Axle ratio change 14 silverado

fuse36 · September 12, 2014

Can I change my axle ratio on my 14 silverado. It have the 3.08 and I was told I could tow up to 10,000 lbs. I thought it had a 3.42 axle.

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Silveradooh9 · September 13, 2014

Yes it's possible. I'd recommend having a shop do it though If you aren't familiar with it. . .

02suburbanZ71 · September 13, 2014

^ take it to a trans or offroad shop. Not a mechanic i learned the hard way

Also if its 4wd both axles need to be converted and speedometer calibrated

Big Whiskey · September 13, 2014

That's a bummer dude. I don't know why they even put 3:08's in these trucks. The gear ratio is something you really need to be aware of when buying a truck. Re-gearing both axles and getting the computer re-programmed is going to be a pretty expensive trip to the shop. Then, it's debatable if all of that will void your warranty, especially if the work isn't done by a GM dealer. Are you really planning to tow 10,000# on the regular? If so, cutting your losses, learning from this experience, and trading your 1500 for a 2500HD might be a better option. If not, then just using tow/haul mode, and towing in M4 or M5 might be enough to get you by.

fuse36 · September 14, 2014

I talked to the chevy dealership I bought it from. They admitted that they told me it would pull up to 10,000 and that they r going to call me Monday to see about changing it to a larger axle. FYI the 3.08 with the 5.3 can only pull up to 6,600 lbs per owners manual. The 3.42 with same motor is 9,600 lbs. I pull 5 days a week about 7,000 lbs

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Some days only 4-5,000 lbs

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Zebrafive · September 15, 2014

I would be talking to the dealer about trading and expect a deal since they told you wrong.

fuse36 · September 16, 2014

Problem is bought in February and didn't realize until a few weeks ago when a friend of mine told me about the axle. Already put 20,000 miles on it.

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gmtech4 · September 16, 2014

Problem is bought in February and didn't realize until a few weeks ago when a friend of mine told me about the axle. Already put 20,000 miles on it.

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Doesn't matter , get a new truck , you'll regret it getting it changed ,,,,, I guarantee it !!! , see post # 6 !!!

Big Whiskey · September 16, 2014

I agree with the others. Trade that unit in on a truck that's actually made to tow 5 days a week. You'll be better off in the long run. It's a bummer you just found out though. Again, I would really consider a 2500HD. Even a gasser with 4:10 gears, heavier springs, bigger frame, bigger brakes, better cooling system, and a heavy duty hitch will make you want to throw rocks at your current truck, haha.

02suburbanZ71 · September 16, 2014

^^^

oldmann · September 17, 2014

Yup, get a 2500 for towing that often.

KARNUT · September 17, 2014

If hes been pulling the weight for 20,000 with out any problems I say your good to go. I used to pull with fifth wheel, always pulled more than the truck rating. Make sure trailer brakes are up to the task, that's more important.

Big Whiskey · September 17, 2014

If hes been pulling the weight for 20,000 with out any problems I say your good to go. I used to pull with fifth wheel, always pulled more than the truck rating. Make sure trailer brakes are up to the task, that's more important.

My 85 year old grandma can carry 4 sacks of groceries in the house in one trip, but that's about the limit for her. Her body's max tow rating is only 4 sacks, haha. Just because she can do it once in a while, doesn't mean she should do it five days a week. And it doesn't mean that she should try to carry 5 or 6 some day when she's feeling more scrappy than normal. Eventually, she'd blow something out, haha.

I still firmly believe a 2500HD would be much better for the OP's application.

KARNUT · September 17, 2014

My 85 year old grandma can carry 4 sacks of groceries in the house in one trip, but that's about the limit for her. Her body's max tow rating is only 4 sacks, haha. Just because she can do it once in a while, doesn't mean she should do it five days a week. And it doesn't mean that she should try to carry 5 or 6 some day when she's feeling more scrappy than normal. Eventually, she'd blow something out, haha.

I still firmly believe a 2500HD would be much better for the OP's application.

2500 is always better, he made the purchase the truck can handle it as long as the trailer brakes are good. For years I would fifth wheel 20,000 to 30,000 lbs with a one ton and 8 to 12,000 with a half ton. I would only do it for 100,000 miles then trade in for new. To go threw changing the gears for that little weight is foolish unless he just wants to. The trailer is the key that's where the weight is.