Chevy 2500 Gasser Axle Ratio?

[LeadPoison]

I am probably going to pull the trigger on a new Chevy 2500 this week. I only pull 10K (tractor and trailer) 600-700 miles a year so the cost of the Duramax/Allison really isn't justified nor affordable for me. I don't need 4WD.

My question is which axle ratio should I go with and what type of MPG should I expect? 3.73 or 4.10?

 

[cp1969]

3.73's.

Can't help you with mpg; I haven't owned a Chevy in a while.

edit: maybe some explanation is in order. With 3.73's you can always drop down a gear in the transmission to get the equivalent of 4.11's. If you always have 4.11's, there is nothing you can do but put up with the extra rpm's of the engine at all times.

 

[DieselPower]

Depends, what's the final drive ratio of the transmission. Overdrive, 1:1.....

 

[LeadPoison]

Good point there.

 

[DieselPower]

And the tire size. There are alot of things to consider when picking a gear ratio. What is the engines optimum powerband, transmission final drive ratio and tire size all play a role in picking gears. Tire size has bitten more people in the rear end then most. Changing tire size can greatly effect your true final gear ratio.

 

[George2615]

If you are only going to pull a 10K load 600-700 miles a year get the 3.73 ratio for better economy. 3.73's will handle that load with no problem. For the gas engine I would expect you to get 15-17 MPG empty (maybe more depends on how much of a lead foot you have). I'd also suggest the 6.0 with the 6 speed trans with tow mode. Tow mode allow the trans shift points to change for better economy and less lugging the engine while towing. I tow less than you and I opted for the Duramax with Allison and tow package and of course 4 wheel drive for my part of the country. I figured the diesel engine would out last a gasser by a few hundred thousand miles in the long run. My diesel also gets better mileage than my previous gas Chevy truck ever did. I run 18-20 MPG empty and 14-15 while towing 7K. The gas engine won't give you that mileage while towing. These are just my opinions so good luck with your choice.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

And more food for thought on the diesel you don't need to be high on the rpms to get torque. I towed a 10k dump trailer this weekend up some pretty sick grades. I couldn't even feel the trailer back there. I would have dreaded those grades with a gasser for sure. I didn't think I could justify the diesel either. But it was well worth the extra$$$$. Just my two cents!!

Matt T.

 

[LeadPoison]

Well we will see. I am going to the dealer tomorrow to see what I can find. I will report back.

 

[Joe1]

Leadpoison:

You didn't specify which engine you intended to buy. As a general rule, the smaller the engine the lower the rear axle, i.e. 4:11 on small engine, 3:73 on larger engine.

 

[LeadPoison]

It will be the 6.0.

I talked to a guy who has the 2500 6.0 4WD with 4.10s. He is getting 12.5-13.0 in the city and 15 hwy. I think I can live with that considering the amount the Duramax/Allison would set me back.