Put to shame by an H3 & Durango

[ToyotaDan]

With the diff locked - can you engage it while you are stuck, or do you need to roll to engage it?

do you guys think with my 3 inch lift and BFG At KO tires I could keep up with an H3?

 

[AlexJet]

With the diff locked - can you engage it while you are stuck, or do you need to roll to engage it?

do you guys think with my 3 inch lift and BFG At KO tires I could keep up with an H3?

The diff lock is not "on-the-fly", so youhave to stop; I'd also sugest to put your truck on Neutral.

With 3" of lift AT you can keep up with H3, I'd say you may follow H2 too.

 

[Mr. Lambdebois]

With the diff locked - can you engage it while you are stuck, or do you need to roll to engage it?

do you guys think with my 3 inch lift and BFG At KO tires I could keep up with an H3?

Well here is my 4runner with stock tires trying to move in 20+ inches of heavy snow. Probably the same storm outrunner is talking about. Notice the older t-100 with 32 inch bfg at's pulling me out. He had open differentials but due to his better tires and ground clearance he could still get around as long as he kept his tires spinning.

I would say with a 3inch lift to help out the low front and some better tires and you would fair much much better in really deep snow.

 

[OUTRNNR]

The diff lock is not "on-the-fly", so youhave to stop; I'd also sugest to put your truck on Neutral.

With 3" of lift AT you can keep up with H3, I'd say you may follow H2 too.

I've never needed to stop or shift into neutral to lock my dif. Just make sure you aren't going too fast, you're wheels aren't spinning, and you are driving straight ahead...

 

[Thai]

do you guys think with my 3 inch lift and BFG At KO tires I could keep up with an H3?

You should be able to. Just avoid steep rock climbs where his 4:1 transfer case and rear locker will have the advantage.

 

[Falls]

Well here is my 4runner with stock tires trying to move in 20+ inches of heavy snow. Probably the same storm outrunner is talking about. Notice the older t-100 with 32 inch bfg at's pulling me out. He had open differentials but due to his better tires and ground clearance he could still get around as long as he kept his tires spinning.

I would say with a 3inch lift to help out the low front and some better tires and you would fair much much better in really deep snow.

Deff. a lift would help with nice tires.

with 20+ inches of heavy wet snow , there's not a heck of a lot moving abound.

As far as the comment about keeping up with the H2 , That is a big heavy useless pig IMO , the H3 is much more nimble.

I did compliment someone today at the gas station filling up her H2 , I said nice "Hummer" , actually it had nothing to do with the truck itself , she was piping HOT !! and wanted a better look

 

[Bluto]

Did all three vehicles take the same line? Driving through sloppy thirds may have been part of the problem.

The key to VSC or ATRAC is keep the RPMs under 2000. Gun it and you will not go anywhere. VSC will cut power (did the same thing in my Acura). ATRAC will spin. I've have no problem spinning all 4 with the center locked in the snow.


ATRAC works well with the engine power and wheel speed at 2k.

 

[JB.]

...avoid steep rock climbs where his 4:1 transfer case...will have the advantage.

I'd love to have the 4:1 transfer case for inching along in rocks and especially for downhill, but the 4runner is never lacking for any torque on even the steepest of up hills. I have the V8, but there's always so much extra torque available, no matter the grade, I'm sure it's true for the V6, as well. By the way, I'm not stalking you.

 

[Thai]

I'd love to have the 4:1 transfer case for inching along in rocks and especially for downhill, but the 4runner is never lacking for any torque on even the steepest of up hills. I have the V8, but there's always so much extra torque available, no matter the grade, I'm sure it's true for the V6, as well. By the way, I'm not stalking you.

No problem, JB. I never did think much of 4:1 transfer case until i drove the Rubicon. 4:1 is not only good at downhill stuff, but it works great uphill as you want to inch upward but, at the same time, do not want to punch the gas much (which then result in wheelspin). The power to the ground that is available with a 4:1 TC is enormous & immediate. The control that comes with it is also invaluable IMHO.

Of course, if i were to buy an off-roader today, then i would get an '07 Jeep Rubicon SWB....73:1 crawl ratio!! Screw Hummer...get the real deal. Or better yet, i would get the Rubicon from these people: http://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/

 

[Thai]

Of course, this whole thread is a bit unfair for the 4runner. The 4runner was built from factory to be civilized. The Hummer H3 and Rubicon (and FJ for that matter) are made with off-road in mind as their main objective...and thus, are equipped from factory for such duty. Now, it is fair to compare FJ with H3 or Rubicon.

As many have found out, if you spend some $$ and modify the 4runner (to the standards of H3's equipment for example), then you will have an amazingly capable but civilized vehicle. You can't say the opposite about the H3 or Rubicon...neither of these off-roaders can be made as civilized as a 4runner regardless of what you do to it.

This is why i respect the Jeep Rubicon (and to a lesser extent, H3 and FJ). Is the Rubicon more capable than my G500 or 4runner?? Yes. But, it can't be both civilized and capable at the same time as is the case with my G or a modified 4runner.

Of course, we all know that the 4runner will outlive the American off-roaders.

 

[Falls]

My 4R has always impressed me , it was just a fluke night , and was trying to go through what 2 other trucks went through , their ruts ect...

My truck in stock form ( except bigger tires ) has taken me alot of places with out problem , rocky rutted hills , mud , snow , steep hills ( both up and going down ) and has performed flawlessly. I pretty much try anything and its got me through ( so far ).

All in all I think its very capable and refined for what it is and its capabilities.

 

[JB.]

