Chevy 2500 Gasser Axle Ratio?

[KAB]

Have you concidered a 1500 with the NHT tow package? That would give you the 6.0, 3.73, and approx 10,100 in WD hitch tow capacity. You could go either the old or new body style.

I typically advise against this since it would be pushing the limits. But even the 2500HD only has a 10,100 tow capacity using a WD hitch.

If you will be carrying a load in the bed you will want the 2500 HD. I was actually ready to see if you chaecked in the 1500HD (used to be a 2500) with 3.73 but the tow capacity dropped 2000#.

There are some of all of the above trucks in (within 200 miles) of your area. The new body style of the 2500HD crew cabs have not started to ship yet.

If you check here under online order guide you can get more details and what can be ordered and specs.

Kurt

 

[LeadPoison]

Thanks for al the info guys. I called the salesman today and told him I was going to go with the 2500. The rebates and bonus dollars I have on my GM credit Card are just too good NOT to go with the 2500.

 

[hosejockey2002]

The GCWR (gross combined weight rating) for the 2500HD 6.0/4.10 combo is 16000 lbs. Towing 10K will put you right up against that number. With 3.73s that figure drops to 14K. That truck will pull 10K OK, but it will rev on hills. Mine is comfortable running 4500-5000 rpm, pulling a 6% grade at 60 mph or so, loaded to 14.5K GCW. The 4L80E transmission has a relatively high first gear ratio, so if you need to get your load moving on a very steep hill you may have a tough time. Once you are rolling or on the freeway you should have decent performance. Just push the tow haul button and let it rev. I get an honest average 10 mpg, mostly stop and go city driving towing a 6x12 enclosed trailer with my truck.

 

[wkpoor]

I have a 3500 2002 chevy panel van that does all my towing. It has the 3.73 and many times I wished I had the 4.10. I agree however the 3.73 will get you by most of the time. I routinely haul around 8000lbs. with little trouble. I also agree with the fact that the 4L80E tranny is tall geared in first. Its a tough trans but the lighter duty 60 series has a nice first gear. As for using a 1500 vs 2500 no way. The rear end of the 2500 is a floating type that will be much better at carrying weight.
I just hate those commercials showing half tons pulling 10,000lbs. They are always towing a boat. Never seen one yet show pulling a skid steer or something with real tonque weight.

 

[KICK]

I just hate those commercials showing half tons pulling 10,000lbs. They are always towing a boat. Never seen one yet show pulling a skid steer or something with real tonque weight.

you aint lying.... out of sheer desperation I pulled our skid steer loader a couple miles with my old 95 GMC 1500 with 5.0.

I don't think it would hold up very long, not to mention ten thousand pounds will push 1/2 ton truck around like it aint even there.

 

[Redbug]

I have a 2006 GMC 6.0 gasser 2500HD. I have the 4.10 ratio...which is standard for the 4x4's. In real life, I don't think you would notice that much difference in the gas mileage between 4.10 and 3.73. Go with the 4.10. You want the full capacity of the truck you are buying.

Make sure you get the tow package! Then, when you do get your truck, unbolt that crappy standard 7000lb hitch and and get one rated for real class 5 towing. One good example is a Putnam XDR. I don't know why GM puts an underclass hitch on a truck designed for more capacity...other than to save money. Then, you can grind off the 2 inch reciever portion from the junk hitch and weld it on your box blade, etc. for moving trailers around with the tractor. Ask me how I know...

 

[jayhaitch]

I just calculated my fuel consumption for my 2001 Ford Expedition 5.4: 12.0 miles per US gal since Jan 1 of this year. This does include a few weeks of -30C weather, and quite a bit of 4 wheel high on snow covered roads, but only about 60 miles of light towing. Yup, it's bad......

 

[LeadPoison]

Well I drove her home Thursday. I went with the 2500 with 4.10s. I took it on a 300 mile round trip this weekend to the deer camp. I averaged 13.6 MPG on my first tank of fuel. This is averaging about 70 MPH. Not the best by any means, but I can deal with it. Hopefully over time it will pick up 2-3 miles per gallon after it breaks in and I get some larger tires after the stock ones wear out.

 

[jayhaitch]

Congrats on your new baby! Im sure you ll enjoy the capability of a great hauling vehicle. Let us know what the milage does once you ve got 5-10K on it.

 

[cp1969]

Well I drove her home Thursday. I went with the 2500 with 4.10s. I took it on a 300 mile round trip this weekend to the deer camp. I averaged 13.6 MPG on my first tank of fuel. This is averaging about 70 MPH. Not the best by any means, but I can deal with it. Hopefully over time it will pick up 2-3 miles per gallon after it breaks in and I get some larger tires after the stock ones wear out.

Isn't that doing the same thing as what a lower axle ratio would have done?