3.08 or 3.42 rear end?

[goosedowner]

I was checking out new trucks today and most of the ones I looked at had 3.42 rear ends. Then I came across one with the tow package with a 3.08 rear end and it listed the gas milage as the same as the 3.42's, can this be correct? If so how?

[Resqu2]

I just bought one with the 3.08 and love it, has the tow stuff but I will never tow more than a mower in for service. My gas mileage is almost as good as the 6cyl 2014 Silverado I traded in.

[gone_fishing]

When given the choice, I would rather have the 3.42 axle. I have yet to see anyone show any significant difference in fuel economy between 3.42 and 3.08

[Silverado Steve]

This and you lose 20% towing capability. Since there is no upcharge for the 3.42, it makes little to no sense to opt for the 3.08 unless you get a smoking deal.

 

 

When given the choice, I would rather have the 3.42 axle. I have yet to see anyone show any significant difference in fuel economy between 3.42 and 3.08

[dasimmon]

3.42

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

When I had a '14 it had the 3.08s and couldn't stand it. The main thing was the fact that the tow rating was roughly 1,000 LESS than the previous truck I had which was a '98 Silverado with a 5.7 and 3.73s. I don't tow, but I like using a truck as a truck so that includes using it for pulling with a chain or strap rather it's to help someone get out of something or pull bushes or tree stumps, that kind of thing. Also I remember hauling a love seat for someone and that alone with my toolbox made it feel like the truck was struggling like I had a lot more weight. I can just assume it was something to do with the gear ratio since I don'y remember my '98 with 3.73s feeling that way unless I was at or above the load capacity. I'm now looking for an '87 or older Chevy 4x4 full size so I won't have to worry about the gearing being to high (low #). Also need to have the gearing on your mind if you plan on putting a lift on the truck. With 3.08s it would just be too high in my opinion for even 35s. Of course it wouldn't mess anything up, just when you put bigger tires it basically makes the ratio seem and feel higher which is something you don't want in a truck. So if you have 3.08s and lift it then it will probably feel like the ratio is in the 2s. That's why you see people putting lower (higher #) gears on a lifted truck to get that low end TQ and to rating back.

 

If you don't plan on lifting it and will only use it for light work then 3.08s isn't terrible and you can get by.

[seamus2154]

I had 14 with the tow and 3.08's and a 15 w/ 3.42's. The mileage was the same, but if really trying, a little better on the highway w/ the 3.08's. The 3.42's are the best you can do w/ the 5.3 and that is the way to go if you ever are going to tow anything. My 3.08's were harder to tow with and a PITA. But no big difference in daily driving except off the line.

[O_J_Simpson]

3.42 or walk away...

[goosedowner]

I have a 8700lb camper so I'm going wiht teh 3.42's, I was wondering why the 3.08's don''t get better milage?

[winn0040]

Slightly off topic, but does the 5.3 max tow still come with 3.73?

[STINSAN3]

My truck has the 3.08s, but I got a very good deal on my '14 6.2L.
I haven't towed anything in over 2 years. But, eventually getting 33s and upgrading to better and heavier tires are gonna suck with my current gear set up. I'm eventually gonna upgrade to at least 3.73s.

[Mark Diedrich]

Slightly off topic, but does the 5.3 max tow still come with 3.73?

Yes it does.

[Jimmy W]

I had a 2014 with 3.08 gears and really had trouble towing compared to a friend that had 3.42 gears pulling my camper one trip.Traded the 2014 for a 2015 3.42 and it is the way to go!

[truckguy82]

Afm will only activate if the throttle position is low enough, so any decrease in mileage because of increased engine speed is usually offset by increased afm activation

[Sierra706]

The truck only has to be EPA certified for each engine size. The manufacturer isn't required to provide numbers for every body style, axle ratio and bed size.

 

 

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