Changing rear gearing

[txtruck]

I have a 97 2500. It has the 8 lug wheels, 3.73 ratio and limited slip diff.

I have only had her about a month, so I haven't really gotten to know her yet. However, I don't seem to have alot of get up an go. I have the 5.7 litre engine, and I guess I was looking for a little more of a nimble take off like my Tahoe, even though this has the long box and is a heavier truck.

Is there a way to improve off the line performance yet get decent gas mileage?

Speaking of gas mileage, I can't find anything that tells me what size gas tank I have. I was just about empty and put 30 gallons in it. Is it a 34 gallon tank?

[Shaners]

34 gallons seems right for that truck.  Jp (one of our moderators) has a truck like yours and I'm sure he can help when he gets back from showing his livestock at the fair...  hang tight for a day or two and I'll make sure he sees this thread...

[NeXuS1]

my dad's 97 2500 seems to go pretty good with the 3.73s but he also has a 454 that might help..  i really not sure if you want to go to like 4.10 (like i'm running) depending how you drive it COULD make milage worse. maybe do some performance mods? more power is always good to have. from what i can tell

[Guest Friz]

If you don't have the 26 gal in a long bed, you have the 34.

BTW there is a recall for that tank. It tends to rub on a frame rail. Make sure that it has been taken care of.

[NeXuS1]

wasnt there a 36 gallon version ? or was it something i think i saw?

[DigUout]

Quote: from txtruck on 7:51 pm on Aug. 9, 2001

 

Is there a way to improve off the line performance yet get decent gas mileage?

 

 

Honestly, no.  At least not both, together.  Anything you do for one will likey counteract the other.  It's just a big a$$ truck.  High dollar performance mods will not likely give you enough MPG improvements to justify their price over the long run.  4:10 gears would be a better combo with the 5.7 longbed, but wouldn't help MPG.  You could probably pull an Exxon station behind you though!