Of course, this whole thread is a bit unfair for the 4runner. The 4runner was built from factory to be civilized. The Hummer H3 and Rubicon (and FJ for that matter) are made with off-road in mind as their main objective...and thus, are equipped from factory for such duty. Now, it is fair to compare FJ with H3 or Rubicon.

As many have found out, if you spend some $$ and modify the 4runner (to the standards of H3's equipment for example), then you will have an amazingly capable but civilized vehicle. You can't say the opposite about the H3 or Rubicon...neither of these off-roaders can be made as civilized as a 4runner regardless of what you do to it.

This is why i respect the Jeep Rubicon (and to a lesser extent, H3 and FJ). Is the Rubicon more capable than my G500 or 4runner?? Yes. But, it can't be both civilized and capable at the same time as is the case with my G or a modified 4runner.

Of course, we all know that the 4runner will outlive the American off-roaders.

A very good perspective that is nice to be reminded of.

 

[jacal]

Yes the center diff. was locked. It cuts off power if you don't.

One of the things I think was the problem , besides the crappy tires ( Revos w/20k on them ), is the 4wd system on the 4R , with the diff. unlocked as we all know it will kill the power if you try to do anything and when the diff. is locked , your have the brakes pulsating and slowing your wheel spin to activate Atrac I had my foot heavy into it and really rippin up the RPM to get it moving.

Do you think the 4R's 4x4 system is less superior than the other type you can just lock in and give it hell ?? I personally never thought so , but now wonder a bit .

I think Bluto posted a great reply. My thoughts are pretty much the same. While I have no doubt of your driving skills, based on what you have previously posted (that I have read) I do not believe that you have taken the time to really get to know the Runners "ways". I say this because you seem so miffed at VSC but it doesn't appear you have taken the time to work around it (to drive in a way that complements it).

While I was not there, I can only suggest that a locked diff, preferably in low gear (if you had the chance) and momentum (if possible), plus a solid 2200 rpms (without going pedal to the metal) will get you stuck much much further then need be!

Given your long history off-roading many vehicles, it might be difficult to resist hammering the pedal. The 4R needs good, constant pedal and time for the electronics to do their job. I've done long climbs out of ditches that other vehicles were not able to do just by finding a good line, and focusing on my rpm guage.

To answer the question, I think the 4Rs 4wd system is superior than any open diff part time system. But to be honest, I've seen enough drivers in f-150s with momentum and pedal to the metal do incredible things (at great expense to their drivetrains). Even, on occasion, besting a fully modded locked up rubi.

Try some different technique and see if any work better in the 4R.


J

 

[fastlif306]

Here is mine in 15inches of powder. I have never had a problem in the snow, granted anything can get stuck. But, when I had my 04, I took it thru heavy wet snow in Canada, about 16 inches, trying to get it stuck, and could not. Mostly flat land though.

my new rig has stock tires, and went thru it fine, even the drifts. I did almost get it stuck, I rammed a snow bank I made plowing at the base of a hill, and it high centered it. I boiled it in reverse a bit and it pulled out though.

Overall, I would hold the runner against almost any vehicle. I would say the H3 and the H1 would outshine it for sure. but compared to alot of trucks and SUV's, I would say it will dance all around them.

Best thing, its safe for people that have no knowledge of how to drive in the snow. At least I can say this about the V8 ones, as I have owned 4 of them, and never a V6.

 

[Camprunner]

Like I stated my sister has an H-3 and im right there with her in the snow. I must say that tires have allot to do with how good your rig is in the snow as well as mud, dirt, and rain. I would never do any serious off roading without a mud tire on my runner.

I think im going to drive my sisters H-3 for another long ride and then I will post a full review compared to my 4runner. I would do an off road review but Paige would hang me if I took it off road.

I was on one of the Hummer Forums the other day and I was reading that the H3 is having major head problems. It seems that the casting was bad on many of the inline 5cyl. mtrs that left the factory.

Has anyone ever seen how an FJ does off road??

 

[Thai]

Like I stated my sister has an H-3 and im right there with her in the snow.

Has anyone ever seen how an FJ does off road??

Does she have the Adventure Pkg??

The FJ does really really well off-road! I have seen two in action...and they did great! I was really impress with it. A stock FJ is more capable than a stock 4runner...it is just too bad that it is so crude inside and space inefficient.

 

[Camprunner]

Yes Thai she has the adven-pkg but she will never use it! she treets it like it's a piece of "China" or a gold bar you polish all the time. She got a little mark or ding in her brush guard the other day and she went into panic mode.

You were talking about the Jeep Rubicon someware on this forum and I think that is a great off road ride but I want to wait untill they upgrade the motor. I keep hearing about maybe a small V-8 or the new 4.0 V-6.

 

[Thai]

I want to wait untill they upgrade the motor. I keep hearing about maybe a small V-8 or the new 4.0 V-6.

Screw the gas engines, i want the Bluetec diesel engine from Mercedes...the one that they are putting into the Grand Cherokee. If they can put that engine into the Rubicon, then i may be the first in line!

 

[Camprunner]

Screw the gas engines, i want the Bluetec diesel engine from Mercedes...the one that they are putting into the Grand Cherokee. If they can put that engine into the Rubicon, then i may be the first in line!

Great point ....... I was just reading about that engine that would be sweet! And become a classic 4x4 people would talk about for years!

 

[Thai]

Great point ....... I was just reading about that engine that would be sweet! And become a classic 4x4 people would talk about for years!

I think that it is available already.......but in Europe. This may mean that it may be available here in the near future if the Grand Cherokee diesel sells well.