Changing Gears On 2011?

a42887 · October 10, 2011

First off, I know this has been discussed. However, almost every post I could find was someone with 3.42's pitching a fit about them, and most saying going to a 3.73 wouldn't help much.

I have a 2011 5.3L 6-Speed ECSB with 3.08's. According to the 2011 GM Build Guide, the following applies for max tow ratings for my specific truck:

3.08 - 6800 lbs

3.42 - 9600 lbs

That's a huge freaking difference. I've heard that the gears don't really change how much you can tow, just how easily you can tow. I don't know about that, but I've heard it. Mainly, I would like the ability to tow my family's 8000 lb (loaded) trailer, and would like some more power as well. I already have a BB tune, and I have 285's on my stock 17" wheels, so I'm not doing myself any favors in the tire department, but do have the tune to help a bit.

The point: How beneficial would it be for me to change from 3.08's to either 3.42's or 3.73's, and what roughly would that kind of job cost?

Thanks in advance, I know it's sort of redundant, but not much has been said about the 3.08's (at least what I could find).

badfnz · October 10, 2011

Although you would feel the difference going from 3.08s to 3.42s, I'd recommend going to 3.73s. I have 3.42s and I still think this truck is weak out of the hole.

uh6tdrvr · October 10, 2011

i have always wondered why 3.73s are not an option. If I were to do a gear swap i would go no less than 3.90 or even 4.10. Might seem like alot but with the double OD, id like to think it would be the best ratio especially if you are going to a 33 in tire. I have 3.42s and want more so imo, dont waste the money going to 3.42s. 4wd, you are looking at about $1200 or so.

APT · October 10, 2011

Do you have enough payload for 8000 pound trailer tongue weight, people, and anything else in the bed anyway? That's a tall order for all but the most capable half ton, and even the 5.3L/3.42 is not the most capable half ton. Most people underestimate weights as well, especially RVs if that is what you are considering towing.

The 6-spd makes a huge difference compared to the prior 4-spd. With your 3.08, it's better than the 4-spd 4.10.

Do you have the heavy duty trans cooler? 4WD?

Gear swap for 2WD is cheap, like $500-750. 4WD is more like $1200-2000. 4WD is not worth it in most cases. 2WD often is, but you have a 1-yr old truck or less. Not many owners want to risk their warranty to do it, and then you have the issue of towing over what GM sold your truck rated to tow.

If you decide to change the gear ratio, I recommend 4.10. 6th gear is tall, and the 5.2L can handle 2000rpm at 70mph just fine.

a42887 · October 10, 2011

Do you have enough payload for 8000 pound trailer tongue weight, people, and anything else in the bed anyway? That's a tall order for all but the most capable half ton, and even the 5.3L/3.42 is not the most capable half ton. Most people underestimate weights as well, especially RVs if that is what you are considering towing.

The 6-spd makes a huge difference compared to the prior 4-spd. With your 3.08, it's better than the 4-spd 4.10.

Do you have the heavy duty trans cooler? 4WD?

Gear swap for 2WD is cheap, like $500-750. 4WD is more like $1200-2000. 4WD is not worth it in most cases. 2WD often is, but you have a 1-yr old truck or less. Not many owners want to risk their warranty to do it, and then you have the issue of towing over what GM sold your truck rated to tow.

If you decide to change the gear ratio, I recommend 4.10. 6th gear is tall, and the 5.2L can handle 2000rpm at 70mph just fine.

The weight is a fairly-padded maximum, likely it will be around 7000-7500. It's a small single-car race trailer. It's only me and one person in the cab with nothing else but a change of clothes, so I should still be well within my payload capacity.

I do have the factory tranny cooler, trailer brake controller, and 4WD.

Stevens03 · October 10, 2011

I've got the 3.73's with my 6-speed and I turn about 1900-1950 rpm at 70mph. 4.10's would be seriously low for 1st-2nd gear. They would be fine for highway but ridiculous for 1-2 gear. My 3.73's come out of the hole like a dog with is rear end on fire.

badfnz · October 10, 2011

My 3.73's come out of the hole like a dog with is rear end on fire.

I'm sure the 6.2 has a lot more to do with that than the gears.

blackout07 · October 10, 2011

I've got the 3.73's with my 6-speed and I turn about 1900-1950 rpm at 70mph. 4.10's would be seriously low for 1st-2nd gear. They would be fine for highway but ridiculous for 1-2 gear. My 3.73's come out of the hole like a dog with is rear end on fire.

I agree. 3.73's are plenty for your application, and if you can find a shop to swap gears on a 4wd for $1200 JUMP ON IT.

APT · October 10, 2011

I say, run what you brung. Load as much in the trailer instead of the truck bed. Enclosed or open trailer? If you don't like how it performs, then consider gear swap. But it will be just fine.

EcWrestlr · October 10, 2011

I've been looking all over the place for a gear swap here in South Florida and can't find anyone to do it for less than $1200 with tuning. And I only have a 2wd! I am also stuck with the 3.08's.

blackout07 · October 11, 2011

I've been looking all over the place for a gear swap here in South Florida and can't find anyone to do it for less than $1200 with tuning. And I only have a 2wd! I am also stuck with the 3.08's.

The price of everything is going up. With a tune, thats not too bad of a price.

EcWrestlr · October 11, 2011

I've been looking all over the place for a gear swap here in South Florida and can't find anyone to do it for less than $1200 with tuning. And I only have a 2wd! I am also stuck with the 3.08's.

The price of everything is going up. With a tune, thats not too bad of a price.

Thats what I'm finding. I was quoted $1500 to have it done at the dealership and have them tune it and keep it within warranty. Might be the best bet for a couple hundred dollars more.

blackout07 · October 11, 2011

Thats what I'm finding. I was quoted $1500 to have it done at the dealership and have them tune it and keep it within warranty. Might be the best bet for a couple hundred dollars more.

Just for reference, I paid around $1500-$1600 for my 4x4. I have a handheld so you can deduct what would've been another $300 or so for a proper tune. $1200 is a little on the high side for your app, but $1500 is too high IMO.