Which is Correct

[James Beyer]

Thank You Black02Silverado, yes trucks are high dollar, but think I will keep mine.

 

Thank You m3n00b, I would guess about the same price here in Northern Michigan.

 

Thank You VanguardK2, I think your correct about re-gearing.  With the trailer Dry weight at basically 7500 pounds, I figure loaded about 8000 to 8500, and probably Waaay too heavy for the 3.08 gears without eventually causing damage. 

If it is re-geared, do you feel the 3.42 gear is good enough, or should I go with 3.73 gears???

 

Thank You

[swathdiver]

Go with the 3.73s.  That's what the NHTs in the previous generation have and they are towing beasts.

[dieselfan1]

Thank You Newdude and Garagerog!
So, I have a GM Truck not Capable of Towing the Rockwood that was made for Canada, wow.
And to think I sold my old 72 Ford that could have hauled just about anything, for this GM Truck, what a Shame.
 

You should have done your research. Don't assume all trucks can tow 9000+ . The ones with your 3.08 gears are worthless for towing anything over 5000 lbs.
Don't blame GM for you ignorance. Wow.

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[silveradosid]

i agree with james , 3.73 is the way to go but the NHTs have a 9.76 carrier and the others have 9.5 so stock gearing wont fit. so cost wise go 3.42 unless you can find a complete rear diff with 3.73

[Frankielozano214]

1 hour ago, silveradosid said:

i agree with james , 3.73 is the way to go but the NHTs have a 9.76 carrier and the others have 9.5 so stock gearing wont fit. so cost wise go 3.42 unless you can find a complete rear diff with 3.73

Whats NHT’s? wonder if u could find a full rearend with 3.73

[James Beyer]

Dieselfan1,  Thank You, I did look at various trucks.  But, GM should not have put tow Capacity at 8500 Lbs., other wise I would not have Bought my truck!

 

Other than towing capacity, I really like like my GM Truck.  In hindsite, I had No Plans on buying a big travel trailer, and would not have, if not for now raising 3 Grandchildren. 

Will admit, it would be nice to afford one of those 2500 Diesel crew cab 4x4 but not in the cards money wise.

[James Beyer]

Thank You swathdiver, silveradosid, Frankielozano214.

I will look for a full axle 3.73 rear and front 3.73.  If I am going to spend the money, might as well have extra tow capacity.  Wish I would have bought a truck with the 3.73 in the first place.

 

Thanks Again everyone-

[Donstar]

You're a hero for giving these children a second chance for a proper upbringing.  Thank you.  I was fortunate to know the towing capabilities of my truck when looking for a trailer and was able to find a proper match.  I knew about the re-gearing option and the various ways to deal with heavier tongue weights.   For the same reason you are hesitant to buy a used vehicle with unknown history is the same reason I wouldn't choose to add red flags to my vehicle. I'd seriously look at trading the truck or the trailer.  If I was looking for a trailer the size of your Rockwood, I'd set my sights on a base 2500/3500.  I find the most basic WT has a list of standard features that exceed the options list on your '72 Ford! 

[James Beyer]

Thank You Donstar,

appreciate the courtesy.  

I will look for a used 2500/3500, have to be a great deal, Gas or Diesel?

 

I like the day to day gas mileage on the 1500, and really took good care of my truck, planning on it being my last.

[Donstar]

1 hour ago, James Beyer said:

Thank You Donstar,

appreciate the courtesy.  

I will look for a used 2500/3500, have to be a great deal, Gas or Diesel?

 

I like the day to day gas mileage on the 1500, and really took good care of my truck, planning on it being my last.

A diesel would be nice but more expensive to buy and maintenance can present some costly surprises.  I'd look for gas.  You are right that you will return to gas consumption reminiscent of your '72 Ford.  However, the experiences you may face towing a trailer with an underrated tow vehicle will likely be more upsetting than higher fuel costs.  

[James Beyer]

Thank You Donstar, will see what is available near me.  Under rated truck to tow doesn't sound like fun.

 

Mert Tas, had a 8N for many years, great tractor.

[JimCost2014]

2 hours ago, James Beyer said:

Thank You Donstar, will see what is available near me.  Under rated truck to tow doesn't sound like fun.

 

Mert Tas, had a 8N for many years, great tractor.

James, you are a very nice man, thanking all comments when some are just 

 

The 2500/3500 is a good plan, just for the fact swapping gears, will still put you at your trucks limits with the trailer. Then factor in the truck itself, passengers and gear, full tank of gas, and the trailer, which will have propane tanks, water tanks for fresh and sewer. It all adds up fast.

 

Better to have more truck than you need, mainly because you can not replace passengers like cargo if things go wrong on the highway.

[VanguardK2]

Agree with Jim here, a regear would be my fix but I honestly wasn't factoring in people and gear to max out the 3.73s and going waaay past the 3.42s the 2500/3500 gambit is the best choice. I sympathize with O.P as I bought a 16 5.3l because I wanted black, leather and CC short bed with the face-lift model and color match bumpers. My only regret is getting some with an 8 speed but that's what I found that I wanted to the tee and sometimes there's one small change that just isn't perfect for what you need it for.

Fortunately people have a new generation to trade in for, so there's plenty of trucks available. Advise to the O.P, look out of your state for them. I was when looking for mine and found some good deals, but before I pulled the trigger on one from Arizona I found the one I have. Just ask for pictures of the frame for rust and other concerns. I was given many from that particular dealer and I was fully willing to fly out of state and pay for the truck if I hadn't found mine.

To Jim, we all know what comment your referring. I think we all felt the same way about it.

The o.p even stated the owners manual and door sticker didn't match which WOULD make it GMs fault. Not everybody knows about everything to look for on trucks and the propaganda from their respective manufacturers on the model l. They don't know and sometimes it's a problem and sometimes it's not. This just happened to be one of those times.

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[swathdiver]

7 hours ago, James Beyer said:

Thank You swathdiver, silveradosid, Frankielozano214.

I will look for a full axle 3.73 rear and front 3.73.  If I am going to spend the money, might as well have extra tow capacity.  Wish I would have bought a truck with the 3.73 in the first place.

 

Thanks Again everyone-

You do not have to replace the entire 12-bolt rear axle to upgrade to 3.73 gears.  You can purchase a more stout carrier that is stronger than the one you have though and put the 3.73 gears on it.  The front differential will handle 3.73s easily.

 

Go to LKQs website and put in  your vehicle and what you are looking for and they will show you what's available and for how much.  Remember, your K2s have 12-bolt axles, both 9.5 and 9.76 depending on options.  AAM (demandaam.com) was the original supplier to GM.

[James Beyer]

Thank You Swathdiver,

if I change to the 3.73 rear, does that also increase my payload?