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Chevy Silverado 1500 with 3.08 or 3.42 gears – Tweet
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We've been experimenting with many stock and aftermarket gear sets in our 2011 Chevy Silverado test truck and have some rather conclusive results from our experiences. First off is the effect of the 6L80E 6 speed and its ultra low first gear. We were astonished at the towing abilities of the truck even with the stock 3.08 gear set. Getting a heavy load moving was much easier than we expected and with the use of the electronic towing mode, accelerating all the way up to highway speeds was quite effortless.
Moving to the optional 3.42 gears made all the same feats just that much easier. If you plan on doing a lot of towing, opting for the 3.42 would be a no brainer. For those doing mainly city and rural driving, the 3.42 gear option is once again the way to go.
Comparing the 3.08 to the 3.42 gears in a new Chevy Silverado 1500.
Tested on the 2011 Chevy Silverado, the results would be identical for the new 2012 Silverado. Both the 2011 and the 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500's offer basically the same drive trains including engines, transmissions and differentials. So here is where we are and how we arrived at these conclusions.
- For those that do a lot of highway driving the 3.08's are a gas saving option. With the lower RPM's being turned your gas mileage long term reliability may be a little better.
- Planning on towing with your Silverado? If so we suggest the 3.42 or even the 3.73 axle ratios to give that little bit of extra torque from the slightly higher RPM's. If ordering the trailering towing package you will not have the option for the 3.08 gears as Chevy has also done their homework and understands the need for lower gears.
- Adding larger or even heaver tires to your truck considerably changes the equation and now the 3.42 ratio is not only a better choice but one that we deem to be necessary. Without the lower gears your Silverado would be laboring even at highway speeds. See the charts on gear ratios and tire sizes.
2013 Chevy Silverado Concept: Change is a coming in the Chevrolet line of trucks and it looks like the 2013 Silverado will be one totally new ride.