ExFordGuy77

If you want a Trailboss or Z71, you'll get the 8-speed and 3.23's. If you don't want a Z71 or Trailboss, you can get 3.42's in the max tow package. Either gear set will be fine with the 8-speed. If you take a look at the 2014-18 section, most guys with K2 trucks running 35's usually recommend 3.73's or 4.10's. The 8sp with 3.23's has better gearing than the 6 speed with 3.73's in every gear other than 1st, amd even 1st is really close. It's actually kind of close to the 6sp and 4.10's in 2nd 3rd 4th. That's the benefit of using the transmission to do the gear reduction, axle ratio isn't a big deal. I would go with 3.23's just to get the Z71 package and 2 speed transfer case. The 8 speed will have no problem turning 35's. The Hall Racing ZR2 that races in the Best in the Desert series runs 35" tires using the factory 8speed, 3.42's, and the 3.6 V6. It has no problem racing through the desert. With that setup.

This seems to be a disappointing trend among all manufacturers. I watched a video on the official procedure for checking the fluid level in an 8L90 and it's a pain.

I thought the 6 speed and 3.42's was decent but the 8 and 10 speed transmissions are really game changers. I never bothered with test driving the 8 speed trucks so far just because it was so rare outside of the crew cab with the mini box. I cant wait to see how peppy the 2019 trucks will be. Up to 450 lbs lighter and even the "tall" 3.23's are close to the same thing as the 6 speed with 3.73's. To me it seems like GM got the gear ratios right. No more 3.08 slugs and the 3.23's should pull strong and still cruise at 70 with great fuel economy. I can't wait to see how the 6.2 performs in a lighter truck and the 10 speed with 3.42's. It'll be a monster showdown between the 3.5 ecoboost and 6.2 with both having the 10 speed.