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T-Cases

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,505
Location
Meridian, ID
Do Hummer H3's need a case relearn to even drive with a different T-Case in it? My thought process is this. To make the H3 a true adventure package I need the 4:1 T-Case. I already have the locker. Instead of changing out the gearing I would pick up a used 4:1 Case and keep my 2.64:1. Now here is where my thought comes in. Lately we have had issues with a the so cal group and T-cases luckily not with the H3's but with the H2's. This is why I would want to keep a spare case in my garage. In case of failure I have one ready to go or if anyone ever was stranded in the so cal area they could give me a call and I could bring my spare T-Case with me and install it on the trail until they get to a dealership and avoid the beloved tow truck. While this would only help out with the H3's and not the H2's it would still be nice to have one and lend a hand or save my own skins one day. I would not carry a Tcase a spare due to weight and improbability of damage compared to other components for local trips but may box it up and keep it in the hotel room on longer trips like bishop or one day Moab. If this damage ever occurred would it be driveable with another case or would the electronics go bonkers and leave me in the same position...An undriveable H3

Btw how tough is the H3 transfer case? Is it a high likely hood to leave you stranded?
 

f5moab

Mr. Beretta
Messages
2,000
Location
In hiding.....
The only programming needed between the two t/cases is for the shift patterns of the auto trans and that is only noticeable if you are in low lock, with the trans in any gear other than 1st. And, not sure if anyone would ever feel the difference between the shift points.

The BW case is pretty strong, but like any other mechanical part, they can fail.
 

alrock

El Diablo
Staff member
Messages
10,677
Location
Scottsdale
When I put a 2010 Adv t-case (and encoder) in my 2007 base H3 I had SERV 4WD lights flashing. Dealer says they needed to update the TCCM programming, presumably due to the encoder. Said the firmware. Others, like Brodie, have done these swaps w/o any programming issues.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,505
Location
Meridian, ID
Thanks guys, it seems like the swaps dont throw us in limp mode. If it can get someone home it wont matter about the flashing lights and codes
 

Zach

Mall Crawler
Messages
4,812
Location
So Cal
Looks like you are going to have to add a rear diff to your list. :whaa: Turns out it's not the transfer case
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,505
Location
Meridian, ID
Dang Zach! If it was the rear diff you could of pulled out everything and drive home in front wheel drive. If u have AAA though it wouldn't matter if the tow was free

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
 

Zach

Mall Crawler
Messages
4,812
Location
So Cal
AAA is pretty much a must, as you have learned. :cheers: Got the free tow to work. Now it is going to the gear shop.
 

Portager

■ ☼▐▐▐▐▐▐▐ ☼■
Messages
1,506
Location
Silverado
I would get a AAA membership and focus on spares that are necessary to allow it to be towed to the pavement and then let AAA take over. I don't see the logic of spend hours under a vehicle teetering on a high lift jack to save the cost of a free tow.


Just my :2cents:
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,505
Location
Meridian, ID
Portager I agree with you, I was pointing this to those without the free tow, I have been there done that but will be joining the club, I am done with paying for tows miles away from home. Its a waste of mod money :wink:
 

Portager

■ ☼▐▐▐▐▐▐▐ ☼■
Messages
1,506
Location
Silverado
Maybe a AAA membership should be on the list of recommended items to have before you go off road?

If you look at the membership details at http://www.calif.aaa.com/en-ca/driv...dside-assistance/Pages/features-benefits.aspx what you really want is a plus or premier membership. Classic membership includes up to 7 miles free towing, plus covers up to 100 miles and premier covers up to 200 miles on one tow, up to 100 miles on remaining tows.

