the pedal and get it. But, I was looking for a 5-speed (H3T) for months, and couldn't find one. So I settled with an auto.
It ain't a Ferrari.

[davidcctx]

I am not looking for a ferrari, just trying to decide between a manual and an auto. I know that the torque converter in auto's tends to multiply torque, that is the reason manuals are usually geared lower than autos. I just wonder what the real world difference is during the two trannies on a H3 or H3T. Thanks.

[Airman84]

I bought my h3t in June and got the manual transmission. I LOVE IT!! The automatic is sluggish and provides little power off-roading... where as the manual allows you to control the vehicle 100%! Whether your off-roading, in the snow or just driving up a steep road, you are in complete control of the truck and you can add or decrease the power going to the wheels instead of having the automatic regulate the vehicle. I would 110% recommend anyone getting the stick shift, especially if you plan on taking it off-road... its the only way to go!

[Nips]

Sorry, don't log in too much. I drove both the automatic and the manual. I did not like how the automatic shifted (seemed to search too much). The manual tranny shifts extremely smooth. I have 8,000 miles on it now and am extremely pleased with it. I have the adventure package so it gives you the ultra-low gearing which works out nice offroad. It is really nice for going down steep, slick hills or crawling over rocks. Adding the bigger tires definitely makes a difference. It was extremely sluggish and slow. I ended up getting the PCM tune after adding the tires which seemed to really make a difference between 2500-3500 RPMS. The only thing thing I don't like about the manual is your damn dome light doesn't work 1/2 the time (think tranny has to be out of gear) and when you stop and leave it running you have to manually unlock your doors. Other than that I love the 5 speed.

[Airman84]

NIPS, you can change your settings so that the locks engage differently, i hated that they unlocked only after you take the key out. I changed mine right away!

[Nips]

Originally Posted by Airman84

NIPS, you can change your settings so that the locks engage differently, i hated that they unlocked only after you take the key out. I changed mine right away!

Haha...forgot about that...good call! Any tricks on the dome light? I'm too lazy to read the manual.

[Bosshoss]

Couldn't figure out dome light on mine for a long time, dealer said it was lights I put on front of truck (in other words they couldn't figure it out either).
Found that if I shut truck off with key before it quit rolling dome light wouldn't work. Try to make sure truck is stopped before switching off key and see if that works on your truck.
Good luck
Paul

[Airman84]

Havent had any problems with my dome light, ight be faulty wiring in your truck, probably should go to the dealer and get it looked at. I'll check my truck in the morning and see if i cant get it to go out like your does and get back to you.

[HummerHippy]

I prefer the 5speed manual

[signals34]

I have a 2005 H-3 w/ 5-speed manual and the adventure pkg...I love it...Its handles great around the city and it shifts smooth with a touch of sports car feel....Thats one reason I went with the H-3, I wanted a suv with a manual trans...there were only 3 then...H-3, BMW X-3, and Nissan X-terra...The x-terra had clunky shifts... cheap feel to it...the x-3 was a 6 speed sport pkg.,it was great and flew, but not for 48,000...so the H-3 was it and I love it and runs great with no issues...

[HumbleAg]

Originally Posted by signals34

I have a 2005 H-3 ...

???

A pre-release model?

[H3slate]

Originally Posted by HumbleAg

???

A pre-release model?

The 2006's were first available in summer of 05. It should still be called a 06 model.