H3 Upgrading to use on the trail. H3X chrome D-Rings for show or do they really work?

[cfernandez]

Just got a very well maintained (all oil changes, maintenance and other work has been regularly done by a local dealer and I have the ALL the paperwork) 2007 Hummer H3X. It has never touched dirt except once by accident. I know the previous owner very well and even invited him to go wheeling with me several times when I had my Jeep CJ-7. Anyways, I got a call from him a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted his Hummer. That's how I got a Hummer from my younger brother. He is OCD about keeping his cars clean and well maintained and this one was getting replaced.

Anyways, I have been reading up on Hummers because I really don't know much about them and plan to go offroad with this one. Tires are going to be replaced as the tread is getting low, but still debating on keeping the stock 18" rims or getting stock 16" rims for more rubber between the rim and trail. My upgrades are going to be few as I won't be doing any serious trails with this and money is always an issue. Mostly heading out to go exploring with the family for camping trips and/or pulling our pop-up trailer somewhere and wheel around the area looking for mines. New tires, possibly a winch in the future and rock rails. Just like my old CJ-7.

My question finally is, are these "D-rings" REAL or are they for show? They feel HEAVY but never seen one shaped like this before. Does anyone have experience using these D-rings? Here is a pic:



Thanks!

edit: the license plates are my brother's he got them back. They were a little too tacky for me ;-)

 

[adventuredad]

Those look similar to the ones that came on my used H3 except mine were definitely polished aluminum. I did have to use them in a pinch but as soon as I got the chance I replaced with the factory black rings. Don’t do much wheeling but if I need to pull on em I want to make sure they can hold up. Usually chrome stuff is for show and not practical.


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[Alpha X]

Those looks like they are for show, and they are probably aftermarket. Compare the bolts holding the chrome D-ring to the chrome mount to a factory D-rings bolts and you'll probably find that the chrome ones are considerably smaller in diameter. I had some pretty cool black billet D-rings, but the fasteners told me they weren't meant for pulling on, so I never installed them.

 

[cfernandez]

My brother bought the Hummer H3X new in 2007. He said that he did not add any aftermarket stuff. Maybe the dealer did?

Oh well, what would the forum suggest I get for shackles (d-rings)? Should I just get the stock OEM?

 

[alrock]

Likely dealer installed accessories, like some of the other chrome pieces. It's likely none of us can attest to the quality of those. They could be fine, or they might not. We do know that the OEM rings and mounting plates are strong.

Here are the d rings. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1426986244...IHHlCqEjGJA7x1imXL3nh4SHE1Z09UYsaAj4aEALw_wcB

Still got to find the plates, which is gm part 15826713. https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-GM-152...906548&hash=item466c7b9706:g:RlsAAOSwdf9bvMp~ You might be able to find for less, this was just a quick search.

 

[cfernandez]

Thanks @alrock! I will search and purchase. Cheers.