JohnScott

~SPONSOR~
May 22, 2001
96
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What do you guys recommend for rear-end ratio on a 2003 Chevy K2500HD, 4.11 or 3.73? I like the 4.11 for towing but I will only be towing 10% of the time - I prefer the good (ok, better) gas mileage that I think the 3.73 will yield. Any opinions?

John
 

Drew 674

Member
Jul 25, 2002
152
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if your just going to highway drive and not pull anything..i'd say the 3.73 or 3.90 if it's an option. If your gonna tow anything or put bigger tires on it, go for the 4.11!
 

Highbeam

~SPONSOR~
Jun 13, 2001
665
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4.11s all the way. I have the 3.73 in a half ton and with the overdrive trannies that chevy is using (not the allison) the OD is a very tall gear.

The stock tires are tiny and rather girlish looking. When you bump up to a reasonable size, you will be glad you got the 4.11 rear end.

Towing capacity is increased with the 4.11 rear end.

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone kicking themselves for getting 4.11s instead of a taller gear set like the 3.73.

Really there is not much difference anyway. If you were trying to decide between the 3.42 and the 4.11 then you would have to have a serious priority setting session.

Did I mention you should get the 4.11 rear end ratio?
 

Highbeam

~SPONSOR~
Jun 13, 2001
665
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On edit.... if you are opting for the diesel, the manual tranny, or the allison 5 speed tranny then I may have a different answer.
 

Camstyn

LIFETIME SPONSOR
Oct 3, 1999
2,247
2
If you get the 6.0L you are stuck with the 4.10 rear end. The duramax, and you're stuck with the 3.73 rear end. The only one you have a choice with is the 8.1L, and it should have plenty of power to run the 3.73 rear end.
 

Tony Williams

LIFETIME SPONSOR
Mar 23, 2000
592
0
I'd say go with the 3.73 with the Allison transmission, since I presume you're not towing a backhoe or some other really heavy thing. You have no choice with the diesel... it only comes with 3.73.

If you plan on putting larger diameter tires EVER, or getting the manual transmission, I'd get 4.10.
 
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