Re: H2 Can\'t Hack It
I don't know how much time you have spent driving a Hummer. I have driven them all that I care to, and that wasn't very far. In a wide open desert enviorment they were OK. On a normal road they are too wide. I would hate to make my way through downtown rush hour trafic in one. On the trail, well I and a lot of others bitch about how wide the K5 is, the H1 is worse. The HMMWV are less comfortable than the CUCVs (M1008 or M1009). I'd rather have an M880 (Dodge P/U) if I wasn't looking for the *bling* factor. They do not articulate, IFS and IRS.
These are my observations from driving and riding in them, others may feel diferently. In extreem snow, I could see them being an asset if the area was open enough to keep them level. As far as Civilian issue, the ones I drove and rode in were not, so I will not limit my self to that. Remember most Mil-Spec gear ends up at an auction eventually. There is a place that imports and sells 'Mogs about an hour away from my house. I will stick w/ street legal and I will even include "street comfortable" in my answers.
Totally bone stock, down to the tires: Jeep Rubicon; good tires- MT/R, gears- 4.10:1 axle & 4:1 case, axles- F&R D44 w/ lockers, brakes- 4 wheel disc, comfortable seats, coil springs, and a CD player.
Next would be a Tacoma TRD: Only gives up an IFS front (more comfort, though), tires-BFG A/Ts, still a good tire, and the front locker, Toy only locks the rear.
If you are willing to buy tires for a new truck then the M/B G-wagon would kick ass. In Euorpe you can get a non-luxo version, but the one sold here is still great.
The Land Rover D90 & D110: neither is sold in the US anymore but maybe in Canada??? Alum V-8 and an Alum body to keep weight down should ease your fear of lack of power.
Those are my choices for new. For old stuff #1 is the K5 of course, lots of choices over the years, from a stripped down '73 to a loaded '91, and don't forget the 1st gens.
An '85 4-Runner would be my second choice-think K5 light.
In no particular order: FJ-40, CJ-6, EB, '78-79 Bronco, XJ, and probably some others. Yes, they have problems some years more than others.
Remember the HMMWV was built to be the opisit of the M151 MUTT. It is very hard for 19 yr olds to roll it over, while the MUTT was tiny and unstable. Of course these are only my opinions, but I just don't think the H1 is the top of the heep when it comes to 4X4s. If I had to choose, I'd take something else.
