Question RE: 4.3 w/4x4

Knightfall · July 20, 2017

I currently have a 4.3 with 4x2 and I love it. My question is simply would the 4x4 version actually be any slower/feel less torquey aside from placebo?

Donstar · July 20, 2017

I doubt you'd notice a difference. Maybe take one for a test drive at a local dealership! I have a 4 wheel drive cc with the 4.3 and have no complaints! Arguably you may be carrying extra weight with the 4wd but driving in two wheel drive mode is essentially the same as driving a regular 2wd,

Silverado Steve · July 20, 2017

Only way to find out is to go take one for a test drive

KMGZ400 · July 20, 2017

not enough of a difference for you to notice most likely

Brian S. · July 20, 2017

I currently have a 4.3 with 4x2 and I love it. My question is simply would the 4x4 version actually be any slower/feel less torquey aside from placebo?

I believe the 2wd 4.3l is only available with 3.23 gears and the 4wd is only available with 3.42 gears so i think you would notice a difference with 4wd being faster, having more torque, and higher tow capacity.

Donstar · July 20, 2017

I believe the 2wd 4.3l is only available with 3.23 gears and the 4wd is only available with 3.42 gears so i think you would notice a difference with 4wd being faster, having more torque, and higher tow capacity.

Great point. Interesting observation when looking in my manual it says that there is a 4.10 axle ratio available on a 2wd regular cab. However the tow capacity is considerably less than the 3.23! Doesn't make sense to me!

spectorfreak · July 20, 2017

I have a 4.3L 4x4 and I've never felt I've had a lack of power...

2017_whitez71 · July 20, 2017

I had a 14 dc 4x4 with a 4.3l never once thought it was underpowered. I was always impressed with that 4.3l wouldn't hesitate to own another one. The 17 I traded for just happened to be a 5.3

Nanotech Environmental · July 21, 2017

I currently have a 4.3 with 4x2 and I love it. My question is simply would the 4x4 version actually be any slower/feel less torquey aside from placebo?

The 4x4's have a bit of extra driveline load, as the front half shafts are turning all the time. They also weigh about 250lbs more(apples to apples), with the x-fer case, front diff and axles. It will likely be a bit noticeable. Granted I haven't driven a 2wd pickup in a very long time.

Brian S. · July 21, 2017

Great point. Interesting observation when looking in my manual it says that there is a 4.10 axle ratio available on a 2wd regular cab. However the tow capacity is considerably less than the 3.23! Doesn't make sense to me!

I just tried to add 3.42 to a 4.3l 2wd in the builder. no luck. (and no higher ratio) Tried dbl cab LT, reg cab WT, reg cab LT, always said I had to switch to 5.3 to get the 3.42

Donstar · July 21, 2017

I just tried to add 3.42 to a 4.3l 2wd in the builder. no luck. (and no higher ratio) Tried dbl cab LT, reg cab WT, reg cab LT, always said I had to switch to 5.3 to get the 3.42

I don't see a 3.42 axle ratio for a 2wd 4.3 in the manual either. The 4.10 on the 2wd 4.3 maybe an error in the 2015 GMC Sierra manual or maybe a feature on fleet vehicles. It is interesting to see how the various axle ratio and engine combinations impact towing abilities. My V6 with the 3.42 axle, for example, is rated to pull 900 lbs. more than a 5.3 V8 with a 3.08 axle ratio!

Brian S. · July 22, 2017

I don't see a 3.42 axle ratio for a 2wd 4.3 in the manual either. The 4.10 on the 2wd 4.3 maybe an error in the 2015 GMC Sierra manual or maybe a feature on fleet vehicles. It is interesting to see how the various axle ratio and engine combinations impact towing abilities. My V6 with the 3.42 axle, for example, is rated to pull 900 lbs. more than a 5.3 V8 with a 3.08 axle ratio!

Yep.

The new 4.3l is all the power 90% of people need.

It's main problem is the old 4.3 was so bad people have a hard time seeing past it being a 6 cylinder. If they had dropped the 4.3 altogether and ran the 4.8 as the base engine people would have applauded even though they have the same power.

Knightfall · July 22, 2017

Yep.

The new 4.3l is all the power 90% of people need.

It's main problem is the old 4.3 was so bad people have a hard time seeing past it being a 6 cylinder. If they had dropped the 4.3 altogether and ran the 4.8 as the base engine people would have applauded even though they have the same power.

I actually knew many people that had the old 4.3L that liked them alot. They weren't fast but they were bulletproof for sure. Akin to the Iron Duke 2.5L or Toyota 2.7L.

Actually, it would be interesting if they kept the old 4.8L around as the base engine BELOW the new 4.3L. Dodge did that for a while with their old 4.7L.

T1Kaiju · July 22, 2017

I honestly cant believe my loaner is a 4.3. It shifts flawlessly and is more responsive than my 5.3 avalanche. It does stay in higher rpm, but its quiet and powerful. Extremely impressed...

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Donstar · July 22, 2017

I honestly cant believe my loaner is a 4.3. It shifts flawlessly and is more responsive than my 5.3 avalanche. It does stay in higher rpm, but its quiet and powerful. Extremely impressed...

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Two years ago I traded my '09 Sierra 5.3 6 spd. in for a '15 Sierra 4.3 6 spd. I have also been impressed with the V6. The only thing my V6 can't do as well (or better) than any of my previous trucks is drink gas!