3.23s with 10 speed and 20” wheels, too tall?

[Tybolt101]

I’m looking at getting a ‘21 Sierra 1500 5.3L 4x4. Looking at 100+ SLTs on dealer websites I found only one with 3.42s and that had the 6.2 which I do not want. What’s the deal with that? No Max Trailering Package, except for the one 6.2 previously mentioned.

Anyway, before I try and order one, I’d like to hear from you guys with the 10 speed, 5.3 with 3.23s. 

I currently have an ‘18 Silverado with 6spd and 3.42 (17” wheels) and it feels right. Seems like 10speed triple overdrive 3.23 and 20” wheels is getting pretty tall and apt to get luggy.

[OnTheReel]

If you drive one you will find the 10 speed 5.3 (even with 3.23s) will absolutely blow the doors off a K2 with the 5.3 6 speed. Rear axle ratio is less important because the 10 speed’s overall gear ratio spread is far wider than the 6L80. First gear is quite a bit deeper. The 10 speed also upshifts and downshifts way faster and stays in the power band.

[TNTSierra]

Agree with @OnTheReel  the new 10 spd makes the world of difference. I had 3.42s in my 6 and 8 spd Sierras and now have 3.23s in this new truck. I for one wanted 3.42s but I am very happy with the 3.23s. Thought it would pull my boat different but it doesn’t at all. 

[Gangly]

I did a spreadsheet of the final gear ratios with the 10 spd, 8 spd, 6 spd, with the 3.23's and the 6 speed with 3.42's as well.  The numbers clearly show the 10spd and 8 speed to be superior with 3.23's  to the 6 speed with 3.42's.  The 4th image is the 6 Spd with 3.42's 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 14, 2021 by Gangly

[newdude]

5.3 with the 10 speed and 3.42 can be had on the 5.3 with NHT max trailer.

 

But.  The 5.3/A10 3.23 combo is pretty kick ass having driven a couple.  Lightyears ahead of my 5.3/6 speed 3.42 combo in my 2019 old body.  10 speed makes all the difference. 

[Gangly]

A good way of trying to understand the effectiveness of the 10 speed with 3.23's is to realize that you would need to be in third gear with the 6 speed and 3.42's to have comparable performance to the 10 speed in 5th gear.

[Gangly]

19 minutes ago, newdude said:

5.3 with the 10 speed and 3.42 can be had on the 5.3 with NHT max trailer.

 

But.  The 5.3/A10 3.23 combo is pretty kick ass having driven a couple.  Lightyears ahead of my 5.3/6 speed 3.42 combo in my 2019 old body.  10 speed makes all the difference. 

Correct, and I bet it would be a blast!  Think about a single cab, SWB with that combo...fun!  With that setup, the effective final gearing would be as follows:

 

[UNSTUCK]

The size of your wheel makes little difference when considering gearing. What size tire do you plan on running?

[f8l vnm]

so basically the 10 speed was hand built by jesus! Is what we are trying to tell you.  :) 

( no disrespect to anyone's religion) 

 

[SILVER SLED]

I've driven a new style with a 5.3, 8speed, 3.23  gears. It ran/drove A LOT better than my '15 5.3  6 speed that had a little hand held tune

[luke1333]

1 hour ago, f8l vnm said:

so basically the 10 speed was hand built by jesus! Is what we are trying to tell you. 

( no disrespect to anyone's religion) 

 

yes.

[TNTSierra]

5 hours ago, SILVER SLED said:

I've driven a new style with a 5.3, 8speed, 3.23  gears. It ran/drove A LOT better than my '15 5.3  6 speed that had a little hand held tune

Agreed. I took my step dads 5.3L 3.23s 10 spd and it was impressive 

[Johnjr]

9 hours ago, Gangly said:

I did a spreadsheet of the final gear ratios with the 10 spd, 8 spd, 6 spd, with the 3.23's and the 6 speed with 3.42's as well.  The numbers clearly show the 10spd and 8 speed to be superior with 3.23's  to the 6 speed with 3.42's.  The 4th image is the 6 Spd with 3.42's 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Johnjr]

I like the spreadsheet you did there. I am an old ditch digger with limited computer skills, could you post a spreadsheet comparing the 10 speed with 3.23 gears vs the 10 speed with 3.73 gears as found in the 3.0 with the diesel off road package? Thanks 

[Gangly]

15 hours ago, John Sarappa said:

I like the spreadsheet you did there. I am an old ditch digger with limited computer skills, could you post a spreadsheet comparing the 10 speed with 3.23 gears vs the 10 speed with 3.73 gears as found in the 3.0 with the diesel off road package? Thanks 

10 Speed with 3.73's:

 

10 Speed with 3.23's: