3.42 To 4.10

[brainpause]

Has anyone changed their truck's gearing from 3.42 to 4.10, STRICTLY for towing reasons? (No tire size changes, etc.) What did you think afterwards?

[96chevy7.4L]

Well your acceleration is going to be better. Also consider this. With 3.42's at 70MPH your turning maybe 2000 RPM's. With 4.10's depending on transmission and tire size roughly 2500 RPM's. You gas mileage may go down a lil but I think you will like the performance of the the 4.10. Your engine and transmission won't work near as hard also.

[bbwb]

I wound up doing that exact thing to mine. My truck originally came with the 3.42 highway gears and it was terrible to tow my camper with. Change to the 4.10's and now I have the power getting to the wheels. Gas mileage did not suffer very much...If I am easy on the gas pedal, I can still get 20 mpg on the highway. Once you get up to 70 mph, then the mpg is more noticeable.

 

bbwb

[Matt_]

considering that GM spec'd 4.10s for towing applications for your drivetrain... you have nothing to worry about.

 

fyi my last truck was a 2005 silverado 5.3L with 4.10s stock. it was a great truck.

 

...get rid of those 3.42s!

[brainpause]

I wound up doing that exact thing to mine. My truck originally came with the 3.42 highway gears and it was terrible to tow my camper with. Change to the 4.10's and now I have the power getting to the wheels. Gas mileage did not suffer very much...If I am easy on the gas pedal, I can still get 20 mpg on the highway. Once you get up to 70 mph, then the mpg is more noticeable.

 

bbwb

 

Yours a 1/2 ton truck? What weight of camper?

 

Larry

[bbwb]

I have a 1/2 ton, extended cab, Z71, with aluminum 5.3. When I have the truck fully loaded with family, food, firewood, camper etc...I am at 12,400 total weight including the truck (ran across the State scales to check). I pull with no problems on the flats, severe hills will make the truck work however. I always pull the trailer in 3 with the trailer button on. With the trailer and traveling at 65 mph, I will get around 7-9 mpg.

 

bbwb