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Old 08-19-2012, 04:23 PM   #1
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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.
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Old 08-19-2012, 04:37 PM   #2
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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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Old 08-19-2012, 05:18 PM   #3
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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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Old 08-19-2012, 05:38 PM   #4
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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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Old 08-19-2012, 05:51 PM   #5
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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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Old 08-19-2012, 05:57 PM   #6
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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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Old 08-19-2012, 06:00 PM   #7
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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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Old 08-19-2012, 06:22 PM   #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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Old 08-20-2012, 05:49 AM   #9
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Here are some links with the info you need
http://www.ringpinion.com/Calculators/Calculators.aspx

http://www.ringpinion.com/
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Old 08-20-2012, 07:45 AM   #10
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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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Old 08-20-2012, 09:19 AM   #11
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Here is a link. Scroll about 1/2 way down the page and there is a chart for your truck.
http://www.silveradosierra.com/towin...-t1919-10.html
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Old 08-20-2012, 10:59 AM   #12
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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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Old 08-20-2012, 11:42 AM   #13
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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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Old 08-20-2012, 05:32 PM   #14
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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?
The driveshaft turns 3.73 times each time the rear wheels rotate one time.
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Old 08-20-2012, 05:46 PM   #15
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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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Old 08-20-2012, 05:49 PM   #16
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2011 Sierra 5.3 crew cab short bed.
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Old 08-20-2012, 06:13 PM   #17
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Quote:
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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

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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Old 08-20-2012, 06:20 PM   #18
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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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Old 08-20-2012, 07:29 PM   #19
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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
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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Old 08-21-2012, 06:50 AM   #20
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Quote:
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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
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...
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