2006 1500 Rear End

[FFD93]

I am sure this is a common topic, but I am new here. I just bought a 1500 Z71 extended cab short bed with a 5.3L, 4x4, and locking rear differential. I could only find this truck with a 3:43 rear end, GM is trying to make it better on fuel I think. I wanted the 3:73, how big of a project is it to change the gears, someting my local shop could handle, of is it too much of a problem to even bother with. I do plan on towing, but not all this time, 23' boat would be the most. I do not want 4:10's, had those on another truck, and my father has them on his 2500HD, geared too low for what I plan on doing with the truck. Any help would be great.

[01z71]

From what I have read it is an expensive job. Re-Gearing the rear end and with the 4WD I think you have to re-gear the front.

 

I have an '04 with the 3.73 and was wanting to get an '06 close-out but I could only find the with the 3.42.

 

I do tow about 1 or 2 times a month and like the 3.73.

 

I think others could provide more input but it sounds like a fairly involved project to do it.

[Ape0r]

It will cost at least $1500, probably over $2000 for both ends, unless you find junkyard axles and stick 'em on yourself. Probably better off just trying to run lower gears when possible. The 3.42 gets you to a real nice RPM in third around 60-65.