Differential Gears Poll

If you've got an oddball stock gearset tell us why your truck is different.

Um....gimme the code for 3.73 and I can vote.

This was posted by salcker in an earlier thread.

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Check out the build sheet in your glovebox.

GT4 3.73 (most likely)
GT5 4.10
GT7 3.33
GT8 4.10
GU2 2.73
GU4 3.08
GU5 3.23
GU6 3.42
GV2 5.83
HC4 4.56
HC7 5.13
HE3 3.07
HF7 4.56
HF8 4.88

GT4 is the most popular ratio by far, you won't find most of these ratios any where near a Silverado, but I just threw them in anyway.

-salcker

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Newer trucks have 3:42 or 4:10 . 3:73 not a standard option anymore. (this is what I was told by fleet manager) when buying my 2005 truck.

Man, that sucks. I think 3.73 is a very good all around ratio...

Well, what is G80?

G80 is actually the ID for the limited slip differential. I'm thinking about looking for one of those.

Man, that sucks. I think 3.73 is a very good all around ratio...

I agree, my 98 Z71 had 3:73. Best for both highway and light to light street driving. The G80 is the RPO code for 10 bolt limited slip diff. carrier. It can have any of the available gear ratio's. In short, G80 has nothing to do with ring and pinion gear ratio's.

Had to throw the option in on the poll, I was curious what percent came with lockers.

G80 is the code for a eaton locker rear diff

gm quit putting in the 3.73 at the beginning of the year, but after quite a few complaints, they started using it as a standard around may. My new 2005 has the 3.73 in it.

is this code in the vin? sorry im thinkin its been a while since the actual build sheet has been in the glove box.

is this code in the vin? sorry im thinkin its been a while since the actual build sheet has been in the glove box.

Nope, the build sheet's still in the box...

The 4.10 G80 in my dads old 02 2500HD were great especialy if you ever had to tow a 10 story house.They shure do help that big vortec drain the gas tank thow.

3.42's for me (2004)

Mine came with 4.10's on my 4x4 5.3L automatic. Seems to be a good combo..reasonable power and mpg.

I just got a 04 GMC CrewCab/short bed 1500 2WD last weekend. It has the 3.42/posi in it.

03 silverado extended cab
5.3
GU6 (3.42)
G80 (locker)
towing package

If 4.10 hurt mpg it is barely noticeable and if you continually pull a 2½ ton load, the 4.10 is more economical. IMHO, the 3.73 is even uncomfortable in an unloaded truck with a 5.3 compared to 4.10's.

3.42's for me (2004)


hey i got the g80 i like itit sure reacts diff in the mud and snow compared to others whats your opinions better or worse

If you go to the other more performance minded forums you will find people calling them the "Grenade 80's." Even under normal non-abusive use some have had them lock and explode. I will take a G80 over a "Peg Leg." And then if you have "Traction Assist" with the switch to turn it on and off you will really like that set up.

As Busta said, G80 is the code for the rear locking differential installed by Chevy, but made by Eaton. You can get this option on 1/2, 3/4, and 1 tons.

my 04 only gets 12 mpg I blame the 4.10 rear
it launches like crazy though

in my 2000 v6 5spd reg cab short bed i have 3.42 and a limited slip diff.

I have a 2000 Z71 it is loaded with the standard 3.73 gears.. It's a good gear. Good on gas and can still smoke the tires.

I have the G80 and 3.42's.

If I did it over again I would get 3.73's...:banghead:

I'am with you on that vortec. I might trade mine in at the end of the year for the new bodystyle so I can get 3.73. I don't like my 3.42

I have the G80 and 3.42's.

If I did it over again I would get 3.73's...:banghead:


I agree..purely for performance reasons...but i'm sure over the years I would pay out the A$$ in fuel with a 3.73:banghead: ...

Crazy

3.73's are not bad on gass. I get almost 20mpg hwy. 5.3L

Well, what is G80?
G80 is a limited slip differential
second wheels spins when fistr one starts

I own a s10 zr2, lifted 5' and 33' bfg mud terrain, but im looking to buy a 2005 or 2006 silverado, and im wondering what set of gears i should get, im thinking about a 2500HD deisel and putting a supercharger on it in the future. I was thinking about 3.73's. would these be good for it?

I found what I guess is the build sheet. Top left corner says Fort Wayne Assembly. Block#35 says R/Axle, the code is FA6. Am I looking at the right sheet? If so, do I have an oddball differential?
Thanks.
Joe

I own a s10 zr2, lifted 5' and 33' bfg mud terrain, but im looking to buy a 2005 or 2006 silverado, and im wondering what set of gears i should get, im thinking about a 2500HD deisel and putting a supercharger on it in the future. I was thinking about 3.73's. would these be good for it?

if I am not mistaken, I believe 4.10's are stock for the 2500HD's

hmm ok thanks. i might get 33's on it then with the 4.10 gears to get better gas mileage, maybe ill have to look into that. thanks for the info

I thought that 3.73 was the only gear option for the D-MAX,

3.73's do not do very well for frequent towing. If you are getting a diseal it is under the assumption that towing and hauling is your priority, therefore 4.10's are the better way to go.

g80 4.10 in my 2500dh i get pretty good gas milage since the dealer tuned it to the vortec max program average about 18 unloaded about 15 laoded hauling water.

I have limited slip with 3.73's on my 01 5.3 Z71. I do mostly around town driving and the gas mileage isnt too bad like 15 or 16mpg. On the highway I think I can get up to 21mpg if I can stay around 70mph.

Mine had the 3.42.... untill today.... the truck is at the shot as we type getting 3.73's and a limited slip installed.

I'm hoping some of you are right about the milage being good with the 3.73's. I was getting about 16mpg in town and 17-18 highway with the 3.42's. My thoughts are with the added ~150 rpm it will get the truck up into it's power band a little better and not have to "work" as hard to maintain speed/power.

Oh and Isie, whats the deal with the dealer tune? Is that something that has to be yr/model specific, did they do you a "favor" or do I just need to go down and say I want this certain tune installed? (yes I know its nothing like a Nelson, Wheatly or whoever tune)

1500HD GT5 - 4.10 Sure likes gas