Panik
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2013
- Messages
- 389
- Tractor
- Kubota bx2360
So I am in the process of getting ready to purchase a new vehicle. For the several years I have been using a 2006 Jeep Commander with the 4.7L V8 as a do everything vehicle. Don't get me wrong it is a nice SUV for one person or a couple, but it doesn't exactly meet my needs. It's horribly cramped when loaded with 3 kids, has a small cargo area, and occasionally cries for mercy when I use it to tow.
To that end I have been looking hard at getting a 2014 4WD 1500 Sierra Crew Cab in some flavor of SLE. Personally I think they look pretty sharp both inside and out. My personal preference mind you, not trying to talk down about other brands - prior to driving the Heep I used to drive an 01 Dakota.
Anyways I was wondering if anyone had any insight into the mpg difference between the 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratio? Outfitted correctly, the difference in towing capacity is supposedly 9,500 vs 11,000 lbs. Not that I expect to come near the max capacity anytime in this truck's life, but I do appreciate the idea of having extra towing ability if necessary. As well, while we don't live in the mountains per se, we are in the foothills and there enough elevation changes to cause the Heep to strain and hunt for gears towing the BX on a 20 Kaufman utility trailer.
I tend to waffle on the axle ratio. Part me just says to get the 3.73 and be done with it, but I also don't want to be a year down the road and kicking myself each time I look at the gas gauge. If y'all have any thoughts that might sway me I would appreciate your input on the subject.
Basically, I am trying to get all my ducks in a row, because for the love, people haven't been kidding about sticker shock regarding trucks these days. It's been 13 years since I have been able to purchase a vehicle for myself and if I am going to be getting a truck that has a ~ $43,000 MSRP I am going to be darned sure to do everything I can to get it configured exactly the way I would like. To that end I am trying negotiating/purchasing over the phone a go. Hopefully I'll be able to avoid the majority of the hassle and pressures associated with the sales lots. Anyways, thanks for reading and happy early Father's Day to all of the other dads out there. :thumbsup:
To that end I have been looking hard at getting a 2014 4WD 1500 Sierra Crew Cab in some flavor of SLE. Personally I think they look pretty sharp both inside and out. My personal preference mind you, not trying to talk down about other brands - prior to driving the Heep I used to drive an 01 Dakota.
Anyways I was wondering if anyone had any insight into the mpg difference between the 3.42 and 3.73 axle ratio? Outfitted correctly, the difference in towing capacity is supposedly 9,500 vs 11,000 lbs. Not that I expect to come near the max capacity anytime in this truck's life, but I do appreciate the idea of having extra towing ability if necessary. As well, while we don't live in the mountains per se, we are in the foothills and there enough elevation changes to cause the Heep to strain and hunt for gears towing the BX on a 20 Kaufman utility trailer.
I tend to waffle on the axle ratio. Part me just says to get the 3.73 and be done with it, but I also don't want to be a year down the road and kicking myself each time I look at the gas gauge. If y'all have any thoughts that might sway me I would appreciate your input on the subject.
Basically, I am trying to get all my ducks in a row, because for the love, people haven't been kidding about sticker shock regarding trucks these days. It's been 13 years since I have been able to purchase a vehicle for myself and if I am going to be getting a truck that has a ~ $43,000 MSRP I am going to be darned sure to do everything I can to get it configured exactly the way I would like. To that end I am trying negotiating/purchasing over the phone a go. Hopefully I'll be able to avoid the majority of the hassle and pressures associated with the sales lots. Anyways, thanks for reading and happy early Father's Day to all of the other dads out there. :thumbsup:
Its just that while I am reasonably mechanically inclined, I've never been big into vehicles and would like to better understand the real world benefits/differences if significant between the two.
