09 H3T Alpha Parts

[6FiRE9]

So had a bit of a catastrophe with my 09 Alpha adventure H3T. While parking in my driveway, something literally went sideways and now the truck is screwed.
Basically there was a failure in the front diff that caused the t-case to crack.

I'm in BC Canada and found a t-case through rock auto US, which will be quite expensive once I get it over the border, plus won't be getting the $2k core fee back.
The diff bearings/seals can be done but front locker is cracked and spider gears have a ton of play and having a hard time finding parts.

This is over my mechanical abilities and mechanic said with parts etc it'll be in the $10,000CAD range to get it rolling again and that will be with no front locker and no warranty on the parts.

The truck is still in good shape with 180,000km on it, so trying to decide if I should drop the money, or cut my losses and see what I can get selling it as a whole parts truck.

Just posting this hoping to get some feedback on options, or maybe see if there is parts truck interest out there.

 

[alrock]

Ouch. Even in the US that would be pricey, like US $2000 for the transfer case and depending on what's needed for the diff, Us $1000-$2000, all before labor. But overall, probably about half of that quote you received.

That truck is definitely worth some money, at least in the US. Probably worth more as a whole/broken unit (at least in the US) than as a parts vehicle since you have the perfect desirable combo of Alpha, Adventure and H3T.

What about junkyards? Can you get a base transfer case up there? If so, you could get it running in 2wd (remove from differential and axles, bring it to the US for repair.

 

[rascole]

Agree, I get that repair shops need to make a living but you can replace most of those parts yourself with basic tools. The T case is fairly simple to replace, the front diff can be rebuilt by most shops if the housing is still good. You're not in as bad of a spot as you think.

 

[6FiRE9]

That's not a terrible idea with the base t-case as a temp fix, however so far I haven't found a used base t-case but honestly haven't looked much yet, need to look into that more but not the best option if I can't find used as it's still over $3000CAD online for a new/refurbished 4493. For the alpha adventure with the 4494 t-case for me to get it landed from rockauto it'll be just over $5800CAD, part of the issue is the CAD dollar is a killer right now! I was told I won't get a core fee back because my t-case housing is broken. As for the diff, they can fix the bearings etc but said they couldn't source the e-locker or spider gears(which have significant play). Although I see on rock auto 19179926 which looks like the right gears I believe. The locker I don't know enough about but don't think rockauto has one listed.

Need to do more homework, but it's my daily driver so this has been a bit painful so far. Thanks a lot for the help guys!

 

[650Hawk]

Wow, that all sucks. You've got a rare H3, being an Alpha T along with the Adventure pkg. Fairly low mileage, too; I'd do what ever it took to rebuild and get back on the road, although I understand that sometimes that just isn't possible based on personal circumstances. Maybe park it and buy a beater for your daily commute until you can source everything needed? Good luck!

 

[rascole]

The dilemma of owning a potential rare truck. Maybe worth big $$$ but you need big $$$ to keep it up.

 

[Alpha X]

Fortunately all of those parts are shared with an H3. Finding the parts new is probably very difficult. I think you need to start hitting up eBay, Car-Part.com, and another other salvage or used part website to find what you need. There's probably an H3 in a salvage yard in your area of the globe just waiting to to be parted out to someone who needs it's transfer case and front diff. Yes, you'd probably want have it rebuilt but that's easier.

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

 

[WeArePennState]

Can someone point me to the link that tells me what Alpha parts I can use on my 2009 H3T Base? I'm talking control arms, CV, tie rod ends, etc. I suspect that if and when I need to change parts out, I mind as well use the more robust Alpha pieces, yes?

 

[alrock]

Most Alpha parts outside of the engine are identical to the I5 parts, including those you listed above. "More robust" would be the torsion bars but I don't think those are available. When preparing to release the Alpha, GM upgraded several of the I5 components so they could be used on either vehicle, including the tie rods and CV axles. Only 2006 and some early 2007 models of the I5 have pre-Alpha parts.

You may be better served about asking opinions on specific parts when you need to upgrade for availability of OEM, quality of aftermarket manufacturers, etc.

 

[WeArePennState]

Perfect and thank you and absolutely right. I've had my Hummer for about 4 years now and NEVER had to do anything with it. Now with 170k miles -- any my wife telling me this will be my last vehicle -- I am trying to take care of all those little things that I was able to put off for a bit. New Fox shocks front and rear, Old Man Emu rear springs, new side mirror -- that works backwards -- a new center console lid, new tires and rims, spare tire the same size (285/75/17), tune, new throttle body, new struts for my hard bed cover. I'm looking at upgraded tie rod kit. My power steering pump is leaking, so I know I will need to replace that -- so maybe a steering box reinforcement kit. Now I just have an emission light that I can't get to go off.