2007 Nbs 4.8l For Towing

[sambuhler]

I have a 2007 NBS Chevy Silverado 4.8L WT 2WD Ext Cab Std Bed with factory tow package. Unfortunately, I have the 3.23 rear axle ratio which on the NBS puts a max tow rating at 4700 lbs. It seemed as though the 2007 Classics and older models were able to handle about 1,000 lbs more even with the 3.23 rear axle ratio. I currently pull our camper with my wife's 2007 Nissan Armada, but the lease will be up in less than a year and don't know if I will purchase another big vehicle at that time.

 

The camper is approximately 5500-6000 lbs loaded. I have been told by some shops that what I have will pull it fine. Online I have been reading that I really need to have a rear axle ratio of 3.73 or 4.10. With the 3.73 the tow rating is pushed to 6700 lbs. There does not seem to be anything out for 4.10 unless it is a 4WD. I have been told that the gm parts to get the job done are extremely expensive ($1,200 just for the parts).

 

My question to the experts .... What part #s are actually needed to complete this job? What do you recommend - tow as is? upgrade to 3.73 or 4.10? Unfortunately, trade-in values have tanked on these vehicles, so unloading it does not seem to be an option.

 

Thoughts???

[66nova]

I have a 2007 NBS Chevy Silverado 4.8L WT 2WD Ext Cab Std Bed with factory tow package. Unfortunately, I have the 3.23 rear axle ratio which on the NBS puts a max tow rating at 4700 lbs. It seemed as though the 2007 Classics and older models were able to handle about 1,000 lbs more even with the 3.23 rear axle ratio. I currently pull our camper with my wife's 2007 Nissan Armada, but the lease will be up in less than a year and don't know if I will purchase another big vehicle at that time.

 

The camper is approximately 5500-6000 lbs loaded. I have been told by some shops that what I have will pull it fine. Online I have been reading that I really need to have a rear axle ratio of 3.73 or 4.10. With the 3.73 the tow rating is pushed to 6700 lbs. There does not seem to be anything out for 4.10 unless it is a 4WD. I have been told that the gm parts to get the job done are extremely expensive ($1,200 just for the parts).

 

My question to the experts .... What part #s are actually needed to complete this job? What do you recommend - tow as is? upgrade to 3.73 or 4.10? Unfortunately, trade-in values have tanked on these vehicles, so unloading it does not seem to be an option.

 

Thoughts???

 

Will your truck handle it? Probably fine. Will it be a pleasurable experience? I highly doubt it.

 

If you tow a lot, I would say get the 4.10's. If you don't tow but a couple time a year, the 3.73's should be fine. I don't know any of the part numbers you will need, but I know you can get it done MUCH cheaper than $1200 at about any other shop besides the dealer. You don't need much as far as parts...gear set, maybe a gasket(not sure if these new rear ends use gaskets or silicon) and some rear end grease.

 

If it were me, here is what I would do. I would pick the gears I needed (based on towing frequency), have a rear end shop install them, then I would email Justin at Blackbear performance for a tune and he will recalibrate you speedo for the new gears. I personally would probably go with 4.10s since the 4.8s like rpm.

 

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

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