2016 Tahoe LTZ 3.08 or 3.42?

cml32063 · September 21, 2016

I am looking to buy a new 2016 LTZ Tahoe if I can get the price right with all the discounts and rebates. I have a choice between two, one with the max trailing package and one without, The max trailing has 3.42 gears, will the other is the standard 3.08. The fuel mileage sticker is the same, but it seems to me the 3.42 would get less gas mileage. I am never going to tow anything with it, just wondering if the 3.42 would be better for acceleration, etc. Any real world experience between the 2 on the new Tahoe?

dcheeseman · September 21, 2016

I rented a Tahoe with 3.08 gears one time, it was fine for normal driving and hauling family around. It would be fine hauling a Jet Ski or Lawn Mower. I wanna say it did two grand at 90mph.

However if your planning on doing any big towing 3.42 hands down. I personally prefer the 3.42.

It really depends on what you plan on doing with it now and down the road.

Daniel

NoProblem · September 21, 2016

Do what I did, take one for a test ride, then immediately take the other. I "rode 'em like I stole 'em" for my test drive and could not tell any difference whatsoever in performance from zero to 70mph so I bought the 3.08 - for better MPGs. I have towed a few times and use it to plow snow on my property, never any issue with the 3.08.

+2 years and over 30,000 miles later and I still have no regrets.

KARNUT · September 21, 2016

Many people on here complain about the 308 gear and want the 342. I had the 342. Never read the other way around

LongrangeLauber · September 21, 2016

The 3.42 would technically give you better fuel economy around town, less strain on the trans and engine. I would say 3.42 is the way to go, whether you're towing or not

T1Kaiju · September 21, 2016

Max trailer gives you a tranny cooler as well which is always a good thing. Go with 3.42.

sent from the ninth circle of hell...

truckguy82 · September 22, 2016

Bought my truck used, didn't know what rear end I had

After driving it for 3 months and researching the trucks more, I was very happy I had the 3.42 gears.

You definitely will not regret the 3.42 after you drive it, it does not feel short legged at all on the highway

seamus2154 · October 4, 2016

Had the 3.08's in my '14 it was ok but really didn't like pulling any weight. Then bought a 16 Sierra w/ 3.42's and did notice a nice difference towing. Still didn't love it but it was better than the 3.08's. Both had 6 speeds.