I see other Tahoe owners have issues with the ability to tow trailers larger than 25 feet long. I have a 2015 LS. Towing capacity is 6600 lbs. If my vehicle had the 3.42 axle ratio, the towing capacity rises to 8600 lbs. Can the 3.08 axle be converted to a 3.42 axle ratio? What will it take?

 

yep, you can swap it out...if you have 4wd you gotta do front and rear diffs...maybe $3000 grand.

 

Thank you for the quick reply. I was hoping a couple of gears could be changed out in the differential for an easy and cheap fix.

 

any way to test drive one with the rear end you want?

 

Axle gear swaps are easy for someone who knows what they're doing and has the proper tools to do it. Because of the close tolerances and settings for proper gear mesh and lash and tools required, it is a job beyond the ability of most driveway mechanics and best left to someone who does them regularly. New ring gears and pinion gears can be pricey, as well, and must be bought in a set. You will also need a trip to the dealer to have your speedo re-calibrated as it will be inaccurate with the new gearing.

 

There's no way you'll safely tow an 8600-lb trailer with a Tahoe. You don't have the payload, and you have a low rear axle weight rating.

And the length of the trailer (and the stability) is based on the wheelbase of your vehicle, not its weight rating.

6600 lbs will be plenty for your Tahoe to handle. Changing gear ratios doesn't change the physics/dynamics of pulling a too-heavy trailer with a too-short tow vehicle.