Why didn't Hummer go with 2WD w/selectable 4WD?

[aetherH3]

I'm curious as to why they decided to use an ALL-TIME 4 wheel drive system when they could have used a 2 wheel drive system for normal driving? It would increase gas mileage which would make the H3 more appealing to customers and also bring down the quotas (whatever its called) on the MPG ratings for GMs line up. After all, the H3 was built as a more efficient Hummer. It would also increase engine performance because of less drag. I imagine our H3s would be pretty peppy only having to turn two wheels instead of four. Not that I'm complaining, just wondering.

[ROADNOTCA]

The aftermarket will probably have a conversion in a couple years, but yeah, X2.

[BlueHUMMERH2]

I'm not sure how I feel. I like having a vehicle in 4WD all the time. But yet 2WD would help the MPG. As long as there was no 2WD only, I couldn't imagine it would be too much a problem.

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by aetherH3

I'm curious as to why they decided to use an ALL-TIME 4 wheel drive system when they could have used a 2 wheel drive system for normal driving? It would increase gas mileage which would make the H3 more appealing to customers and also bring down the quotas (whatever its called) on the MPG ratings for GMs line up. After all, the H3 was built as a more efficient Hummer. It would also increase engine performance because of less drag. I imagine our H3s would be pretty peppy only having to turn two wheels instead of four. Not that I'm complaining, just wondering.

Because it is a Hummer and Hummers have full-time four-wheel drive. In addition, the extra fuel mileage is not as great as people believe. Even with a part time 4x4, you still have the gears turning creating a drag and producing friction, thus reducing fuel mileage. I was told it would equate to a max of 1 mpg (per some testing).
Drive one without the front prop shaft...you won't notice much of a difference.
Next, someone is going to want a two-wheel drive only H4.

[Desert Dan]

Full Time 4x4 should have been an option.

Maybe they did it for safety and to prevent us from spinng the rear tires and getting sideway in the dirt.

[ROADNOTCA]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Drive one without the front prop shaft...you won't notice much of a difference.

You cannot drive without the front D-shaft because of the torque converter in the T-case. Ask me how I.....

[DURAMAX TIM]

Originally Posted by ROADNOTCA

You cannot drive without the front D-shaft because of the torque converter in the T-case. Ask me how I.....

lock it in 4 hi then it'll go.

[aetherH3]

Cool responses! I'm DEFINITELY NOT suggesting that they should have made an H3 with 2WD ONLY!!!!! I was just wondering why they made it an ALL TIME 4WD.

[ROADNOTCA]

Originally Posted by DURAMAX TIM

lock it in 4 hi then it'll go.

Ho, look out!

[Wisha Haddan H3]

I see the full-time 4wd as a huge advantage. Don't know how many times in my part time 4runner or blazer when rear wheel drive didn't cut it. Any ice or slush and I'd fishtail, even with BFG ATs. And you can forget going uphill from a stop if it's icy.

But I can even tell the difference cruising in dry conditions. Fulltime 4wd delivers better control and cornering up in the canyons. Definitely wouldn't give it up for 1 mpg.

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by ROADNOTCA

You cannot drive without the front D-shaft because of the torque converter in the T-case. Ask me how I.....

Duh! Guess I missed the torque converter in the t/case. Could you help me out and tell me which number the torque converter might be?



And might I ask how you know?

[ROADNOTCA]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Duh! Guess I missed the torque converter in the t/case. Could you help me out and tell me which number the torque converter might be?



And might I ask how you know?

I'm not an expert, so do we get the 40/60 split from a planetary? #203 for eg.?

[f5fstop]

More complicated than that, but primarily the differential planetary splits the torque to 40/60; item 231. There is no torque converter in the t/case.

[usetosellhummer]

troll

[ROADNOTCA]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

More complicated than that, but primarily the differential planetary splits the torque to 40/60; item 231. There is no torque converter in the t/case.

I think I see. Thats effectively a gear driven 40/60 except its through the chain. Then shifting into 4H moves the shaft, relative to the planetary, to a one-to-one drive(?) I would have thought they would have left street mode open with 50/50 and 4H lock 40/60 for OR.
It would seem to be very easy to design a 2WD select for this T-case.(?)

[f5fstop]

It would have been easier to go with a part time full wheel drive setup as used on 1/2 pickup trucks.

[ROADNOTCA]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

It would have been easier to go with a part time full wheel drive setup as used on 1/2 pickup trucks.

Exactly, something America has used almost universaly for decades.
Dropped the front D-shaft, shifted into 4Hlock; steering is lighter, thats for the wife.
It is also,,,,,,,uh,,,,,,,,quicker.....................
thats for me.

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by ROADNOTCA

Exactly, something America has used almost universaly for decades.
Dropped the front D-shaft, shifted into 4Hlock; steering is lighter, thats for the wife.
It is also,,,,,,,uh,,,,,,,,quicker.....................
thats for me.