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08-19-2012, 04:23 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 31
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Rear Axle Gear Change
I need some expert advise. I have a 2011 GMC Sierra 5.3 with 3.08s. It pulls my ultra lite 254 OK, but not great. My question is should I have the gears changed to 3.73s? Anyone know what this would cost? Is it worth it? Thanks for your input.
Gary
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08-19-2012, 04:37 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Forest
Posts: 634
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It would make a big difference towing and you would use more gas all the time. You have to check around on the cost of changing the gears in your axle, but you might find it cheaper to swap out the entire axle with a low milage used axle of the desired ratio.
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08-19-2012, 05:18 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Merrimack NH
Posts: 917
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Based on that rear gear ratio it looks like your tv does not have a tow package so there are other things that you should look into if you haven't already like trany cooler, tires, cooling system . That 254 has a gross weight of over 6 k really taxing on any vehicle never mind one without a tow package. I assume you have a 2 wheel drive so you could spend close to a grand.
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Larry & Rachel Demers 2013 F150 Eco Boost Super Cab 6.5 bed 6 sp. 3.31 4x4 White Hawk 28DSBH
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08-19-2012, 05:38 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Merrimack NH
Posts: 917
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boatman-- If your GMC is a 1500 you may be exceding it's gcwr ( combo weight of the tt & tv) so you might want to consider a different tv.
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Larry & Rachel Demers 2013 F150 Eco Boost Super Cab 6.5 bed 6 sp. 3.31 4x4 White Hawk 28DSBH
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08-19-2012, 05:51 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 31
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Thanks for the quick responses. Yes, it is a Texas Edition and has the tow package and transmission cooler. Maximum trailer weight is 6800. GCWR is 12200. Truck weighs about 5500 loaded and trailer right at 5000 loaded. My concern is the 3.08s. Would it increase my towing capacity to go with 3.73s?
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08-19-2012, 05:57 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 8
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A gear swap would increase the towing capacity significantly if you already have the towing package. It would make towing your tt much easier.
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08-19-2012, 06:00 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 31
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That's what I was hoping for. I'm going to check tomorrow about the cost to make that swap. Anyone have a ballpark figure?
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08-19-2012, 06:22 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 8
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It will cost a small fortune at the dealership, but it will still be under warranty. If you know a good reputable shop that has experience with gear swaps, they will be cheaper. Get several estimates if you can. Not sure but you may need to have pcm reflashed for new gears.
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08-20-2012, 05:49 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,714
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Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days boondockinig in2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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08-20-2012, 07:45 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Merrimack NH
Posts: 917
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Boatman--- With that gear change you'll think you have a new truck. If you change the gear be sure to get your computer recalabrated. Good luck Larry
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Larry & Rachel Demers 2013 F150 Eco Boost Super Cab 6.5 bed 6 sp. 3.31 4x4 White Hawk 28DSBH
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08-20-2012, 10:59 AM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 31
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Thanks everyone for the information/help. I've got some calls in trying to get estimates. I'll keep you posted.
GF
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08-20-2012, 11:42 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CT
Posts: 361
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what do these numbers mean? 3:73 does that mean there is a 3 tooth to 73 tooth ration from one gear to another?
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Model X19H Expandable
GMC Sierra Pick up
Been a camper since I was a kid, and that was a long time ago :)
From pup tents with no floors, to tents with floors and flies, to a pop up, to the expandable.
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08-20-2012, 05:32 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckworkb
what do these numbers mean? 3:73 does that mean there is a 3 tooth to 73 tooth ration from one gear to another?
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The driveshaft turns 3.73 times each time the rear wheels rotate one time.
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08-20-2012, 05:46 PM
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#15
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 31
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I have some info. $1800 to swap 3.08s to 3.73s. Warranty would remain intact. Quicksilverado, do you think that is worth the $. Also, do you know how much it would increase towing capacity?
GF
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08-20-2012, 05:49 PM
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#16
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: North Texas
Posts: 31
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2011 Sierra 5.3 crew cab short bed.
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08-20-2012, 06:13 PM
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#17
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 17,091
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatman
I have some info. $1800 to swap 3.08s to 3.73s. Warranty would remain intact. Quicksilverado, do you think that is worth the $. Also, do you know how much it would increase towing capacity?
GF
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Wow, 1800. I guess as a factory option its an easy upgrade, my 04 1500 has the 3.73 rr and it was only a $50 option over the standard rear at the time. I can tell you the gas mileage is still pretty decent with the 3.73 rr 4 spd tranny I have. Not sure how the new six speed tranny`s work with the 3.73 rr as far as mileage. Might try asking here: http://www.silveradosierra.com/
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2017 Coachmen Catalina 283RKS
2018 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2l CCSB
2010 Jayflight 28BHS (sold)
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08-20-2012, 06:20 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Arizona City
Posts: 10,135
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I was thinking about the same thing. Did some checking here in Tucson and replacing all the seals, new bearings and changing from 3:73 to 4:30 were going to cost 1600.00 and that was for 2 axles, We have a 4x4.. Also don't forget to recalibrate the speedometer.
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2018 Jayco Jayfeather 27 RL, 2002 Ford excursion, v-10, 3:73 gears 4x4 mine. 2020 Buick Encore Hers, Retired Air Force, now Retired.
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08-20-2012, 07:29 PM
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#19
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatman
I have some info. $1800 to swap 3.08s to 3.73s. Warranty would remain intact. Quicksilverado, do you think that is worth the $. Also, do you know how much it would increase towing capacity?
GF
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According to the chart I referred you to earlier 3.42s would increase towing capacity from 6700 lbs to 9500 lbs. They do not show 3.73s, probably because it was not an option. Price will vary a good bit from one region to another. 1800.00 does seem to be on the high side though.
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08-21-2012, 06:50 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,714
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatman
I have some info. $1800 to swap 3.08s to 3.73s. Warranty would remain intact. Quicksilverado, do you think that is worth the $. Also, do you know how much it would increase towing capacity?
GF
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The towing capacity that if left the factory with is the legal capacity for life.. no matter what changes you make... I found that out the hard way after being pulled over...
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days boondockinig in2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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