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Gear Swap in Silverado for pulling trailers

SilveradoMoe

By SilveradoMoe
in Troubleshooting & Recalls

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SilveradoMoe Enthusiast

SilveradoMoe

Posted
Posted

I have been trying to find the right answer on what to do for a gear swap. I currently have 2014 Silverado 5.3 4x4 that was bought with the Rocky Ridge Alpine lift package from the dealer.  I thought I had 3.42 gears but found out I have 3.08 gears. I've been looking to buy a trailer that I would be towing but found out my max tow weight is 6500 lbs. which is not sufficient enough for what im looking to tow.  Also,  the Rocky Ridge package includes my truck having a 4 inch suspension lift with 35" tires. After reading several posts it doesn't seem like 3.08 gears are sufficient for my setup.  What gears should I have to support my setup and tow an estimated 9500 lbs. trailer? 3.42 gears seem like they would just barely be enough. I've also heard rocky ridge locks you out from tuning the vehicle's computer once they have tuned it for their setup. Also,  I have the trailer package with the integrated trailer brake.  What additional is included in the max tow package and is it anything additional I would need besides the gears?  Any information or advice would be appreciated. 

silveradosid Senior Enthusiast

silveradosid

Posted
Posted

i would get hold a professional tuner to see if you are locked out of your computer or contact rocky ridge and ask them if you switch to 3.73 gears can they reprogram your computer to match the new gears

cr250Silverado Enthusiast

cr250Silverado

Posted
Posted

I would go with 4.10 at least if your towing that weight. Maybe even 4.56 gears https://www.intercotire.com/tire_size_change_gear_ratio_calculator

 

east coast gear supply has the best write up on what is needed to swap gears in our trucks. https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/files/PDF Files/gm9-5-12-bolt.pdf

 

i don’t tow, but from what I’ve read on here and other sites is your towing experience for a 9,500 trailer isn’t going to be fun with a 1500.  Keep in mind the potential legal issues too for overweight. Some say you can not increase legal towing ability (gcwr & trailer weight) with changing gears. I feel you can increase gcwr and trailer weight rating (payload and axle ratings remain unchanged tho) given everything else on the truck is same as the 3.42 trucks besides the gear ratio (no max tow rating tho! That package has a different axle and suspension). On an interesting note your truck essentially has 2.77 gears with those 35”s and 3.08....

 

bdbake01 Senior Enthusiast

bdbake01

Posted
Posted

With that weight and those tires, that gearset is gonna be abused, expect some heat.  Also, can’t forget about brakes.  The taller tires really works the brakes HARD, even without a heavy trailer.

TRKLGND Enthusiast

TRKLGND

Posted
Posted

I hate to tell you this but it doesn't matter what gear ratio you have.  You will never be able to safely tow 9,000+ lb.  

You have a 4" suspension lift.  Doesn't matter who made or installed it.  That lift cost you at least 2,000 lb in towing capacity.    

Look at the Raptor or the Colorado ZR2 as proof.  Factory suspension lifts.  The Colorado that can normally tow 7,000+lb is limited to 5,000 lb. and it's only a 2" lift.  Similar towing penalty for the Raptor.

Just don't do it.  

Bash74 Enthusiast

Bash74

Posted
Posted

4.56 is the way to go if regearing. I have 6in lift and 35s. I tow about 8800lbs give or take for very long distances multiple times and have never had a problem. Like it was already said with 35s the gearing the truck came with is essentially higher then 3.08 making it worse. Also you can add some bags if you have a sag problem. Like I said 4.56 and server gear fluid, I prefer amsoil, and you should be good.

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