Best Rear Gear for gas mileage??? 2001 yukon/tahoe

[Chuckster]

Buying soon...

What rear gear option should I get for the best mileage. I realize the higher the better.. I.e 2.xx will have better mileage than a 3.xx

 

But I have no idea what was offered on the 2001 Taho or Yukon..

[gmcjoe]

I think the 3.42 is the smallest they offer??

 

That is a good gear if you don't plan on doing much towing with it.

[Waitin2Drag]

I think they have a 3.23? Because I think when I was programming my new gears into my Power Programmer, I think I saw trhat ratio or something close to that, that is still lower than 3.42.

[99-2door]

. I realize the higher the better.. I.e 2.xx will have better mileage than a 3.xx

Not neccessarily, it is more complicated than that.

The relationship between gear ratio and gas mileage is affected by many factors; driving terrain and grade, town or highway driving, vehicle weight, and driving style. If a vehicle is geared too high(low numbers) it will perform poorly at low speeds and may down shift too much on even slight grades having a negative effect on your mileage.

On a 4x4 Tahoe I think you will like 3.73s and they will even be close to optimum MPG.

The key is to determine what is right for your driving habits and location. I think most people overlook this area when buying a new vehicle, and I am glad to see interest in it on this board lately. Weigh your options and decide what you will need to suit you.

[Butch 02 Denali]

Well said, I agree 100%!

 

Butch 02 Sierra Denali

[MarkD]

No, a lower (numerically) gear/Higher ratio (2.73) will not give better gas mileage in most vehicles. I think your only options with a Tahoe are 3.42, 3.73 and maybe 4.11 depending on the trim level/series (1500/2500).

 

I agree that 3.73 is probably best all around.

[txchevy4ever]

No, a lower (numerically) gear/Higher ratio (2.73) will not give better gas mileage in most vehicles. I think your only options with a Tahoe are 3.42, 3.73 and maybe 4.11 depending on the trim level/series (1500/2500).

 

I agree that 3.73 is probably best all around.

Sadly, there is no such thing as as a 2500 Tahoe in the new body style. I've got the 3.73 on my 2000 4x4 Tahoe LT... I know the 4.11 gets poorer gas mileage, and I've never driven a 3.42...

[foghorn23]

Just a personal observation....

 

While we're discussing Tahoe/Yukon here I have some comparative experience with the Silverados. I had a 99 Silverado with the 5.3 and 3.73 rear end and currently own an 01 Silverado with the 5.3 and 4.10 rear end. When I bought the second truck I expected mileage to be less with the lower 4.10 rear end. But in fact I'm averaging 1-1.5 MPG more with the 4.10 geared truck. I live in a mountainous region and have noticed the 01 stays in overdrive much better. I assume fewer downshifts=fewer RPM's=better mileage. (Maybe its the fact that the 01 seems to be a better truck...I guess the General makes some better than others) Anyway, despite any logical explanation my 4.10 geared truck is better on gas than the 3.73 .

 

Vroten

[joeman2199]

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[joeman2199]

as said be4, it has to do with how ur roads are, like in a mountainous area, you would be better w/ somethin like a 4.10 (especially if you carry weight), but if your on flat interstate highways doin 80 mph (like florida) then your much better off w/ 3.42. My 2000 5.3 tahoe w/ 3.42's will do between 75-80 all day long gettin 21.5 mpg