3.42 VS. 4.10

JML79 · March 11, 2005

I want to hear from those of you that have these. Most of the dealers in my area don't order the Ext. Cab Z-71's with anything but the 3.42. I realize this one gets better mileage (maybe?) than one with a 4.10, but it can't be that big of a difference. I drove a new one 2 weeks ago with the 3.42 and it felt like it needed more.

I can't even believe GM would only offer these 2 choices. It seems like one extreme to the other, with no middle ground like a 3.73!

asilverblazer · March 11, 2005

3.73 is only adequate, go for the 4.10. The truck will be useless for anything but highway driving with the 3.42.

99GMCZ71 · March 11, 2005

Go with the 4.10. The mileage claim on the window sticker is the same at least it was on my new 05 Avalanche. Glad I got the 4.10

ProSport Tim · March 11, 2005

I have an 05, 5.3l, with the 3.42's. It definitely needs more. Don't get me wrong the trucks got what it needs to get any job done. However, I find the truck constantly downshifting around town when a hill comes up. I believe the 3.73's are available now for the 05' models. The parts are $110 from GMC and about $200 to install. I'll be doing it soon.

SteveSierra · March 11, 2005

I have an 05, 5.3l, with the 3.42's. It definitely needs more. Don't get me wrong the trucks got what it needs to get any job done. However, I find the truck constantly downshifting around town when a hill comes up. I believe the 3.73's are available now for the 05' models. The parts are $110 from GMC and about $200 to install. I'll be doing it soon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't forget the install kit($150) per axle as well.

asilverblazer - The truck will be useless for anything but highway driving with the 3.42.

Tell me what your first hand experience with an 05 ecsb with these gears and towing is, then I'll tell you mine. What a rediculous statement at the very least.

JML79 - What are you going to be towing? Anything up to 6000 lbs is fine with

3.42's. I KNOW from personal experience. If you're going to be towing anything over 6,000 lbs for more than 2-3,000 miles a year, I wouldn't even be considering 1/2 tons.

asilverblazer · March 11, 2005

I have an 05, 5.3l, with the 3.42's. It definitely needs more. Don't get me wrong the trucks got what it needs to get any job done. However, I find the truck constantly downshifting around town when a hill comes up. I believe the 3.73's are available now for the 05' models. The parts are $110 from GMC and about $200 to install. I'll be doing it soon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't forget the install kit($150) per axle as well.

asilverblazer - The truck will be useless for anything but highway driving with the 3.42.

Tell me what your first hand experience with an 05 ecsb with these gears and towing is, then I'll tell you mine. What a rediculous statement at the very least.

JML79 - What are you going to be towing? Anything up to 6000 lbs is fine with

3.42's. I KNOW from personal experience. If you're going to be towing anything over 6,000 lbs for more than 2-3,000 miles a year, I wouldn't even be considering 1/2 tons.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I offered my opinion on a truck with a 3.42 gear ratio. If my truck ( a 99 ECSB) has difficulty getting loads moving from a stop (all sizes small empty trailers to large loaded trailers going across the state to across the city), downshifts going up hills (loaded or not) I feel it needs a lower gear ratio, I also have factory sized tires so no need to bark up that tree. The massive increase in torque and horsepower between the 05 and 99 at 1,000 rpm's to 2,500 rpm's will make a world of difference in towing, sorry but I'm gonna have to call

So what experience do you have that makes your opinion so much less ridiculous than mine?

And no offense to others that have the 05. I'm dieing off for my own, with a 4.10 rear end. But if any amount of towing is going to be done a 3.42 isn't going to cut it. My opinion which is what the topic starter asked for.

JML79 · March 11, 2005

I appreciate everyone's input so far.

Stevesierra-I am actually NOT going to be towing anything close to 6,000lbs. Nothing more than a couple of jet-skis and a 6x10 utility trailer loaded with dirt bikes.

My concern is more for the everyday driving experience. The '05 Z-71 I drove with 3.42's had the new 310HP Aluminum block 5.3, and to be honest, it did not have the "get up and go" from a stop that I was expecting-noticibly less than my old '01 Z-71 ext cab 5.3 with 3.73's. Don't get me wrong, I am way past the stage of racing from stoplights every day, but I feel like if I'm going out to buy a new truck, I want to make sure I don't turn around regretting the configuration I got.

I haven't even gotten to drive one with 4.10's yet-as they are not easy to find, but I plan on doing some searching this weekend to try one out.

I do want to hear real-world experiences from those who have them though!

seamonster · March 11, 2005

The 3:73 is now available-seems to be the best

"overall" ratio for towing and mileage. You may

have to order the truck or wait and see if some

show up on dealer lots. I order a crew cab with

the 3:73's

WyRam · March 12, 2005

I love my 4.10s...............!

