How do you find NHT Max Tow package while truck shopping?

Badass69 · January 1, 2016

My understanding is that the 3.42 8-speed has the same final gear as a 3.73 6-speed.

3.42 and the 8 speed runs about 150 rpm slower than a 3.73 geared 6 speed truck does. 6th in the 6L80E and 8th in the 8L90E are respectively the same. The difference is the 8 speed has more gears to play with... and a 4.56 first gear. So really I see it like this... the 8 speed has granny low ( first gear) 5 usable gears and 2 overdrives. The 6 still has granny low first... only 3 usable gears and still 2 overdrives. 4.56 first and 3.73 out back is a short gear... much like Ram with 4.71 I first and 3.92 in the rear... really short gear. Burns a lot of tires though.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Really? Isn't there some guys on this forum who have 6.2L engines with 3:73's?

I feel bad for anyone who has a 3:08 ratio with the 6 speed. GM never should have done that. Those trucks would be total dogs.

In 2014 sure when all you had was the 6L80E. The 8L90E equipped trucks are 3.42 for max tow.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

LaserBlueZ71 · January 1, 2016

I would think the 8 speed should provide better MPG and performance for those who want to lift the truck and put on 33s or 35s.

J-man67 · January 1, 2016

Go to a dealer and have them search. My dealer found my truck in upstate New York, 5 hours from me. I do love the 3.73s with the Six speed

Silver ice 6.2 · January 1, 2016

Really? Isn't there some guys on this forum who have 6.2L engines with 3:73's?

I feel bad for anyone who has a 3:08 ratio with the 6 speed. GM never should have done that. Those trucks would be total dogs.[/quote

Nobody with a 8 speed.. idk about all the options on 2014 models. I do think they did have 6.2 with the 6 speed with the 3.73.... but I'm not sure if max tow package 2as offered in 2014... I'm sure if there is somebody that has one will chime in

SMiller · January 1, 2016

I didn't realize the 8-speed NHT trucks lost the 3.73, bummer!

Badass69 · January 1, 2016

One guy on this site has regeared his stock otherwise 8 speed 6.2 truck to 3.73 and loves it. I think I will go the easy route myself being there is zero aftermarket for this 9.76" rear end and just find a wrecked 3.73 geared one to steal the rear end from. Would take maybe an hour at most to swap the entire rear diff and just to try it I think it would be worth it. Worst case is I just sell off the rear end if I don't like it lol.

J-man67 · January 1, 2016

I didn't realize the 8-speed NHT trucks lost the 3.73, bummer!

Sounds that way, but with the final drives from the 8spd, it's not far off from the 3.73/6spd combo.

SMiller · January 2, 2016

Sounds that way, but with the final drives from the 8spd, it's not far off from the 3.73/6spd combo.

I totally get that, just love a super low 1st gear, nothing better then having more power then traction all the way through 1st gear!

Badass69 · January 2, 2016

I totally get that, just love a super low 1st gear, nothing better then having more power then traction all the way through 1st gear!

Until you have a trailer behind you and unless you feather the throttle or run in 4wd you get nothing but tire squeal. It gets really old really fast.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

moosehead1 · January 2, 2016

My dealer near Denver had to search several neighboring states to find a 6.2L NHT in Wyoming. Get with whichever dealer you like in MN and do the same, or just go straight to Laura GM near St. Louis as they are the Wallyworld of GM trucks with hundreds of 1500's on the lot.

Six weeks ago when the search was on we only found 2015 5.3L NHT's with 3.73's, the 6.2L NHT's came in 3.42's, both with 8 speed.

DougIrby · January 2, 2016

NHT trucks are difficult to find on dealer lots. I needed one to tow my travel trailer, and I also wanted a flex fuel. I had to order my truck and it was on constraint for months. I took delivery on May 5, 1915, after trying to order it in late 2014.

I think it was worth the wait. I got a 2015 C1500 LTZ DC with 5.3 L. When I put E85 in it is a very powerful truck, 380HP. With the 3.73 rear end it is a towing machine. No regrets.

Tek74 · January 2, 2016

I feel bad for anyone who has a 3:08 ratio with the 6 speed. GM never should have done that. Those trucks would be total dogs.

Yeah, I would never consider buying a 5.3L with a 3:08, but I guess GM has their reasons.

Badass69 · January 2, 2016

The 3.08 thing isn't new though. ... they tried it back in the 80's with 700r4s and 305's in front of them at an attempt at gas mileage. Didn't work great back then and still doesn't work all that great today either.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

SouthpawHD · January 2, 2016

One guy on this site has regeared his stock otherwise 8 speed 6.2 truck to 3.73 and loves it. I think I will go the easy route myself being there is zero aftermarket for this 9.76" rear end and just find a wrecked 3.73 geared one to steal the rear end from. Would take maybe an hour at most to swap the entire rear diff and just to try it I think it would be worth it. Worst case is I just sell off the rear end if I don't like it lol.

If you have a 4WD,I believe you'll have to do the front gears as well.

NHT trucks are difficult to find on dealer lots. I needed one to tow my travel trailer, and I also wanted a flex fuel. I had to order my truck and it was on constraint for months. I took delivery on May 5, 1915, after trying to order it in late 2014.

I think it was worth the wait. I got a 2015 C1500 LTZ DC with 5.3 L. When I put E85 in it is a very powerful truck, 380HP. With the 3.73 rear end it is a towing machine. No regrets.

When I got my '15, didn't know E85 was an option, thought it was standard. Don't have it and I'd certainly like it. Have to think about a conversion down the road.

DougIrby · January 2, 2016

I have not heard of another truck like mine. Probably not many in existence. I live in a rural area of Central Texas and no E85 is available locally. I'd use E85 exclusively if I could.