Hello folks.

Any way to determine which 5.3 is in my truck and also what gears I have.

Just inherited this 2005 Silverado 4wd Z51 from my father-in-law.

Have the VIN but no build sheet.

Thanks a lot for any help with these questions.

Frank

 

Hello Frank! You might find a metal tag on an axle that will have a code or even the axle ratio, but its higly unlikely these days. The easiest way is to mark the driveshaft with something like a crayon or whiteout paper ink blotter and mark one of your tires the same way. Spin the tire slowly and see how many times the driveshaft rotates.

That will give you your gear ratio.


Common gear ratio's in Chevrolet's pickup line are 3.09, 3.42, 3.73, 4.11 and 4.56 to one. Some pickups often use a 3.55 to 1, but it's not common in Chevy pickups.

 

Hi, try the VIN Decoder (free) in the Tools section in the top header above this post. Or try compnine.com ($5), excellent decoder, and build sheet.

 

The VIN # tool works fine. However the colors listed dont always match. The VIN for my K-1500 says "Emerald Green", when in fact its "Forest Green Metallic" which is darker then Emerald Green. It' the original Chevrolet paint job too, so no mistake except on the only colors listed. Someone needed to check thier eyes in 1998!

 

Hi, the forum VIN Decoder is very basic, and on my vehicle, it missed several items. A GM dealership should be able to give you a printout, and compnine.com is excellent with a complete printout with RPO Codes.

 

I believe there should be the RPO code sticker in your glovebox, that will give you the build info on your truck.

It's how I learned my truck came with the z-71 package, but not the G80 differential, and it also told me I've got 3.73 gears.


There are also rpo decoders on the interwebs too.

 

Just thought I would let you folks know that I went to GM dealer and got the full printout for the truck I have.

Interesting reading to say the least.

Has the aluminum engine with 3.42 gears and G80.

Still don't think it's a Z71 though from what I'm reading.