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Gear Ratio (rant)

SC_GWP

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SC_GWP Enthusiast

SC_GWP

Posted
Posted

First off. Eff u see Kay you to the EPA.

I fully blame them for turning trucks (half tons that is) into big glorified sedans with about the same towing ability. My last truck, an 05 Sierra with the HO 5.3 had FACTORY 4.10 gears. That truck was a stump puller. Fast forward to 2014 the lowest gear you can get is a 3.73 and you have to get a diesel just to get that. My Denali has 3.24 gears. Probably the most useless gear ratio know to actual men who do more than ride to their downtown jobs in 3 piece suits. I don't tow a lot, and when I do it isn't really that much. But on a 5 hour drive to the hunting camp pulling a side by side I would expect a truck with 400hp to not stay in 4th gear 75% of the ride. Granted it is hilly and the wind blows constantly in Kansas (one reason I hate the plains) but I think it's a little absurd for a truck to stress that much to pull a measly side by side.

 

I was so displeased with that lack of performance I've called and started getting quotes on 3.73s for my truck and shopping around for a diesel even though I wanted one to begin with I decided the half ton would be sufficient but I was definitely wrong. Maybe if GM would put real gears in a truck I wouldn't be so mad but the EPA apparently taxes them if they don't pass the mpg test with x amount of mpgs. Which please tell me the last time you got the advertised mpg on a vehicle.

 

 

Sorry for my rant but I'm sure some of you share my frustration. I would gladly pay an extra $1000 for a different gear set on the front end when buying a truck but it's not even an option. This is bull feces gm. Bull.

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aseibel Senior Enthusiast

aseibel

Posted
Posted

While I understand your concerns, its pretty much understood that these trucks are designed for efficiency in 2017. That said, they are putting out more HP & torque than the old gas guzzlers of yesterday.

 

speaking of guys driving downtown in their 3-piece suits: maybe instead of paying for shiny denali trim, you should have invested in a truck that you would be happy with the performance.

 

Side note: Wind kills your aerodynamics. I bet you were trying to drive 75 on the interstate. the side by side has a tall roll cage, maybe other crap attached to it, and your trailer probably had a ramp sticking up in the air. might as well tie a parachute to the back of your truck.

NathanielDDay Enthusiast

NathanielDDay

Posted
Posted

I am beginning to think that I may not be very smart.

 

I keep reading these threads about the 2014+ GM trucks being dogs to tow with and amazingly disappointing in everyday driving due to the gearing.

 

I have a 5.3, 4x4, CC standard bed with 3.08 gears. I tow a livestock trailer all over he place and seem to be ok. I just hauled from Indiana to Maryland through the mountains and did just fine. Sure, it worked hard going up some the steepest grades, but I never dropped below 55 mph. Heck, it tows better than my parents' Suburban with 3.42 gears.

 

Sorry for my inferior intellect.

NWI Denali Enthusiast

NWI Denali

Posted
Posted

You do understand how transmission gearing affects your final drive ratio, right? 1st gear on your 8L90 is 4.56:1, while 1st gear on your 2005 4L60 was 3.06:1...

tnchevy Senior Enthusiast

tnchevy

Posted
Posted

I don't think the OP really know anything about gear ratios and transmission ratios at all. I have either owned and driven numerous silverados over the last 25 years, many with 4.10 gear ratios and they can't pull near what these new trucks can. The big difference is the computer and what it allows you to do. OP, get a tuner and/or a different truck.

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted

First off. Eff u see Kay you to the EPA.

I fully blame them for turning trucks (half tons that is) into big glorified sedans with about the same towing ability. My last truck, an 05 Sierra with the HO 5.3 had FACTORY 4.10 gears. That truck was a stump puller. Fast forward to 2014 the lowest gear you can get is a 3.73 and you have to get a diesel just to get that. My Denali has 3.24 gears. Probably the most useless gear ratio know to actual men who do more than ride to their downtown jobs in 3 piece suits. I don't tow a lot, and when I do it isn't really that much. But on a 5 hour drive to the hunting camp pulling a side by side I would expect a truck with 400hp to not stay in 4th gear 75% of the ride. Granted it is hilly and the wind blows constantly in Kansas (one reason I hate the plains) but I think it's a little absurd for a truck to stress that much to pull a measly side by side.

