Rear End And Suspension Questions.

[seanlundin52]

I'm looking at getting a new truck at the end of this upcoming winter and I'm trying to do as much research as I can. I plan on getting a Half-Ton 2010 or newer Silverado or Sierra with the 6.2L Vortec. What I am hung up on right now is the rear end ratio. I don't plan on doing a lot of towing so I don't think I will need the 3.73 but is there a noticeable difference between 3.42 and 3.73 in get up and go? I know the 3.42 gets better gas mileage (Is it possible some of you could tell me what MPG you get and what rear end you have?) , cruises at lower RPMs and has a lower starting gear but I am just trying to get as much information as possible. Also, what is the difference in suspension from the Z71 or All Terrain off road package and the trucks that don't? And last of my bunch of questions is, what is the difference in the off road packages in the Sierra and the Silverado?

 

Thank you!

[APT]

Just get the NHT package (3.73, higher GVWR). More payload is always better. Fuel economy will not be measurably different. The only thing noticeable in the Z71 package are the skid plates and stickers.

[wavery]

I would recommend the 3.73s. You're only talking about 1MPG difference (if that). Do the math, I think you may be struggling over a dollar or 2 a month. When you do tow, it will certainly make up the difference.

 

When you get your new truck, I'll come over and slobber all over it.......

[Stevens03]

Without a doubt.. if you drive both, the 3.73's are what your going to buy. Now finding them is another challenge unless you order. I've got the 3.73's and absolutely love them.

 

I turn about 1950 rpm doing 70mph and I get a solid 14mpg everyday driving and 18 highway. The only way to get the 3.73's is with the NHT max trailer package.

[redrider28075]

I have a 2011 DENALI 6.2 3/42 and I am already looking to change to the gear to a 3/73.

[ChevyTech77]

I can tell you that I did NOT go with the NHT package (only way to get 3:73 with the 6.2 in '11) because I wanted the Z71 off road suspension and appearance packages. You can't get both (NHT and Z71) at the same time. The Z71's have a different spring than the Z82/Z85 package equipped trucks and the NHT equipped trucks. The Z71's have the skid plates as standard equipment where as they are optional on the rest. The NHT trucks are rated for 1,000 additional towing capacity, over the non-NHT equipped 6.2l truck and I believe the cargo capacity difference is less than that, if memory serves me correctly.

 

The 9,400 lb towing capacity is PLENTY for 1/2 ton truck if you ask me and the difference between 3:42 and 3:73 in my past experiances, wasn't large enough to notice much, imo.

[RyanbabZ71]

I can tell you that I did NOT go with the NHT package (only way to get 3:73 with the 6.2 in '11) because I wanted the Z71 off road suspension and appearance packages. You can't get both (NHT and Z71) at the same time. The Z71's have a different spring than the Z82/Z85 package equipped trucks and the NHT equipped trucks. The Z71's have the skid plates as standard equipment where as they are optional on the rest. The NHT trucks are rated for 1,000 additional towing capacity, over the non-NHT equipped 6.2l truck and I believe the cargo capacity difference is less than that, if memory serves me correctly.

 

The 9,400 lb towing capacity is PLENTY for 1/2 ton truck if you ask me and the difference between 3:42 and 3:73 in my past experiances, wasn't large enough to notice much, imo.

 

+1

 

The 3.42 works great for me.

[seanlundin52]

Cool thank you all! I think I'm leaning towards the 3.73.

[APT]

300 pounds of payload means 2000-3000 pounds heavier trailer before running out of payload. Crew Cab pickup, 1400 pounds of payload, family of 4, 500 pounds, 7000 pounds trailer = 900 on the tongue, well before "tow rating", with an empty bed! The NHT package equivalent would allow another 2333 pounds for the trailer, or 300 pounds of gear in the bed.

 

This is similar to the SRW 1-ton over the 3/4 ton. $600 more for 900-1400 pounds more payload. Great value!

 

NHT payload worth it over just some different crappy OEM shock.

[ChevyTech77]

300 pounds of payload means 2000-3000 pounds heavier trailer before running out of payload. Crew Cab pickup, 1400 pounds of payload, family of 4, 500 pounds, 7000 pounds trailer = 900 on the tongue, well before "tow rating", with an empty bed! The NHT package equivalent would allow another 2333 pounds for the trailer, or 300 pounds of gear in the bed.

 

This is similar to the SRW 1-ton over the 3/4 ton. $600 more for 900-1400 pounds more payload. Great value!

 

NHT payload worth it over just some different crappy OEM shock.

Last I checked,

 

NHT = $3500ish

L9H + Z71 suspension package = $2300ish

$600 difference?

[pm26]

Toyota Tundra equipped with the heavy duty tow package and the 5.7 liter V8 comes with a 6 speed auto transmission and 4.30:1 axle gear ratio. That's really low gearing assuming that the transmission ratios are similar to those on GM trucks. I think

Tundra so equipped is rated to tow 10k lbs. I would lean towards 3.73 gears with the 6.2 liter engine.

[kdixer]

Toyota Tundra equipped with the heavy duty tow package and the 5.7 liter V8 comes with a 6 speed auto transmission and 4.30:1 axle gear ratio. That's really low gearing assuming that the transmission ratios are similar to those on GM trucks. I think

Tundra so equipped is rated to tow 10k lbs. I would lean towards 3.73 gears with the 6.2 liter engine.

 

Toyotas transmissions are geared entirely different than GM's. The final drive of the entire package is what you would compare, not just the diff gearing.

[music]

Toyotas transmissions are geared entirely different than GM's. The final drive of the entire package is what you would compare, not just the diff gearing.

 

Yup. To be specific, the Tundra 6-spd mated to a 4.30 is about the same (or less) gear as the 6L80 mated to a 3.73.

[cracked_up]

All my previous trucks had 3:73's The current truck with 3:42's and the 6 speed is awesome, even with the 33" tire on.

 

I wanted the Z71 equipment more then the 3:73's and I'm not the least bit sorry.

 

If I towed all the time, maybe I would have thought about the 3:73's but I am quite happy with the 3:42's

[seanlundin52]

Hmmmmm. Well I got several months to think about it. I could buy it now but I don't want to get it then find out that I hate winters in North Dakota (Oil Field) and be left with a huge amount of debt. Thank you all, every bit helps!