4:10's?

[Kodiak450]

I wanted to get some feedback on 4:10 gear ratio. I recently found out via vin check that my truck has a 4:10 gear ratio. This would help explain some things more clearly for me. Ever since I got the truck I always took noticed to how aggressive the rear is in traction and easily prone to wheel spin on gravel and wet pavement, say compared to my other truck that had 3:73 rear. Also have a hell of a time getting the rear tires off and have to be hit with a mallet to knock them loose. My Blazer also has this problem, but the wheels don't lock as bad as my 2500 does.

 

I've also heard that having 4:10's is a harder engine life on the engine.

 

Power wise I notice a big difference between 4:10's vs 3:73's especially in pick up speed. I posted in another topic not long ago about how I wore down a pair of BFG's in under 15,000 miles and needed to replace them. I got some good feed back from others and also picked up some tips. But I really feel that having 4:10's would play it's role in excessive tire wear, correct?

[Q101ATFD]

I wanted to get some feedback on 4:10 gear ratio. I recently found out via vin check that my truck has a 4:10 gear ratio. This would help explain some things more clearly for me. Ever since I got the truck I always took noticed to how aggressive the rear is in traction and easily prone to wheel spin on gravel and wet pavement, say compared to my other truck that had 3:73 rear. Also have a hell of a time getting the rear tires off and have to be hit with a mallet to knock them loose. My Blazer also has this problem, but the wheels don't lock as bad as my 2500 does.

 

I've also heard that having 4:10's is a harder engine life on the engine.

 

Power wise I notice a big difference between 4:10's vs 3:73's especially in pick up speed. I posted in another topic not long ago about how I wore down a pair of BFG's in under 15,000 miles and needed to replace them. I got some good feed back from others and also picked up some tips. But I really feel that having 4:10's would play it's role in excessive tire wear, correct?

 

First off, having a 4.10 ratio has nothing to do with excessive tire wear. No matter which ratio you have, you are always going to accelerate at the same rate-ish. I'm not talking about the engine, I'm talking about personal preference - and 3.73's would take more power to get you the same feeling as the 4.10's.

 

The 4.10's are actually better for engine life because they keep your engine closer to it's power band. Lugging an engine is way worse than running it at a mid-range RPM.

 

I remember reading some of your previous post about the tires, and I think the real problem is a combination of your driving habits and the soft rubber compound that are in the BFG's.

[Kodiak450]

But what I noticed between a 3:73 rear in my other truck and the 4:10's in my other truck, that the truck with the 4:10's has a much more powerful feel when taking off. Grant it both trucks have different engines, and the truck with the 3:73 doesn't have a locking diff. Yes my driving habits definately would have an effect, no doubt about that. I also heard that 4:10's would give you a little less in gas mileage. Is that true?

[wellinghurst]

But what I noticed between a 3:73 rear in my other truck and the 4:10's in my other truck, that the truck with the 4:10's has a much more powerful feel when taking off. Grant it both trucks have different engines, and the truck with the 3:73 doesn't have a locking diff. Yes my driving habits definately would have an effect, no doubt about that. I also heard that 4:10's would give you a little less in gas mileage. Is that true?

 

MPG can be marginally lower on the highway, but the overall driveability and usefulness of 4.10s wins out in my book. I am sure they made 4.10's the only option for the 6.0 2500HD's for several years. I like rolling down the highway pulling my boat without the tranny ever shifting.

[dewfpo]

The 4.10's are only 10% lower than 3.73's so the difference can't that great. It is noticeable but it can't be earth shattering just because of the gears. If the truck with 4.10's feels so much better than something else is going on as well. Smaller tires than your 3.73, chip, exhaust, CAI, etc....

 

DEWFPO

[nbscanuck]

4.10s are significantly quicker off the line thant 3.73. Block raced a guy with the same truck the other night. Across a 4 lane intersection I had him cleared by a length. We stopped and he asked WHY? We both had tunes (Diablo me, Superchips him). 5.3L, same size tires, CAI, the only difference was gears.