 

I was so displeased with that lack of performance I've called and started getting quotes on 3.73s for my truck and shopping around for a diesel even though I wanted one to begin with I decided the half ton would be sufficient but I was definitely wrong. Maybe if GM would put real gears in a truck I wouldn't be so mad but the EPA apparently taxes them if they don't pass the mpg test with x amount of mpgs. Which please tell me the last time you got the advertised mpg on a vehicle.

 

 

Sorry for my rant but I'm sure some of you share my frustration. I would gladly pay an extra $1000 for a different gear set on the front end when buying a truck but it's not even an option. This is bull feces gm. Bull.

Your rant is not about gear ratio. Your truck with "400 hp and 3.24's" has more than enough power. You drive an automatic and worry about whether you are in 4th gear? You may have some fond memories of your '06. I know my ' 78 3spd., 105hp., 3.08's hauled my family's belongings up and down the Alaska Highway and I never was in 4th! Seriously, buy a truck that you like but there is nothing lacking power wise in your Denali!

Nanotech Environmental Enthusiast

Nanotech Environmental

Posted
Posted

First off. Eff u see Kay you to the EPA.

I fully blame them for turning trucks (half tons that is) into big glorified sedans with about the same towing ability. My last truck, an 05 Sierra with the HO 5.3 had FACTORY 4.10 gears. That truck was a stump puller. Fast forward to 2014 the lowest gear you can get is a 3.73 and you have to get a diesel just to get that. My Denali has 3.24 gears. Probably the most useless gear ratio know to actual men who do more than ride to their downtown jobs in 3 piece suits. I don't tow a lot, and when I do it isn't really that much. But on a 5 hour drive to the hunting camp pulling a side by side I would expect a truck with 400hp to not stay in 4th gear 75% of the ride. Granted it is hilly and the wind blows constantly in Kansas (one reason I hate the plains) but I think it's a little absurd for a truck to stress that much to pull a measly side by side.

 

I was so displeased with that lack of performance I've called and started getting quotes on 3.73s for my truck and shopping around for a diesel even though I wanted one to begin with I decided the half ton would be sufficient but I was definitely wrong. Maybe if GM would put real gears in a truck I wouldn't be so mad but the EPA apparently taxes them if they don't pass the mpg test with x amount of mpgs. Which please tell me the last time you got the advertised mpg on a vehicle.

 

 

Sorry for my rant but I'm sure some of you share my frustration. I would gladly pay an extra $1000 for a different gear set on the front end when buying a truck but it's not even an option. This is bull feces gm. Bull.

So this is your first post?

I just don't find parts of this story all that believable.

BTW, for what you say you typically do, 3.23 gears are just fine.

 

 

SC_GWP Enthusiast

SC_GWP

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yet another thread about someone buying the wrong tool for the job and its GMs fault.

No i dont tow enough to justify a diesel. I bought the right tool. Me buying a dmax is like a small engine repair shop buying the entire snap on tool truck.

Ozer Enthusiast

Ozer

Posted
Posted

2014 slt 5.3 crew How can i find out what gears i have? I wasnt able to find options list for mine, or dont know where it could be found, recently purchased.

sdeeter19555 Senior Enthusiast

sdeeter19555

Posted
Posted

No i dont tow enough to justify a diesel. I bought the right tool. Me buying a dmax is like a small engine repair shop buying the entire snap on tool truck.

No, in my opinion you should have bought a 2500hd with a 6.0l and 4.10s...if you're worried about rear gearing.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

SC_GWP Enthusiast

SC_GWP

Posted
  • Author
Posted

You do understand how transmission gearing affects your final drive ratio, right? 1st gear on your 8L90 is 4.56:1, while 1st gear on your 2005 4L60 was 3.06:1...

I dont see how 1st gear has anything to do with the truck staying in 4th at 70mph?

 

Sure it will roast the tires unloaded, any time, hell when I test drove the truck the whole reason I bought it was at bone stock it got loose at 40ish on a shift. Throw 3k on a trailer and a 20mph head wind and BAM. 3300 rpm at 70 and 7mpg

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