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Change From 3.42 To 3.73 Or4.10

diesel04

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diesel04 Enthusiast

diesel04

Posted
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I have a 2007 Chevy Silverado 5.3 with 4 speed auto towing package with a 3.42 rear end. I'am going to be towing a little larger travel trailer now. The Weight empty is 5990. This after putting everthing inculding people I am at my max wieght for the truck. I would like to go to another gear ratio to help. I am using a weight distribution hitch and sway control. The old trailer had no problem with the old trailer the weight was only 4750. The truck is rated for 6800 lbs at this time. any help would be great thank you.

Zembonez Senior Enthusiast

Zembonez

Posted
Posted

3.73s are sort of the "sweet spot" for towing ability and not destroying your daily driver fuel economy. Sounds like they would serve you well.

Z'06 Enthusiast

Z'06

Posted
Posted

Assuming stock tire height...

 

3.73 would be more ideal for MPG if you primarily drive highway miles

4.10 would be more ideal for MPG if you primarily drive city miles (and stronger for towing to boot)

 

If you are only changing one axle (i.e., 2WD), the economics of switching to 3.73 aren't so bad (especially if you upgrade from a G80), but if 4WD, consider a bigger change (i.e., 4.10) to make it worth it. Know that each of those particular gear ratios reflects a 10% increase in cruising RPMs all else equal.

  • 3 weeks later...
diesel04 Enthusiast

diesel04

Posted
  • Author
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Thanks to all of you. I weighed my trailer and found out I need to go with the 3.73 rear end total weight for both the truck and trailer was 12,620 lbs. according to what I have read the 3.73 gives me to 13,000. I still might go with the 4.10 but really thinking the 3.73. Ed

DwayneJ Enthusiast

DwayneJ

Posted
Posted

You have tall tires and overdrive, do the 4.10s. On modern fuel injected lockup torque converter overdrive stuff more gear does not hurt economy the way it did back in the 70s.

mkimber Enthusiast

mkimber

Posted
Posted

4.10s are the way to go. My mileage only went down 1-2mpg on long road trips but improved 1-2 with city-hwy mix. Might as well throw a truetrac in there while your at it. . The gears and locker are by far my most favorite mod.

DwayneJ Enthusiast

DwayneJ

Posted
Posted

That is a REALLY good point about getting rid of the gov-loc. My other vehicles have similar drivetrains V8 4L60E 8.5" axle but Auburn clutch posis stock WAY better setup than the gov-loc.

flatlander Enthusiast

flatlander

Posted
Posted
3.73s are sort of the "sweet spot" for towing ability and not destroying your daily driver fuel economy. Sounds like they would serve you well.

Have had both the 3.73 and 4.10 gearing and from my prospective I would recommend the 3.73 gearing unless you do an awful lot of towing. It just seems that the 3.73's are a very nice deal for everyday driving and occasional towing. Did not like the gas mileage I was getting with the 4.10's and traded for that reason.

music Senior Enthusiast

music

Posted
Posted

2wd or 4wd? 3.73 on a 2wd can be close to a 4.10 on a 4wd, due to difference in stock tire size. I guess the better question is "what tire size do you have?".

redvett Senior Enthusiast

redvett

Posted
Posted

Dont forget to have the speedo signal calibration changed for transmission shifting and engine performance after the gear change.

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