 

4.10 will gear poorer mileage because the engine has more RPM to get same MPH.

 

4.10 will pull trailers/loads better because the engine is in the "sweet spot" for HP and torque.

 

4.10 WILL NOT wear out tires faster. Only is you are spinning them. My BFGs are have 11000 miles (lots of gravel, which is VERY hard on any tire) and they look good. I also tow a trailer (see signature) which is also hard on tires (extra load and heat)

[[email protected]]

4:10s are not the only option for a 2500HD. I just bought a new 2008 2500HD with 3:73.

[350forme]

I would be curious as to the different gearing in the transmission also.

[wellinghurst]

4:10s are not the only option for a 2500HD. I just bought a new 2008 2500HD with 3:73.

 

They were for a few years-like in 2003.

 

One other thing, running 285's effectively "turned my 4.10's into 3.83's" according to the calculator. Just a note to add.

[Kodiak450]

3:73 is the stock rear that comes with all HD and non HD trucks, 4:10's are an upgraded option. I never though when I bought my 03 it had 4:10's, kind of a hard to find option on most lots. I am not complaining about having 4:10's, I am happy to know I have them. I do alot of pulling of my trailer with my equipment, every week and up and down elevated areas. The traction and power m 2500 has vs my F250 is the difference between night and day. I just find having 4:10's and driving on gravel roads my truck doesn't take much to spin the wheels, unlike my other trucks do/done. I also find having 4:10's when snow plowing alto better experience as well. I actually feel like I have alot more power and traction when pushing the snow, especially in 2wd when it is slushy conditions and don't require 4 wheel drive.

 

I am still under a testing phase with taking the advice of not keeping the psi in my tires @ 65 psi anymore and will have to wait unil Feb 09 to see how well the tire held up.

 

I remember back in the mid to late 90's when the F250 was my primary vehicle in use about inquiring about changing the rear from 3:73 to a 4:10 rear because I heard 4:10's were a more powerful gear to have. Anyway I was told that in the long run it wasn't such a great idea because I would get worse mileage and that the 4:10's temd to wear down your engine faster. However according to you people, you say the opposite and also I viewed some other online sources that state similar facts which you guys contributed.

 

Now is the 4:10 rear the only available rear from GM presently as an option? I know that they come stock with 3:73, I just wanted to know if they started offering even bigger gears on the 1/2, 3/4. and 1 ton trucks.

[Kodiak450]

This is my build sheet info thanks to MS3DALE for his help..

VIN 1GCHK29U73E313925

VEHICLE BUILD

Merchandising Model : CK25953 -2003 SILVERADO LS 2500HD 4WD EXT CAB

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4177 kg (9210 lb)

Order Number : GFDNXC

Build Date : 04/17/2003

Build Plant : 13E53

GMVIS is not the definitive source of GM Vehicle RPO information and is intended for service reference only. Should there be any questions about the vehicle's original build or RPO information please refer to the original vehicle invoice or window sticker.

OPTION CODES

AE7 - 40/20/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT

AJ1 - DEEP TINTED GLASS

AM7 - FOLDING REAR SEAT

AU0 - KEYLESS REMOTE DOOR LOCK

AU3 - POWER DOOR LOCK SYSTEM

A31 - POWER WINDOWS

B30 - WHEELHOUSING & FLOOR CARPETING

B32 - FRONT COLOR-KEYED FLOOR MATS

B33 - REAR COLOR KEYED FLOOR MATS

B71 - WHEEL OPENING FLARES

B85 - BRIGHT BODY SIDE MOLDINGS

CJ3 - AIR COND., DUAL ZONE MANUAL (REPLACES AIR COND. IN PKG)