Seven miles of free towing is almost useless for off roading, so how do you get the plus or premier membership. "New members can join the Auto Club at the Classic level of benefits only. Existing members with Classic level of benefits are eligible to upgrade to AAA Plus or AAA Premier if the primary member in the membership household has been a primary member of the Auto Club for the prior 365 days and there have been no tows in the membership household through the Auto Club during the same time period." So the trick to upgrading to plus or premier, you have to have the membership for one years without using the towing service. Therefore, the sooner you join the sooner you can upgrade.
 

f5moab

Mr. Beretta
Messages
2,000
Location
In hiding.....
Been discussed before...the TCCM (transfer case control module) cannot be reprogammed. There are two different modules; one for adventure (off-road) package, one for non-adventure, and the major difference is the locker function. The PCM or TCM (depending on model year) SHOULD be reprogrammed due the different gear ratios between the two different t/cases. However, this will ONLY affect the shift schedules when in 4-LO LOCK and then only if the trans shifts; because you have it in 2nd, 3rd or overdrive. Most will travel in 1st gear, and even if in another gear, chances are; most will never know the difference in the shift schedules.

As for AAA; be careful. I know in this area, the local AAA towing company says AAA will not reimburse for a tow off dirt, and will only reimburse for a tow off paved roads. I believe this is not AAA policy, but that is what I have been told by the local company. I believe they will get reimbursed for a tow off a class B dirt road. I understand why they would not tow someone off Hell's Revenge, Fins N' Things, etc.
 

Portager

■ ☼▐▐▐▐▐▐▐ ☼■
Messages
1,506
Location
Silverado
In general, I believe you need to tow or limp to the edge of the pavement and then call AAA. Although, I have talked to a person who claimed he convince the tow truck driver to liberally interpret where the pavement ended by exchanging some Franklins. That involved a winch recovery, otherwise they would have towed it to the pavements end. They also told the dispatcher that it was stuck in the ditch and omitted the fact that the ditch was 1/2 mile from the end of the road. However, I didn’t validate the authenticity of this story.
 

f5moab

Mr. Beretta
Messages
2,000
Location
In hiding.....
Reason I dispute this tow truck info around here is that I know for a fact, AAA will go on Class B dirt roads in MI. Not a hummer story, but still the tow truck went on class B dirt roads. I understand other roads and the probability that the tow truck is not capable. But Class B are easily navigated, most of the year, by any 2-wheel drive vehicle.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,505
Location
Meridian, ID
Thanks for the info guys, I guess it will be time to sign up soon and not use it for a year so I can get the higher tow mileage. I just wish I would never have to use it:)
 

Portager

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Messages
1,506
Location
Silverado
I called my local AAA in California and asked (granted coverage may vary by area). They said they will go to the end of the pavement. I asked about a graded gravel road and they said they would assess it, but they would not put the tow truck at risk. I believe that if it is a road that a 2 wheel drive vehicle could handle they would do it. However, if there is any chance the tow truck could get stuck, then probably not.
 

Zach

Mall Crawler
Messages
4,812
Location
So Cal
Thanks for the info guys, I guess it will be time to sign up soon and not use it for a year so I can get the higher tow mileage. I just wish I would never have to use it:)

After your two hundred and something dollar tow you still haven't signed up for AAA? :gaah:
 

Portager

■ ☼▐▐▐▐▐▐▐ ☼■
Messages
1,506
Location
Silverado
After your two hundred and something dollar tow you still haven't signed up for AAA? :gaah:

Learning curve calibration check in progress.

Upgrade list:
#1 AAA membership
.
.
.
.
# TBD Rancho lift
 

Zach

Mall Crawler
Messages
4,812
Location
So Cal
I procrastinated....lol but mike is right for the mod list :)

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Yes he is. That tow yesterday would have cost me dearly. Something you really need to get grasshopper. Sooner than later
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,505
Location
Meridian, ID
I guess that solid front axle just dropped down a notch . . .

Lol, there is no solid axle on the list. :) I actually looked at my mod list that I made back in summer of 09. It was very funny to see what I had. Its changed a tad :wink: I still havent gotten those N-Fab nerf bars I was dying to get!

Mike I just clicked on that link to sign up. It says were sorry your info is wrong...ugh I triple checked and its right...gonna call now! Dont mark me down for more procrastination until midnight. I have 5 hrs and 45min!
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,505
Location
Meridian, ID
My 8th grade english teacher once told me "Procrastination is the thief of time" Well it is but it doesnt matter anymore! I am now a AAA member. I will act like I dont have it for one year so I can upgrade next year and have alot more tow miles.
 
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