Gears for 1996 GMC

[racerkyle]

I have a 1996 GMC Z-71 with 6 inch lift and 35 inch mud tires. But at 55 rpms are about 1400. Really lugging engine and I usually just have to drive in 3rd gear. Then it runs about 1900 rpms. It is susposed to have 3.42 gears in it. I got a price on changing gears. 360.00 labor plus I have to buy parts. So I'm thinking about 700 or 800 for everything including labor. But what gears do I need? I mostly just drive on the road to work and town and stuff. Not really off-roading. I want the rpms to be up where it will run good and still not kill my mpg. I'm told with the engine lugging it is using more gas then it would if the rpms were about 1800. Somebody told me 4.88 gears. I think that is crazy. I was thinking 3.73 or 4.11!

[tmf6902]

I don't know for sure, but I think 4.56 will do you good. Someone else on here will probably have a better idea for sure.

[snoman]

I don't know for sure, but I think 4.56 will do you good. Someone else on here will probably have a better idea for sure.

Agreed, at least 4.56. You might see what they would charge you if you buy the gears yourself becuase you can get a front a rear set on line for about $300 total. Man that truck has got to be a slug with 3.42's and 35's

[HvyChevyZ71]

I love my 4.56's, wouldnt event think about 4.10's. I pull about 2300 at 70mph and has tire burning power.