Gas mileage with 6 inch lift and 35's

knipper_03 · December 3, 2003

I own a Silverado 1500 4X4 SC LB with a 4.8liter V-8 and 4.10's with 265/75/R16

I am looking at buying a skyjacker 6 inch lift with 35 inch tires

Right now I am seeing about 15 or 16 miles per gallon city/highway driving

What would my gas milage be with 35's and a lift

I am assuming a lift causes more air resisance and weight and the bigger tires can hurt also if its geared wrong

Are 4.10 a decent gear to run or are 4.56 a must

Do you think a 4.8l enigne is too small of an engine to run 35's with 4.10

My goal here is to still have this as a daily driver

Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

AZ1500 · December 4, 2003

You will lose low end grunt. Your mileage will decrease due to the air dam being ineffective at that height, and having to compensate for the added weight and contact patch of the tire. All the air going under the truck will cause drag and require more gas to compensate. 4.56's are a good idea to bring your rpm back into the sweet zone. However, 4.56's in the stock axle are going to be weak, and with the weight and mass of those 35's, you can expect less reliability from the axle. I have had 4.56's on previous 1/2 ton trucks, and as long as you don't get too wild offroad, you should be OK.

LogixRat · December 4, 2003

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a gear change rather expensive, like around a thousand bucks or so? I guess you could do it yourself if you have the know how for alot less. But if you didn't it might be a big expense to get a weaker axle.

I dunno...just think'n out loud here as I've never had one with a lift. I'm sure some of the experts will chime in.

UnderDawg · December 4, 2003

A gear change should only cost around $200 for both front and rear gears.

rayg270 · December 5, 2003

I had a '97 Z71 which I lifted 6" with 35's. After computer programming the shift points then later re-gearing it, my observation regarding the fuel economy: it wasn't great and wouldn't get any better. As long as you're comfortable with 11 mpg or so, you'll be happy you lifted your truck. I had a blast in mine.

I saw a bumper sticker that read: 'There's more to life than fuel economy.'

Words to live by?

LogixRat · December 5, 2003

A gear change should only cost around $200 for both front and rear gears.

I think that's probably just the gears. At least judging by what a local 4wd shop told my buddy that was checking into getting his Jeep re-geared. For them to do the labor and get the parts, almost a thousand bucks. Maybe they was just trying to rip him a new one?

Chris97K1500 · December 5, 2003

Yeah, $200 is how much gears cost per axle, then you got to get them installed. When I bought my truck in Feb, the previous owner had put the 4.10's in, total cost was a little over $1200. He gave me the paperwork for any warranty problems. Chris

UnderDawg · December 5, 2003

I've always installed my own gears. I usually buy the gears for about $100 per axle. I've never checked into having a shop install them so I don't have a clue as to what they charge. Sorry if I confused anyone.