Why does the spec sheet give a min and max for rear axle ratio?

[mrpep]

I pulled this list from the vin number spec sheet and there is alot of detail which is great but in regards to the axle rear ratio I have 2 specs which are the 3.73 and 3.42. Which one could it be or am I not understanding this correctly ?


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[lbrjet]

If you have a GM there should be a sticker on the glovebox door with an axle code. Look that up.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[mrpep]

Ok, thanks


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[mrpep]

Looks like I have a 3.42 . I read so many pros and cons online that I'm not sure what is best. Some say that lightweight like my 5000 lb trailer is ok with my v8 5.7L 3.42 and some say that the 3.73 or 4.10 is better and that the 3.42 will break down faster in hilly areas. Then you have those that say that 3.73 and 4.10 are bad on gas and on daily driving especially highway. Do you guys think I'm ok with 3.42 pulling about 5000 lbs ? Would you recommend hills?


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[youroo]

I find the 373 GR covers all my needs! Youroo!!

[MillerTime]

Originally Posted by mrpep

Looks like I have a 3.42 . I read so many pros and cons online that I'm not sure what is best. Some say that lightweight like my 5000 lb trailer is ok with my v8 5.7L 3.42 and some say that the 3.73 or 4.10 is better and that the 3.42 will break down faster in hilly areas. Then you have those that say that 3.73 and 4.10 are bad on gas and on daily driving especially highway. Do you guys think I'm ok with 3.42 pulling about 5000 lbs ? Would you recommend hills?


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It would help a lot to know......
make, model, year, engine

Here is the rear axle rpo codes (found in glove box) if its a gm vehicle

[mrpep]

It's a 2001 Chevy express 1500 v8 5.7 L


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[MillerTime]

Yeah 3.42 gears with that engine in a big ol vehicle like that, and towing a trailer that heavy....hills wont be fun and your tranny is at its limit without a trailer. Thats a heavy vehicle unless its a strip down work van.

[mrpep]

It's a conversion so it has some weight to it . I have a 11000 lbs capacity so if trailer is 5000 I have room for 6000 . Not sure what my van weighs though .


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[MillerTime]

Ok.
I've worked at gm dealers for years. The 4L60e is a good tranny, but your pushing the limits with the van. And being almost 16 years old doesnt help.
Im just offering advise. You might be fine, but i see a new tranny in you future if you tow that setup much.

[mrpep]

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[mrpep]

I see the GU6 so it's 3.42


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[mrpep]

Well I have a 11000 lbs combined weight - the van loaded weighs about 5200 and the trailer is about 5000 so I seem to have a little bit of cushion. I do use weight distribution hitches so not sure it that helps .


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[MillerTime]

Originally Posted by mrpep

Well I have a 11000 lbs combined weight - the van loaded weighs about 5200 and the trailer is about 5000 so I seem to have a little bit of cushion. I do use weight distribution hitches so not sure it that helps .


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Vans going to weigh more than that.

One of my trucks, my 2007 chevy silverado extended cab 2wd weighs 5200 lbs empty.
Your van is probably actually closer to 7,000 lb or more.
You need to run it by some scales and look at your door jam gvwr sticker and the upfitter sticker.

Im standing by the fact that your REALLY going to have issues with towing 5,000lb trailer with that setup.

Wdh isnt going to help this situation

[mrpep]

It dates here what front end and rear weigh, I just added them together .


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[mrpep]

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[mrpep]

It's tricky cause it states I can pull 7300 lbs with wdh so doesn't it know how much the van weighs ? These specs are from my vin too so if expect some kind of reliable information.


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[MillerTime]

It shows a capacity of combined 7600 lbs and the gvwr of 7100.

With a curb weight of 4639. That is most likely the stripped down weight before hundreds of lbs of conversion stuff goes in it.

That 255hp and 330ftlb tq is the killer.

Edit..with that initial curb weight i could easily see the converted weight to be 5600-6100lb or so.

[MillerTime]

Originally Posted by mrpep

It's tricky cause it states I can pull 7300 lbs with wdh so doesn't it know how much the van weighs ? These specs are from my vin too so if expect some kind of reliable information.


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Thats true but you still have to be under the max combined of the 11,000/12,000 lb.
Conversion vehicles and upfitted trucks are always tricky. We have a gmc 3500 van sitting here in the shop and it doesn't have the gvwr placard that i can find. But it has been upfitted with a bus body

[mrpep]

Originally Posted by MillerTime

It shows a capacity of combined 7600 lbs and the gvwr of 7100.

With a curb weight of 4639. That is most likely the stripped down weight before hundreds of lbs of conversion stuff goes in it.

That 255hp and 330ftlb tq is the killer.

Edit..with that initial curb weight i could easily see the converted weight to be 5600-6100lb or so.

Not sure I understand what you're getting at ... Please explain


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