KG4LHQ · March 12, 2005

I'm not sure if my vehicle has the 4.10 or not

2004 Chevy 4x4 WT... I'm thinking it has the 3.73 Ratio Transmission.

Great Truck None The Less 24,000 miles on it and still going strong!!!

Markeaux · March 12, 2005

I don't tow but wish I would have gotten 4.10's instead of 3.73's in my Hoe for better off-the-line go ... I could even feel the better off-line performance after switching from the stock 265/70 tires to slightly shorter 285/65 tires, that was nice. But then I switched to slightly taller 285/70's to better fill out the wheelwell and give a cushier ride but that small change really dropped the off-line performance.

JML79 · March 16, 2005

I drove a fully loaded Z-71 with the 4.10 yesterday (ext. cab). Compared to the 3.42, there was not a huge difference, although it may be noticeable when towing a heavy trailer. I guess I was expecting a night and day difference in the way the truck felt off the line, but it was not the case, in my opinion.

Shawn T · March 16, 2005

I have an 05, 5.3l, with the 3.42's. It definitely needs more. Don't get me wrong the trucks got what it needs to get any job done. However, I find the truck constantly downshifting around town when a hill comes up. I believe the 3.73's are available now for the 05' models. The parts are $110 from GMC and about $200 to install. I'll be doing it soon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't forget the install kit($150) per axle as well.

asilverblazer - The truck will be useless for anything but highway driving with the 3.42.

Tell me what your first hand experience with an 05 ecsb with these gears and towing is, then I'll tell you mine. What a rediculous statement at the very least.

JML79 - What are you going to be towing? Anything up to 6000 lbs is fine with

3.42's. I KNOW from personal experience. If you're going to be towing anything over 6,000 lbs for more than 2-3,000 miles a year, I wouldn't even be considering 1/2 tons.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I offered my opinion on a truck with a 3.42 gear ratio. If my truck ( a 99 ECSB) has difficulty getting loads moving from a stop (all sizes small empty trailers to large loaded trailers going across the state to across the city), downshifts going up hills (loaded or not) I feel it needs a lower gear ratio, I also have factory sized tires so no need to bark up that tree. The massive increase in torque and horsepower between the 05 and 99 at 1,000 rpm's to 2,500 rpm's will make a world of difference in towing, sorry but I'm gonna have to call

So what experience do you have that makes your opinion so much less ridiculous than mine?

And no offense to others that have the 05. I'm dieing off for my own, with a 4.10 rear end. But if any amount of towing is going to be done a 3.42 isn't going to cut it. My opinion which is what the topic starter asked for.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I totally agree. Gearing is everything. I increased my tire size from 245 to 285 and the performance is inhibited, even with the DMax. You can say all you want about the tire weight and moving mass, torque equations but after highway speeds are aquired it is all gearing. By decreasing the gear ratio with the bigger tires my "passing gear" is almost non-existant anymore. I also agree with you on the 05 HP ratings. BS. I owned a 99 and my company truck is an 05. Identical trucks but the 99 will eat it up. Torque management pretty much eliminates the whole thing. The throttle body cannot even open up before the 3000 RPM mark to achieve any kind of lower end torque or hp compared to the 99's(which I am sure they had a minor amount of TM). Maybe if you wanted to run at 4000 RPM all of the time you could tell the difference. But like I mentioned, my 99 would eat this 05 for breakfast. It is like driving a 6 cylinder around town.

Ben · March 16, 2005

"one size fits all" does not apply...

Very dependent on each application and preferences of the driver/owner.

If you use the truck mainly as a "car", then the lower numeric is "better" for the fuel economy. BUT only on a "light" weight vehicle. It lots of stop'n go, then the heavy weight will eat up any fuel savings forcing higher throttle to get it going.

If you use the truck as a "truck" and haul/tow/etc heavy, then the higher numeric is "better" for the performance and fuel economy. Fuel econ because with lower numeric and hauling/towing heavy will have much higher throttle settings most of the time, therefore higher fuel consumption.

Then the type of engine (small block, big block, diesel), the type of componets on the engine (cam, headers, high raise intake, etc), the size of the tires, etc.

Depends...

ProSport Tim · March 16, 2005

So do you guys think I'll be all set towing a 15' aluminum trailer with about 5 quads and two dirtbikes on it. It would be on average 3500-3700 lbs. including the trailer. I'd imagine I'd be all set as the trips are about 100-300 miles tops. I've got the 3.42's and she gets up and goes right off the line. I know there's more to her too. Cold air and a tuning should help.