2003 Tahoe/4.56 gears on 33s?

[Em Vee]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone out there has 4.56 gears with 33s? I’m highly considering it but would love to hear feedback from those who have had or currently have this set up. I off road often and I rarely tow. I do 15 mile drive to work, all highway. Please and thank you.
Vehicle is a 2003 Tahoe z71 with factory 3.73 gears.

 

[Mudsport96]

If 15 miles highway is the norm 4.56s will be ok.

 

[Em Vee]

If 15 miles highway is the norm 4.56s will be ok.View attachment 363883

If I recall correctly, My final drive ratio is 1:1. The .70 is for the 4l80e.

 

[DirtDigler]

Be aware, your ABS and brake light will light up your dash. Simple fix with a tuner.

 

[Mudsport96]

If I recall correctly, My final drive ratio is 1:1. The .70 is for the 4l80e.

You should have the 4l60e with a .70 overdrive, unless you put in a 3 speed transmission. Also the 80e has a .79 od

 

[Bill 1960]

I had the H3 which was factory equipped with 33’s and 4.56 using the same transmission. It was great. And still capable to cruise at freeway speeds all day long.

 

[Em Vee]

You should have the 4l60e with a .70 overdrive, unless you put in a 3 speed transmission. Also the 80e has a .79 od

Thank you brother.

 

[Em Vee]

I

Be aware, your ABS and brake light will light up your dash. Simple fix with a tuner.

I have a superchips dashpaq already. It can calibrate Speedo.

 

[Mudsport96]

Id be interested in before and after mpg info. Seeing as these tahoes ate already on a 31.5ish to 32 you really arent going taller by much. So i think the better gearing will help with short trip mileage and probably be a wash for highway.

I dont know how these specific rigs act with gearing for certain, but my older 9th gen ford forum sees improvements.
Especially the 5.0 trucks, 4.10s were a rare option back then so the basic gearing was 3.55 at best and 2.73 at the worst and many truck getting 3.08 or 3.31s. One guy on the forum went from a 2.73 to a 3.73 and picked up 3 mpg just because the engine wasnt lugging and hunting for the right gear anymore. Even 3.55 to a 4.10 guys pick up 2mpg.

So i am interested in your results with a newer vehicle.

 

[MassHoe04]

It can be hard to find that sweet spot between overall performance and cool factor.

Daily driver vs. dedicated trail machine.
Highway vs. city commutes.
Acceleration vs. cruising speed.

I ended up swapping a set 285/50 R20 sport tires on some really nice Torque Thrust rims for a beater set of stock 16" Silverado rims, because the Silverado rims had narrower tires mounted. They are smaller than I really want (245 series), but the narrow footprint is doing very well in the winter driving conditions. Better than the slick-tread 285 tires would. Id do want slightly bigger, somewhat more aggressive (AT tread maybe AT/M+S). I may put 275/75 R16 on the beater Silverado rims or pick up a set of later model take-offs (17 or 18 inch GM rims) with maybe 265/75 R17 (or 18). I understand the 265s to be approximately 32". I think tread width would be no wider than 9.5 or 10".

With crummy roads in MA, not-so-wide tread widths are greatly appreciated in the snow/slush and fatter sidewalls are loved when pothole season arrives. That season seems to get longer and longer!

I am sure you'l find the right combo for yourself and the kind of driving you do.