joe in calif

I have a 2000 silverado with a 5.3 V8 with a 4 speed automatic tranny and a 3.73 rear end. I want to up my towing my capacity. I think with a 4.10 I can tow a bigger trailer. Can I put in 4.10 gears or do I have to get a new rear end? I'm new to this stuff so any help would be appreciated.Thanks

country_09

Towin capacity will be about the same. May be able to pull it a lil better, but only way to up the towin capacity is a bigger motor with more power under the hood. And goin from 3.73s to 4.10s, you won't see much of a difference, and do you have 4wd or 2wd?

joe in calif

Well I guess I really don't need more towing capacity but making it a little easier to pull the trailer up hills is what I'm looking for. It's a 2 wheel drive. On my last trip my GPS sent me to a road I was not familiar with, a small 2 lane mountain road that was very steep, I made it but it was a slow go. Just wanted to know what I could do to help towing if that ever happens again.

country_09

4.10s will help for sure, but won't help out as much as you think. Add a tranny cooler to if you tow that much

ChevyTuscany

I don't think you would see much difference. If your doing alot of pulling might be worth switching, but if you mostly drive without towing you will get a little better milage with the 3.73. My truck has 4.10 and I wish I had the 3.73 as I pull my holiday trailer only about 6 to 10 times a year, mostly empty or with a quad in the back

ericnottelin

Can't relate to the 5.3. However, I have a 8k camper (28' toy hualer). I went from an 08 4.8l 2x4 to a 08 6.0l vortex max 4x4. Both trucks have the 3.73 rear ends. What an amazing difference in towing ability. I only wish I had the 6 speed tranny. The 4.8l really struggled (as I was way over the rated towing for that engine). I live in Florida and the 4.8l got 9mpg consistently at 55mph. However, it really wouldn't go any faster. The 6.0l gets about the same fuel mileage while towing (actually a little less overall - fractions of a mpg). I have gotten it up to 75 mph without any problems. Well except for the fuel mileage (at that speed - 6-7 mpg). I average it around 60 mph @ 8-8.5 mpg. I did catch a semi on one portion and was able to draft off him for most of that portion of the trip. Averaged 65 mph @ 9.5 mpg.

Would hate to change gears to the 4.10s as my non-towing mileage is a little rough. But when I'm towing, I love the power.

I hope this helps.

Eric

SweetEmotion

I have to agree with everybody. Investing money into 4.10s wont help as much. Take that money and invest in more engine power. HD trans kit. Programmer. 1/2 ton GMs were never blowing anybody away with their towing capabilities, but with the right upgrades they can be suitable for normal towing duties.