idea for a build/axle swap

[High Five H2]

I bought an Alpha because I planned on putting a 6.2L engine in later on down the road, and this got me thinking about getting a wrecked 8-9 h2 and using the engine, tranny, transfer case, and axles. the biggest problem with the H3's front axle is that it's passenger side drop, and every other IFS axle is drivers drop (or maybe the opposite, i forget).

Now, if I were to do an engine/tranny swap and use the H2 transfer case, then I'd have a driver side TC and I could use the bigger 9.25 IFS axle and do a high-travel build.

Now, I know that doing a SAS would be more economical, so i'm considering that too.

Any feedback? I think this would work since it's staying in the GM family and there would be fewer electronics headaches and I'm imagining the H2 TC is a bit tougher than the H3 tc. The 14 bolt is tough to beat for toughness and the 9.25 is more than big enough for 37s.

 

[cgalpha08]

What's the physical size comparison of the 6.2 to the 5.3? Because as I'm sure you know there is little to no room in the engine bay with out a lot of modification.

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[High Five H2]

they're exactly the same externally, accessories and all. pictures:

lh8
http://img.favcars.com/hummer/engines/photos_hummer_engines__1_b.jpg

l92 from H2
http://www.billavista.com/Tech/Articles/LS_Primer_Part_2/images/L92/08 6.2L V8 L92 H2 LF LoRT2.jpg

 

[4speedfunk]

Much easier to bolt your H3 body down on the H2 chassis.


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[RamRod]

That would look interesting...and certainly the easiest.

How would you handle the extra track width/narrower body?

 

[RamRod]

So I just quickly looked up what the H2 spec's are to compare to the H3 & H3T:

H2 H3 H3T
Wheel Base:---122.7"----111.9"--134.2"
Width:--------69.4"------65"-----65''

Thought this was interesting

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

dropping the H2 engine/transmission in an H3 should be pretty easy - bolt up easy. Electronics could be an issue because there were some pretty large changes in how motors communicated with the rest of the chassis. With that said, I can't imagine why you'd change the transfer case or the transmission - they're both the same H2/H3 (trans) and the transfer case is better IMO in the H3 if you have the 4:1 case.

As for the rear axle, the 10 bolt is a lot stronger than most people give them credit - the biggest issue is the lack of options and secondarily is the lack of strength in the locker. Were it me, I'd swap a 9" center section onto the tubes/brakes/suspension mounts

For the front axle.... that depends on how much you want to spend. The IRS is at least as strong as a D44. You could swap in the 3/4 ton axle, but I think you might be surprised to find that you're swapping in a less-strong differential (they're the same across 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks and made of aluminum). With that said, again, the lack of locker options could make you do a reverse rotation 9" and some custom CV axles (not cheap).

So here's the nutshell. Replace the 5.3 with the 6.2 and don't be stupid - everything (accessories and such) bolt up - and electronics would simply be a reflash. You can change the planetary in the 700 (4L60e) to a billet if you really want ultimate strength - but even so, Corvettes, GTOs, and Camaros all use the 4L60e transmission behind their monster power motors....

 

[High Five H2]

the later H2's use a 6 speed - the 6l80e and it's got a lower first gear, which I like. I'd have to fab up a crossmember and get some driveshafts, but that's no big deal. I don't know if a 6.2 will talk to a 4l60e. i suppose if you got rid of the VVT and DOD, then the ECU would think it was a 5.3, but i really like the 6 speed and DOD and VVT and all that. I would want to keep all of that. I don't see why I couldn't get the L92 ECU to talk to the H3 body. well, maybe not ME but a shop

I'd probably just use an LSD. I've never been interested in a locker. i dunno, maybe one day I'll want one. other than that what lack of options are there?

I wish the H2 had a 4:1 transfer case. i've done some looking around for an aftermarket solution, but haven't found anything. that's a pro for a solid axle swap, the 4:1 ratio is an option.

 

[Mb30sdl]

H2 has enough power for 2:1 TC to run 38x15.5 I had mine for so time now. No issues with rear, front is a different story i am constantly consernd with snapping axel on "difficult" trails. SAS was mine solution.
My new atlas is a 3:1 TC. Front and rear selectable. With OEM you can't disconnect front without locking TC.
Axel in h3t is 70" wide----h2 is only 64", but it's MUCH bigger.

6 speed is good but u will have to regear otherwise it's searching 5-6 at highway speeds (danatrack did mine with 5,38, so my hwy rpm in 6th is~2200 at ~70mph)

 

[High Five H2]

good info, thanks mb30sdl.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

6.2 DOD would be cool in an H3 - I'd still stick with the 4L60E transmission and drivetrain