C49 - ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

C6W - GVW RATING - 9,200 LBS

DF5 - ISRV MIRROR W/COMPASS & TEMP

DK7 - INTERIOR CUSTOM ROOF CONSOLE

DL8 - DUAL PWR HEATED OSRV MIRRORS

E2C - ORDER TO DELIVERY - EXPEDITE

E63 - FLEETSIDE BODY

FE9 - FEDERAL/NY/VT EMISSIONS

FT2 - ARM TORS BAR SPRING ADJ

FT3 - ARM TORS BAR SPRING ADJ

GMC - ASSEMBLY PLANT-PONTIAC EAST

GT5 - REAR AXLE - 4.10 RATIO

G80 - LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL-REAR AXLE

HVY - IDEN 2 INCH BODY RAISE,HD MODEL

JH6 - 4 WHEEL POWER DISC BRAKES, HD

KC4 - ENGINE OIL COOLING SYSTEM

KNP - HD AUX TRANSMISSION COOLING SYS

KUP - THROTTLE CONTROL ELECTRONIC

K34 - CRUISE CONTROL

K47 - HIGH CAPACITY AIR CLEANER

K68 - 105 AMP DELCOTRON GENERATOR

LQ4 - VORTEC 6000 V8 SFI GAS ENGINE

MT1 - HD 4-SPD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NA4 - HEAVY DUTY EMISSIONS

NP2 - MANUAL SHIFT TRANSFER CASE

NP5 - LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL

NT9 - EMISSION SYSTEM FEDERAL TIER 2 PHASE OUT

PDD - COLOR-KEYED CARPET

PY0 - POLISHED ALUMINUM WHEELS

QIW - LT245/75R16/E ON-OFF ROAD BW TIRES

R9U - GM ACCESS - AUTOBOOK IDENTIFIER

R9Z - POMS EXPEDITE-SOLD ORDERS

SLL - SOLD ORDERS

TR3 - CHROME GRILLE

UB1 - AM/FM STEREO W/CD, CASSETTE, AND BOSE SPEAKER SYSTEM

UQ3 - ENHANCED AUDIO SPEAKERS

UY2 - CAMPER/5TH WHEEL TRAILER WIRING PROVISIONS

VB3 - CHROME REAR STEP BUMPER

VG3 - FRONT DELUXE CHROMED BUMPER

VR4 - WEIGHT DISTRIB. PLATFORM HITCH

VXS - COMPLETE VEHICLE LABEL

V73 - STATEMENT OF VEHICLE CERT.-U.S. /CANADA

XGK - LT245/75R16/E ON-OFF ROAD BW TIRES-FRONT

X88 - CHEVROLET CONVERSION

YD3 - BASE EQUIP FOR SCH GVW PL-FT AX

YD6 - BASE REAR SPRING

YE9 - SILVERADO

YGK - LT245/75R16/E ON-OFF ROAD BW TIRES-REAR

ZGK - LT245/75R16/E ON-OFF ROAD BW TIRES-SPARE TIRE

ZY1 - SOLID PAINT

Z82 - HEAVY DUTY TRAILERING EQUIPMENT

Z85 - HEAVY DUTY SUSPENSION

1SB - LS DECOR INCLUDES: * AIR COND, DUAL ZONE MANUAL * DUAL PWR HEATED OSRV MIRRORS * REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER * AM/FM STEREO W/CD PLAYER * CHROME STYLED STEEL WHEELS * ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL * POWER LOCKS & WINDOWS * REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY WITH CONTENT THEFT ALARM * ISRV MIRROR W/COMPASS &TEMP * LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHL * BODY SIDE MOLDINGS

1SZ - PREFERRED EQUIPMENT SAVINGS

6GK - FRONT SPRING

62U - DK GRAY METALLIC

69D - DARK CHARCOAL - CUSTOM CLOTH

69I - DK PEWTER INTERIOR TRIM

7GK - FRONT SPRING

 

 

Where it says gross vehicle weight rating (9210). Is that the actaul weight? I always thought that I weighed in around 4800 lbs.

 

Then I take it where it says Chevrolet conversion, that is the E85 compatibility?

