2 speed transfer case optional now?

[Hoginedgewood]

Was looking at new trucks online, only the upper models advertise a 2 speed? Maybe I read it wrong. 

[Chuck FB]

2 hours ago, Hoginedgewood said:

Was looking at new trucks online, only the upper models advertise a 2 speed? Maybe I read it wrong. 

 

Were you looking at the HD trucks on the GM website or the half tons as that makes all the difference. As far as I know there are only two options for the HD trucks and that is the standard 2 speed transfer case or the 2 speed transfer case that has the added 4 high auto feature and they put that transfer case by default into the LTZ and High Country although its optional in the LT and not sure if its available in the work trucks. 

 

The half tons, that is where its been a total mess in my estimation for a few years now with most trucks below the top trim having the single speed transfer case as standard but with the option of having the two speed such as one would get by choosing the Z71 package, however then not being able to get the two speed transfer case with the towing package unless it was a higher trim truck AND had the 6.2 gas so one could combine the towing package gearing diffs with the two speed transfer case. Having said that if its a trail boss package then it gets the two speed transfer case but not necessarily able to get the tow package as it would depend on trim level and engine chosen. Believe me, people have bought the GM half tons assuming "of course it will have a two speed transfer case" only to find out after when they really pay attention to what they now own .... crap, there is NO low range !. 

 

I don't believe Ford or Ram have gone that way yet with their half tons but like I say its been a few years now that GM has done this with the half tons. 

Edited Saturday at 03:02 PM by Chuck FB

[rjgvt]

My last three 1/2 ton GMC SLE's had the Z71 package. All of them had the 2 speed transfer case and Auto 4WD. My AT4HD has all of the above standard. In order of use, I use Auto 4WD the most then 4High. I rarely use 4LOW but like having it anyways. My next truck will probably be another AT4HD.

[Chuck FB]

54 minutes ago, rjgvt said:

My last three 1/2 ton GMC SLE's had the Z71 package. All of them had the 2 speed transfer case and Auto 4WD. My AT4HD has all of the above standard. In order of use, I use Auto 4WD the most then 4High. I rarely use 4LOW but like having it anyways. My next truck will probably be another AT4HD.

 

Yes, the key seems to be with the half tons that if it has the Z71, then it definitely has the two speed. What got me was that the two speed AND the lower geared towing package option could not be chosen together the last few years unless it was mated up to the 6.2. Want the 3.0 duramax and 3.73 tow gears ... nope, can't get the two speed transfer case ( neighbor son realized that after he had bought his used 3.0 half ton .. where the frick is the low range ? ! ). 

 

I am still unsure which truck series, the half ton or the HD truck that the original poster is referring to for sure other than yes his question is in the HD section of this forum but that doesn't guarantee the question got asked in the right section.  

[Another JR]

4 low is really nice on steep boat ramps. 

[Chuck FB]

23 minutes ago, Another JR said:

4 low is really nice on steep boat ramps. 

 Yes, and also pulling heavy trailers or a large camper up steep grades as well as descending grades such as the more rustic off road camping locations and using engine braking with that low gearing as well as soft ground can just suck the power . I realize pickups these days tend to have an over all lower first gear ratio compared to automatic transmission pickups from years back so that has helped a lot in its ability in high range but there comes a point if in four wheel drive the torque runs out at the wheels, certainly with a gas engine. They don't put two speed transfer cases on pickups for a cool factor, they have a function if one needs that massive torque to the wheels that high range can't deliver.