I have a question, my 95 chev 4x4 automatic has 373 gears in the rear end. I pull a 5th wheel (5000 lbs) and I am having troubles climbing hills. I am down to 25 or 30 MPH while towing. What gear ratio would work better to pull the trailer. How much would the cost be. Thanks woody
Hey fast 68, I just rebuilt my tranny 6000 miles ago. I put a stage 1 shift kit in it. I was surprise that it doesn t pull well also. Would the computer in the truck have something to do with it? Or maybe the timming? It seems to run okay with out the trailer. Woody
My truck is a 2003 3500 series Chevy Express van. It also has a 3.73 rear, and a 6L engine. I tow a 26 ft. Nomad with it, and I cringe whenever I encounter a long grade. Sometimes, I'm down to second gear, running about 40 or 45 to make the grade, and keeping an eye on the temperature gauge. I'm almost tempted to swap to a 4.10 rear, but then the gas mileage takes a nosedive. When I bought the van, I thought it would make a great tow vehicle, and it does OK except when a long grade is in sight. In my opinion, the 3.73 rear is marginally adequate for towing. The 4.10 would be a much better choice, except for the gas mileage. A friend has a 2500 series pick-up with a 4.10 rear, 6L engine, and gets lousy gas mileage, even when not towing anything.
hey oldguy48,Thanks for the reply. I know if i put 410s I will get lousy gas mileage. I just wondering if there is anything i can do with the engine to boost the power. Maybe another computer chip? Woody
You could put a better flowing intake and exhaust on to help a bit. Or you could swap in a more towing oriented cam.
4.10s would be a very good route to go though.
Or you could trade your truck for a 99-up Silverado 2500 with the 6.0. I have one with 3.73 gears and it can pull my 4500lb boat and trailer up most grades at 50-55 mph in 4th gear (it's a 5 speed stick) and get better than 13.5 mpg doing it.
Hey blazin72,I have a 2500 series silverado. I thought of replacing the cam but I think I will get better results with the gears. I m just wondering if I reprogram the ecm, would that be better than changing the gears. I amagine changiing the gears would be more exspensive. Trying to figure out what way would be best to get the most bang out of your buck. Thanks. Woody
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