Which gear ratio's are best

trever1t · November 14, 2005

Well i was thinking of changing out these 3.42's for somthing slightly lower but cant decide which to choose!

Most of my driving really is 5 miles each way to work, say 90% during the week, and only moderate highway trips on the weekend of around 30-50 miles each way. When on the highway i like to cruise at 75 but have been seen doing 90 for a stretch

Help me decide my fate!

Current running gear is 265/70/17 Will probably go to 285/70/17 next year!

Oh yeah, tell me what you run and why you chose one over the other, please!

6.slow · November 14, 2005

Well i was thinking of changing out these 3.42's for somthing slightly lower but cant decide which to choose!
Most of my driving really is 5 miles each way to work, say 90% during the week, and only moderate highway trips on the weekend of around 30-50 miles each way. When on the highway i like to cruise at 75 but have been seen doing 90 for a stretch

Help me decide my fate!

Current running gear is 265/70/17 Will probably go to 285/70/17 next year!

Oh yeah, tell me what you run and why you chose one over the other, please!

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I'd think the 3.73's ought to be good. I"m running 4.10's (actually 3.82's now with the 285's) After having the truck for nearly a year, I still keep checking to make sure it's not in 3rd because she runs a little high around 60mph. Doesn't sound like you do any towing. Gas mileage a factor?

trever1t · November 14, 2005

Yeah, kinda concerned about MPG. I mean i run a Wester's tune and only use premium brand name gas, not overly concerned but also thinking of long term wear on the motor, running at higher rpm's all the time!

99silveradoz71 · November 15, 2005

3.73's would serve you well I think. A good balance of power and economy.

NONSTOP SPEED · November 15, 2005

Have you looked into the cost of having the gears changed? My dad was gonna go to 4.10's in his 05 duramax dually because the d**n thing was gutless compared to his 01 8100 and it was gonna be like 4g's with the 4wd.

trever1t · November 15, 2005

$1000 parts and labor for front and rear, not including my choice of LSD.

So far its a close race on the choices, just like i feel, not a clear cut answer here yet!

Nick99Chevy · November 15, 2005

How about 3.90's ? Right in the middle.

trever1t · November 15, 2005

my first choice was 3.90 but they dont have'em for 4 wheel drive, or should i say for the front gears.

mcreyaufmiller · November 16, 2005

3.73's are a good all around mix of power and highway. the 4.10's are more for pulling and the 3.42's are pure highway. I believe the best mix of all are the 3.73.

MS3DALE · November 16, 2005

I like my 3.73's.

As everyone else said about them,It's a good all around mix of power and gas mileage.

Nick99Chevy · November 16, 2005

my first choice was 3.90 but they dont have'em for 4 wheel drive, or should i say for the front gears.

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Gotcha.

trever1t · November 16, 2005

3.73 has almost double the vote! I am inclined to agree, even though the 4.10 would be a kick in the pants, the 3.73's just make more sense! I really dont plan on lifting my truck and if i can ever afford $3k on a good lift and tires, i can afford to re-gear!

trever1t · November 16, 2005

If you are running one of these choices please tell me why you voted and what gear/tire size you're running, thanks.

fossil · November 16, 2005

I got 4.10's. Same year and model as you looking at the truck picture. I get a consistent 25 mpg highway(at 65-70mph) and 21 mpg city. Thats on a Canadian gallon which is slightly bigger than a US gallon. 95% of the dealers here bring in their new stock with 4.10 gears. According to dealers, they actually get slighter better mpg as the engine is operating in a more efficient torque/power band and you have the added power and torque. Likewise with the 5.3l engine vs the 4.8l which they also try to avoid. I think the 3.73's would be more suited to a truck with the 6L engine as even with mine with the 4.10's when I get into the mountains, the 5.3L seems to be a bit underpowered compared to my former 5.7L which had the 3.73's.