3:42 gears

[1970TA]

Wonder why you can’t get 3:42 gears with 22 inch wheels? 3:23 is the lowest.

[calgator73]

I think because 3.42 and the V8 are only available as part of the Max trailer tow package.

[Donstar]

Welcome to the forum!  You ill find a lot of good information on this site!  I believe Chad's answer is correct and that the 3.42 is part of a package and not specific to a size of wheel.  You will find any of GM's engine/transmission/differential combinations will confidently handle the payloads and towing power specific to the truck. For example, If you need a truck to tow an 8k lb. trailer, then look for the ratings of the one you have in mind.

[f8l vnm]

Still not sure why GM does not give us more gear options like the rest of the big truck guys do. 99% chance you have 3.23 and not saying 3:23 is not good enough or adequate enough because for majority of us the 3.32 does just fine ( thank you 10 speed ) . I’m just saying a low mid, high, gear option would be nice.  I’ll take mine in a 3:73!

Edited May 18, 2021 by f8l vnm

[OnTheReel]

Don’t tell GM but I put 22s on my Max Trailering truck with 3.42s. Nothing has blown up.

 

If I had to guess there’s a ride or handling consideration that excludes the NHT trucks from having 22s. But I dunno. Mine rides great.

[AlaskaErik]

My 2016 came with 3.42 axle.  5.3, 6 speed, no max tow, 20" wheels.  My 2019 also came with the 3.42 axle, but it's got the 6.2, max trailering package and 18" wheels.. 

[BigDog88]

Im not 100% sure on this, but it seems when i bought my 20 HC 6.2 Max Tow, 20 inches was largest option on it because of tow weight restrictions on 22 inch tires that they offered, 22 inch tire was to thin.......I wish mine had the 22s as i think it looks nicer, but not end of world.

[1970TA]

42 minutes ago, BigDog88 said:

Im not 100% sure on this, but it seems when i bought my 20 HC 6.2 Max Tow, 20 inches was largest option on it because of tow weight restrictions on 22 inch tires that they offered, 22 inch tire was to thin.......I wish mine had the 22s as i think it looks nicer, but not end of world.

How do you like the 6.2? I just sold my 5.3 2018 Sierra and was going to wait on the 2022. 

[BigDog88]

23 hours ago, 1970TA said:

How do you like the 6.2? I just sold my 5.3 2018 Sierra and was going to wait on the 2022. 

I love it.  Great truck and engine.  Now when i drive my wifes 5.3 suburban it feels slow and i hate the shifting compared to the 10 speed in my truck. It pulls my 31ft TT 8500lb Gross really well.  Last week i added some Timbrens to help with some sag when hitched up.  Between making adjustments to my WD hitch and the Timbrens, it really feels and pulls like a 3/4 truck in how solid it feels.  

[1970TA]

I read that 22 in. tires are rated SL meaning standard load which is a lower load rating than the 20’s on the that come with the max towing package. I 

[BigDog88]

2 hours ago, 1970TA said:

I read that 22 in. tires are rated SL meaning standard load which is a lower load rating than the 20’s on the that come with the max towing package. I 

makes sense.