I purchased a used 2012 Chevy 2500HD Z-71 recently. 6.0 l gas engine with towing package with large trans cooler and brake controller. It has 3.73 gears in axle and I found that is a major limiting factor vs 4.10 gears. About 3-4k towing difference. Current towing capacity is 9500 pounds according to door jam. Anyone upgraded gears from 3.73 to 4.10? Getting conflicting info from dealerships versus local shops to whether to do it or not or if it's even possible. Anyone done this or know of this being done? Pros? Cons? Can't afford new diesel so that's not an option. It's not my daily driver so little less MPG doesn't really bother me. Better to go with Cold Air Intake and new free flowing exhaust system? Any ideas to help get higher towing capacity would help. Looking at towing 12500lb 5th wheel. Thanks.

 

forget the cai and exhaust...jewellery...complete waste.

the 4.10 are a great ratio...my 06 6.0L 2500 had them. I have driven trucks with both ratios and i would not want any other. my fuel mileage was pretty good imo.
what is the tow rating with the 4.10?

no air bag or spring helper will raise the legal limit of the tow capacity.

 

My truck with the 3.73 gears says on it 9500 pounds Towing. In the trailering guide that lists out all different Manufacturers towing capacity it shows the 410 gear as over 13,000 to almost 13,900 pounds Towing. My fifth wheel travel trailer weighs 12500 pounds dry. When I picked it up from the dealership and drove it home with my truck as is the trucks was level no problem without any extras. It just didn't have as much torque getting up and going from stop. I'm really wanting to make sure that I have enough power to go up hills without damaging anything major.

 

the rear end swap would be the best choice imo but it will cost to do frt and rear diffs.

 

About $2750 for front and rear with reprogramming

 

aftermarket parts or oem? that is a good price for oem installed. i have seen some issues with crown runnout with aftermarket crown and pinion sets...causing a howl at highway speed.

 

Smaller time Tech that owns his own place says would only recommend AAM for that same reason but he doesn't have equipment to calibrate speedo. I also had quote from local 4 wheel parts national store. Thought he spoke with guy at G2 gears? When I asked him if he was quoting oem or aftermarket he said they would put back on what brand they took off. Like AAM for AAM or Dana for Dana. Not sure how to really tell oem from after market being regular non-technical guy. How would someone like me know if they were telling me the truth or not whether it was oem or not?