Looking for some advice before I buy a '10 Tahoe. New gearing option for this year is 3.08 (not available w/HD towing package). 3.42 is standard w/HD towing package. I put on about 18,000 miles per year driving empty and 4000 miles pulling a 21' ski boat in summer and a 4 place inline snowmobile trailer in winter. Thoughts on whether I'd be better off with 3.08 (better fuel economy) or 3.42 w/HD tow package (better for towing)? Trade off either way I realize, but I would appreciate any feed back from guys who know the 5.3 and how gear ratios affect mpg, towing capacity, etc with the 6 speed transmissions. Thanks!
3.08 or 3.42 Gears?
- Thread starter jlringle
- Start date
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blueflamed03
Supporting Member
these like to rev, I'd love to have 4.10s actually, get at LEAST the 3.42...forget the 3.08s, even with the new 6 speed.
Zed 71
Full Access Member
I have 4.10s but only the 4 speed. You are still towing a lot of miles and IMO I would rather have the shorter gears. I definetly would not get the 3.08s.
You should test drive them back to back and keep an eye on the instant mileage readout for relative differences. I test drove to see the difference and I liked how the 4.10 truck felt (although 4 speed).
You should test drive them back to back and keep an eye on the instant mileage readout for relative differences. I test drove to see the difference and I liked how the 4.10 truck felt (although 4 speed).
InTruckDesign
Full Access Member
Like Zed I have 4.10/4spd. my bro and father have 3.42/6spd. and from a dig they are very comparable on the highway they are running slightly lower rpm which allows them to get better mileage. That being said if I were looking at buying a new tahoe it would be 3.73/6spd and never look back.
