Differential Ratio's on '14s

[crushNchowda]

FWIW my truck w/ the 3.08's is under 2,000 rpm @ 80 mph on cruise. It also hauls serious ass for a truck this size/weight going from say, 70-100. which would probably be effected negatively w/ lower gear ratios (higher numerically).

 

On the other hand, I do like the idea of a little more oomph from a stand still, however I will wait to make that call until I get a custom tune on the truck and see how it behaves then, not to mention the truck has changed for the better already in terms of acceleration/shifting after putting 4,000 miles on it w/ the adaptive learning tranny programming

[Joe_K]

Hey Joe,

I'm going to be buying a 2014 gmc sierra 1500 in next month or so (before year end for sure) and was thinking that with 20" wheels the 3.42 rear axle ratio would be more "peppy" than the 3.08. I haven't been able to drive a 3.42 year, but would certainly think you'd notice the difference. Any thoughts?

 

I drove both and barely noticed a difference driving around unloaded. You'll notice it the most when you tow or it's loaded up. How do you use your truck? For me the 4.3 would've been fine for what I do, so the 5.3 3.08's worked for me.

 

FWIW, the truck drives a lot differently now from when I picked it up. It seems to have gotten quicker, and the transmission learned my driving style.

[Joe_K]

FWIW my truck w/ the 3.08's is under 2,000 rpm @ 80 mph on cruise. It also hauls serious ass for a truck this size/weight going from say, 70-100. which would probably be effected negatively w/ lower gear ratios (higher numerically).

 

On the other hand, I do like the idea of a little more oomph from a stand still, however I will wait to make that call until I get a custom tune on the truck and see how it behaves then, not to mention the truck has changed for the better already in terms of acceleration/shifting after putting 4,000 miles on it w/ the adaptive learning tranny programming

 

I noticed that as well, and I only have 1400 miles on it.

[Rken]

I have a 2011 crew cab with the 3.08 gears. I'm not very happy with the performance of it. I used to have a 1999 Tahoe with the 5.7 engine with 3.42 gears and I think it towed and performed better then the Silverado.

[meanjoe]

I ordered mine with the 3.42. The 5.3L V-8 with 3.42 allows up 9500-9700 tow capacity depending on Cab config. The 5.3L V-8 with 3.08 allows up to 6500-6700 tow capacity.

 

3.73 is not yet available as an option for 5.3L.

 

I have a 2014 Silverado 4x4, Double Cab, with a 5.3L, with 3.08 gears, and my towing capacity is 7200 lbs.....

 

I checked it twice.......

[EXSlider400]

I have a 2014 Silverado 4x4, Double Cab, with a 5.3L, with 3.08 gears, and my towing capacity is 7200 lbs.....

 

I checked it twice.......

They published it wrong in the owners manual then had to update them. Sorry but the v6 can tow more according to GM.

[scott19677]

I have had both. First was 3.08, current is 3.42. The 3.42 is much better. I wasn't aware the 4x4 could be had with the 3.08 and towing pkg. I bought the towing pkg. just for the tow haul mode and I don't do any towing. I use it along with M5 in town for better trans manners and gear hunting. Less drama. I imagine a 3.08 and maybe larger tires would be akin to pushing a lawnmower with a rope.