Gear ratios - how do I tell?

[greywolf2112]

OK, tell me a little about gear ratios. How do I tell what one my (soon to be bought) 2002-2003 Suburban 2500 with 6.0L engine has?

 

Can you change it as well - if so, is it expensive?

 

What is the most common one - this vehicle will be used almost exclusively for towing about a 5000-6500 pound travel trailer.

 

Thanks!

[C & A s Dad]

You can pull numbers from the axle housing or there are also code #s in the glove compartment that will tell you. On a 1500 series it would most likely be 3.73s but on a 2500 I am not sure if more of them came with 3.73s or 4.10s. On a 1500 if the stock size tires are on the truck it will be running 2,000 RPMs at 65 MPH if you have 4.10s.

 

They can be changed but it is expensive. You would likely be better off finding a complete rear end from a salvage yard if you decided to change them. However, with a camper wt that you are speaking of, you will be fine with either the 3.73 or 4.10.

 

How many miles a year will you be towing the camper?

[greywolf2112]

You can pull numbers from the axle housing or there are also code #s in the glove compartment that will tell you. On a 1500 series it would most likely be 3.73s but on a 2500 I am not sure if more of them came with 3.73s or 4.10s. On a 1500 if the stock size tires are on the truck it will be running 2,000 RPMs at 65 MPH if you have 4.10s.

 

They can be changed but it is expensive. You would likely be better off finding a complete rear end from a salvage yard if you decided to change them. However, with a camper wt that you are speaking of, you will be fine with either the 3.73 or 4.10.

 

How many miles a year will you be towing the camper?

 

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Maybe 5000 a year at most. And that is pushing it.

 

I may have found a nice deal on a 2500 8.1L, too!