Choice of rear axle ratio would you pick?

[EXSlider400]

I have the 3.08.... eventhough it pulls better than my 07NBS (both with 5.3 but 07 has lower gearing), i was dissapointed that the same truck with a V6 not only gets better MPG, but can tow more.....

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/159396-towing-with-the-53-v8/page-8

[Silverado Steve]

I have the 3.08.... eventhough it pulls better than my 07NBS (both with 5.3 but 07 has lower gearing), i was dissapointed that the same truck with a V6 not only gets better MPG, but can tow more.....

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/159396-towing-with-the-53-v8/page-8

I think for this very reason it's going to affect resale value for those with the 3.08.

[Mutau95]

That's making the assumption that no one would want a 3:08 truck. GM has sold quite a few 3:08 of 2014 and earlier models and many truck owners will never tow near what their truck is rated to tow. Just like all the SUV's that will never see dirt. This is my 3rd truck and I have never towed more than 3500 pounds with any truck I've owned. There will be those used truck buyers down the road that will shy away from the 6.2 even though it gets nearly identical mpg but requires premium fuel....I was one of them. I purchased my truck to accomplish the task of an average homeowner and I'm sure there are now and will be down the road plenty of buyers interested in my 3:08 rear axle CCSB truck if I ever decide to sell.

 

There will be lots of these trucks on the used car market in the next 2-3 years in several variations of engines, tranny's and bed lengths.

Trucks have a pretty good resale value and even better in certain areas of the country 3:08, 3:42, 3:73 etc.

[redwngr]

I think for this very reason it's going to affect resale value for those with the 3.08.

Pulls more because the V6 doesn't have a 3:08.

 

Tons of these trucks are sold just as people movers, but this site is haunted by enthusiasts and towing -- we're probably not the 'average' purchaser.

 

 

(2wd V6 has a 3:23, and 4wd V6 has 3:42)

[EXSlider400]

and most won't even or dont even know enough to check gearing.

 

Yea, also saw where the new Canyons will tow "At leat 6,700" with 3.6L V6, but what i think is cool is that in 2015 or 2016 a turbodiesel (2.8L DuraMax with around 370 lb-ft) will be mated to a 6 speed (MT or Auto) in the Canyon and will tow more and get better MPG. That truck may replace my 07....

[SY2455]

I was thinking about this topic after I already place the order for my truck. I was at the time looking at going for the 6.2 max tow package. However after thinking about it, I doubt that I will ever tow more then 9000lbs. I then looked at all of my current and future needs and couldn't make a case for the 3.73 gearing. I ended up ordering a LTZ Crew Cab with the 6.2 and 3.42 gearing.

[4th ski-doo]

So, I towed the boat about 150 miles yesterday and it went great. Didn't use the tow/haul, not much shifting and once in traffic rolling about 75 it just seemed to get better. Surprised? You bet! Very happy so far.

 

[Btuggle88]

I have the 5.3 with the 3.08 and it does good with the stock wheels and tires but with 35's it REALLY sucks.

[iCryWheniGoPoop]

So, I towed the boat about 150 miles yesterday and it went great. Didn't use the tow/haul, not much shifting and once in traffic rolling about 75 it just seemed to get better. Surprised? You bet! Very happy so far.

 

image.jpg

What's the boat weigh? I pulled 5300 lbs halfway across the country and it pulled like an old 4 speed auto with 3.73's. Took off good, stopped excellent, passed traffic, no sway... I was very pleased with its performance. I also have a 5.3 with 3.08's.

[4th ski-doo]

What's the boat weigh? I pulled 5300 lbs halfway across the country and it pulled like an old 4 speed auto with 3.73's. Took off good, stopped excellent, passed traffic, no sway... I was very pleased with its performance. I also have a 5.3 with 3.08's.

It's listed at 3,800 dry but it's over 4 and the trailer. I read thru this thread and was trying to figure out how to get rid of it but this truck was awesome! I actually think it merged better than my 05 Duramax but for everyday driving just makes sense. Now that I'm sold on its getting Rino Liner, undercoat, fab protector, paint protector and rust proofed today! It's a keeper.

[iCryWheniGoPoop]

It's listed at 3,800 dry but it's over 4 and the trailer. I read thru this thread and was trying to figure out how to get rid of it but this truck was awesome! I actually think it merged better than my 05 Duramax but for everyday driving just makes sense. Now that I'm sold on its getting Rino Liner, undercoat, fab protector, paint protector and rust proofed today! It's a keeper.

That's great that the 3.08's ended up being a non issue for you. The fact is that most users on this board only see rear gear ratio and have no idea what "FINAL" gear ratio is after being coupled with the transmission gearing. Although I agree that this truck would be so much more impressive with the 3.42's/3.73's, I am just like you and am actually impressed by how well it performs with the 3.08's.

[woorm]

I have the 3.08's on my '14 and no regrets, I wasn't sold on those gears until I took it for a test drive. No excessive downshifting, and gas mileage that blows away the 22 mpg rated. My best highway mileage so far was 25.8mpg for a 25 mile average. That was at 65mph with the cruise and A/C on. Like you, I don't plan on towing anything near the rating for the 3.08's, so they were fine for me. On 2013 and older trucks, I would want at least 3.42's. The amount of low end torque these new motors have coupled with the low first and second gear ratio on the 6-speed work great. I was reading some where, first gear ratio with 3.08's and the new 6-speed is equal to 4.10 gears with the old 4-speed.

I have to agree with you. This is the first time I ever picked a gear lower then 373s and I could not be more happy with my choice. I am up 4.5 MPG from my 2008 with 373s. However I am up over 6 mpg better then when I ran my 285/65/18 on my 08. With that said I don't tow much for the guys who use there trucks to tow everyday I can understand going up to a 342s but when I look around over 95% of the time I see people just driving around not towing with there 1500s everyday. Just putting this out there for the guys thinking about what gears to get there is not any over shifting with 308s at all. Some say they lack power well take off traction control and I can leave 50feet of tracks on the street. If your going to pull a 5500lbs trailer a lot go with a 342s.

[KARNUT]

I have the 342 last road trip I got almost 22 mpg at 72 mph on a 300 mile stretch. I really like the take off with the gear ( 0-60).

[Jay700]

342 got 24.7 with 33's and 2 inch level. I bought a truck not a grocery getter.

[woorm]

342 got 24.7 with 33's and 2 inch level. I bought a truck not a grocery getter.

your getting better mpg then a 2wd silverado and you have 33s and a 2inch lift thats great. Question you bought a truck not a grocery getter what makes it a truck and not a grocery getter the 342 gears?