3.08 to 3.42

[geswek]

Any advantages to wasting the money on going from 3.08 to 3.42 on my LTZ Z71? I don't tow heavy; curious if with the 33" tires that a 3.42 gearing would be better.

 

[Stevens03]

They would, but If I was doing a gear swap and paying as much as it costs, I'd go straight for 3.73's.. That way if you ever decide to go with a bigger tire, your already ready for it.

 

The 3.42's will be a nice step up, but since your already running a bigger tire, I'd go one more step.

[Zachlovesfood]

Going to 3.73 would require an entirely new axle if I'm not mistaken. 3.08 to 3.42 would just require a gear swap. I'm looking into the same swap (3.08 to 3.42), and I've already called a few shops. Most people with 33" tires and 3.42 gears say it rides just fine, while people with 3.08 and 33" say it's a sluggish ride.

 

 

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[darkfox1]

I have owned both a 3.08 4wd 5.3 and now a 3.42 2wd 5.3.

 

It's night and day difference. The 3.08 truck was a SLUG that couldn't get out of its own way. The 3.42 truck I have trouble not running into the back of people if I stomp on it. I'm still learning to drive this actually reasonably powered truck lol.

 

I would recommend at LEAST 3.42 or 3.73 hands down.

[LongrangeLauber]

You would need a new carrier to go to a 3.73 on these trucks. I tow a lot and can say the 33's on 3.42's are crap for towing, I'd love to have at least 4.10s right now for 33's.

 

Not saying they are bad for everyday driving, I get about the same mpg honestly (I'm also tuned) just saying if I went through that hassle it would have to be to a steeper gear

[geswek]

I don't tow enough to justify anything beyond 3.42--I don't even want bigger than 33's. I just thought anything over 3.08 would be better.

I seriously thought my truck had 3.42's but I was wrong.

[GRN69CHV]

Looked into this. Swap from 3.08 gears needs a new carrier. You can use the stock carrier, but by the time you get done with adapting in old style 9.5" gears, it's same $$$ as just getting a new carrier.

[Txjose]

Going to 3.73 would require an entirely new axle if I'm not mistaken. 3.08 to 3.42 would just require a gear swap. I'm looking into the same swap (3.08 to 3.42), and I've already called a few shops. Most people with 33" tires and 3.42 gears say it rides just fine, while people with 3.08 and 33" say it's a sluggish ride.

 

 

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Being that I Drive both of these setups almost daily I can pretty much tell you that it's true,

 

My Z71 has 3.08s on 33X12.5X20s and my girls 2WD 2014 has 3.42s on 275/60/20s BFG Ko2s

 

 

While it is not an exact apples to apples comparison I can defiantly tell that hers has more getup and go. If I am not mistaken Her tires are only 10lbs lighter than mine, I won't lie their are a few differences as hers is a CCSB and mine is a double cab standard bed. We do have the same leveling kits and the same wheels so I say it is close

[geswek]

I'm an idiot -- I was using VIN decoder because I was at work thinking about this. I just pulled my window sticker and I do have 3.42 gears and 7200lb towing.

[LongrangeLauber]

I'm an idiot -- I was using VIN decoder because I was at work thinking about this. I just pulled my window sticker and I do have 3.42 gears and 7200lb towing.

7200 pounds, that's it? My crew cab short bed is rated at 9600 I believe

[SkiBum5.0]

Should be 9200lb towing for a CC with 3.42/5.3, 4WD

[geswek]

Here is my window sticker; am I not reading it right?

 

[Jon A]

7200 is your Gross Vehicle Weight, your max towing (trailer weight rating) isn't on that sticker. It should be ~9K+.

 

But it does look like you have 3.42's. Gears would still be nice, you should be able to do a straight gear swap, no new carrier needed. I'd recommend 4.10's to be worth the effort.

[geswek]

Haha I'm a dork.

 

Thanks Jon!

 

I wouldn't go to 4.10. I don't tow anything for it. I just thought I had a 3.08.

 

 

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[Rock1500]

So if I got 33 then a 3.42 is fine it seems. If I wanted to run 35s would that still hold ture or I would want to do a gear swap?

 

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