Bought a new truck. Sierra 5.3L 8 speed auto. I haul a camper for work (6500lbs) so I went with the max trailering package that up’d my gears from 3.23 to 3.42. I’m wanting to install either a leveling kit or 4” suspension with 33’s/35’s. Not wanting to crawl rocks, just something to give it a more aggressive look and make it easier on the hunting trails. My question is with the larger tires and me pulling a camper some for work would I benefit from new gears? Just trying to not over work my engine and transmission. Can the 3.42’s handle it?

This post was edited on 12/16/17 at 1:26 pm

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Posted by X123F45

Member since Apr 2015

27414 posts

Posted on 12/16/17 at 1:20 pm to GAFF

You geared 6% lower and are going to jump up maybe 3% in tire size?

Don't new trucks come with 33.5s

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Posted by jimbeam

University of LSU

Member since Oct 2011

75703 posts

Posted on 12/16/17 at 1:21 pm to GAFF

You're going to love something close to 4

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Posted by GAFF

Georgia

Member since Aug 2010

2450 posts

Posted on 12/16/17 at 1:24 pm to X123F45

Mine are currently 275/55r20’s which I think are 31’s?

This post was edited on 12/16/17 at 1:26 pm

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Posted by RoIITide

Member since Dec 2010

852 posts

Posted on 12/16/17 at 3:59 pm to jimbeam

quote:
You're going to love something close to 4

This.

I have an 02 Tahoe 2wd with 5.3 and stock wheels geared 3.73. It'll pull a boat and small camper fine, but 6500# would be a chore.

I don't know if the 8 speed transmission would make a big difference, but I also think you might need to get closer to 4.

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Posted by 44Bogger

Beauregard

Member since May 2014

161 posts

Posted on 12/16/17 at 8:21 pm to GAFF

Max trailering is 3.73's.
That's what mine has with 34" Toyo's.
I had the gears installed after the fact though.
Like said above.
I shoulda went with 4.10.
Do not fear the gear.

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