Please educate yourself!

[CinderSchnauzer]

I think a lot of the problem/confusion comes from buyers (of used, not new) seeing the truck factory fitted w/tow package thinking it is geared for towing and don't give a second thought about it, myself included. I was more concerned about having a posi traction than the gear ratio.

With GM product (don't know about the others) take the VIN to the Parts Dept and they can print a Build Sheet showing every standard and optional code - with English description - that is on the truck.

 

[Patches]

I don't want to start a "my truck can beat your truck" post, but do want to respond to (brain55's) post as it refers to 1/2 ton trucks. I bought a 1/2 ton because it's my daily driver, I'm not a full time tower, and I want (reasonable) fuel mileage. I bought an '07 Toyota Tundra, 4X4, 5.7, 6 speed, 4:30 gear ratio with a tow package. Transmission ratio's are 1st-3.333 2nd-1.960 3rd-1.353 4th-1.00 5th-.728 and 6th-.588. This summer I towed a couple tractors to pulling events for a friend; 1, a 200 Farmall weighing 3500# and 2,a 960 Ford with pie weights and 1,000# of suitcase weights, weighing a little over 5,500# on a 16ft flat bed Bri-Mar tandem axle trailer. I'm estimating the trailer weighs somewhere around 3,500#. That's somewhere around 12,500# and the truck towed it easily. I wouldn't want to tow it cross-country, but I was totally surprised how easily the truck towed it, and yes, I kept it out of 6th gear. I routinely get 18+ mpg unloaded(in summer). So yes, in my opinion, and in opposition to "brain55", there is a place in the towing ranks for a 1/2 ton truck

 

[Wis Bang]

With GM product (don't know about the others) take the VIN to the Parts Dept and they can print a Build Sheet showing every standard and optional code - with English description - that is on the truck.

It the sticker is intact on the inside of the glove box door, you can write down the 3 character 'RPO' codes and there are listings online that will translate what you have [one poster above referenced then w/ GT4 = 3:72 ratio] and you would be surprised what they do tell you.

I bought a used 2005 Silverado 1500 'worktruck' w/ the 4.3L V6 and 4x4. It is a single cab longbed w/ crank windows and a floorshift 4x4.

It shows I have the 3:72 and the G80 [positraction] differential. It also tells me F75 = final transaxle drive ratio 3:18 which doesn't make any sense so it may not be 100% correct but I did learn alot about the truck.

Since all I tow is a small aluminum jonboat and a small snowmobile trailer w/ the odd sub 1000# load, I got just what I wanted.

Anyone who does not research what the are buying shouldn't be griping about what they were sold; the 6 speed auto wasn't made for the consumer, GM did it to improve the CAFE rating same as switching to 5W 30 oil...thinner oil improves mileage, they are looking for every little bit they can get.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Are you sure that it says F75? That wouldn't even be for a truck. Any chance you have a red truck?

That highlights the problem with the glove box codes. First you have to be able to read them (worn and / or poor lighting) there could be 50 - 60 codes, so you have to figure out which ones are important to whatever you're trying to find and third, hope the info found on the Internet is correct and applies to your year.

That's why with the GM I suggested taking the VIN to the dealer and have him print out the build sheet.

Here are some of the GM RPO Codes that could be important for towing:

GT4 Rear Axle 3:73
K47 High Capacity Air Cleaner
G80 Locking Rear Differential
KNP Transmission Fluid Cooler
Z82 H.D. Trailering Equipment
VR4 Weight Dist Platform Trailer Hitch

 

[rback33]

I asked a salesman what rear end was in a F250 once and he looked back at me with a dear in the headlights stare... he had no CLUE what I was asking..... we made an offer contingent on the answer since no one was around to check into it. It was a 3:55.. we didn't buy.

 

[Soundguy]

wow.. 3.08 and I thought the 3.73 in my f250 were a bit too tall to tow with. Makes me not feel so bad about the f450 with 4.88 rear and a max speed of 70mph

soundguy

 

[Renze]

Remember, it's the transmission that has to make up the difference. That equals more heat and less durability.

The only component in an automatic driveline that generates heat, is the converter. Not the planetary gears or clutch packs (unless they are slipping)
Actually its useless to debate this if people dont even understand the basics...

 

[Wis Bang]

Are you sure that it says F75? That wouldn't even be for a truck. Any chance you have a red truck?

It is white. The F75 is out of position as there are several F codes b/4 the two G codes for the axle & posi...I was interested to see there were codes showing this truck was ordered b/4 it was built...

 

[Soundguy]

Are you sure that it says F75? That wouldn't even be for a truck. Any chance you have a red truck?

red truck? explain?

soundguy

 

[crbr]

.....He also stated he just got back from a trip to Dale Hollow Lake which is in the western part of the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee.

Chris

The Smokey Mountains are in extreme eastern Tennessee, of which border and define North Carolina, as entity of the Smokey Mountain National Park, being a part of the Appalachian Mountain chain.

Dale Hollow Lake is in northeastern middle Tennessee, roughly 150 miles away.

Just sayin'.......