 

It also mentions it came with Bose speakers. If memory serves me correctly, I don't recall seeing Boses badge on the stock speakers after I took them out and put in my Memphis speakers. (I do believe that I recall seeing a made in Mexico tag on the stock speakers).

[dewfpo]

3:73 is the stock rear that comes with all HD and non HD trucks, 4:10's are an upgraded option. I never though when I bought my 03 it had 4:10's, kind of a hard to find option on most lots. I am not complaining about having 4:10's, I am happy to know I have them. I do alot of pulling of my trailer with my equipment, every week and up and down elevated areas. The traction and power m 2500 has vs my F250 is the difference between night and day. I just find having 4:10's and driving on gravel roads my truck doesn't take much to spin the wheels, unlike my other trucks do/done. I also find having 4:10's when snow plowing alto better experience as well. I actually feel like I have alot more power and traction when pushing the snow, especially in 2wd when it is slushy conditions and don't require 4 wheel drive.

 

I am still under a testing phase with taking the advice of not keeping the psi in my tires @ 65 psi anymore and will have to wait unil Feb 09 to see how well the tire held up.

 

I remember back in the mid to late 90's when the F250 was my primary vehicle in use about inquiring about changing the rear from 3:73 to a 4:10 rear because I heard 4:10's were a more powerful gear to have. Anyway I was told that in the long run it wasn't such a great idea because I would get worse mileage and that the 4:10's temd to wear down your engine faster. However according to you people, you say the opposite and also I viewed some other online sources that state similar facts which you guys contributed.

 

Now is the 4:10 rear the only available rear from GM presently as an option? I know that they come stock with 3:73, I just wanted to know if they started offering even bigger gears on the 1/2, 3/4. and 1 ton trucks.

 

As far as the HD's go, It is my understanding that the 6.0 gassers came standard with the 4.10's, the 3.73's were standard in the diesels and the 8.1L gassers, with the 4.10's being an option with the 8.1L gasser.

 

DEWFPO

[wellinghurst]

3:73 is the stock rear that comes with all HD and non HD trucks, 4:10's are an upgraded option. I never though when I bought my 03 it had 4:10's, kind of a hard to find option on most lots.

 

 

Every 2003 2500HD and 3500 with a 6.0 came with 4.10s. Only 8.1's (either 3.73 or 4.10) and Duramax's (only 3.73's) came with 3.73's. I promise. They made them like that for a few years before they offered 3.73's with a 6.0. I have my Silverado book from my dealer back in the Fall of 2002 right here.

 

After having my truck, I will not go lower than a 4.10 ever again. Being able to go whatever speed I want up whatever hill without downshifting makes it worth it to me.

[Kodiak450]

3:73 is the stock rear that comes with all HD and non HD trucks, 4:10's are an upgraded option. I never though when I bought my 03 it had 4:10's, kind of a hard to find option on most lots.

 

 

Every 2003 2500HD and 3500 with a 6.0 came with 4.10s. Only 8.1's (either 3.73 or 4.10) and Duramax's (only 3.73's) came with 3.73's. I promise. They made them like that for a few years before they offered 3.73's with a 6.0. I have my Silverado book from my dealer back in the Fall of 2002 right here.

 

After having my truck, I will not go lower than a 4.10 ever again. Being able to go whatever speed I want up whatever hill without downshifting makes it worth it to me.

 

 

How about the 5.7 era? What did they come stock with? I was assuming GM had 3:73's as stock. Been a Ford truck person for a long time and I know Ford always had 3:73's as stock and 4:10's being an option. Another reason why GM trucks are better then Fords and are more powerful. I too share the same opinion as you, after having 4:10's I would never get any gear configuration lower then that. When I got my 03 2500, I was so amazed how powerful it was hauling my trailer loaded with equipment up steep inclines, my F250 felt sluggish and most of the time could not be in the fast lane when going up inclines while pulling my trailer with equipment. With my 03 it's a totally different story, I can be in the fast lane pulling my trailer with my equipment and pass vehicles to my right easily. Gotta love them Chevy's!