I'm looking to purchase a 2013 or 2014 used Suburban in the next month and a half or so. I will need to get all the towing capacity out of it as possible. I know I need the 3.42 axel ratio. Being that I'm looking for used, is there a certain model that I would look for that comes with the 3.42 standard? Or is this just something I will have to be specifically on the look out for. Also, is getting the heavy duty towing package something I can add on later, or is it only something that is done in factory and I just need to look for it to be already there. I wish I could just go in and get brand new and have it exactly the way I want, but the $20,000 difference between 2013 and 2015 just doesn't allow that to happen for me. THANK YOU!

 

If you want maximum towing capacity, you should get a Suburban (or Yukon XL) 2500. The last year they were made was 2013. While they look visually the same as the more common 1500s and share the same body, everything underneath is different and heavier-duty. Frame, axles, suspension, transmission, are all different.

The higher the axle ratio, the better it is for towing. However, the 6-speed transmissions have made axle ratio less of an issue. It's the 3.73 you want, not the 3.42. I'm not sure if a 4.10 was available, but again the six speed and 3.73 should work very well. The 2500 Burbs have the 3.73.

The 2500 trucks have no badging or anything on the body to indicate they're not your everyday Burb. Easiest way to ID them is to count lug nuts - regular Burbs have 6, the 2500s have 8.

I love my '08 2500. I tow a 3500-lb cargo trailer, and a 6500-lb travel trailer. Last year we dragged the travel trailer to the Grand Canyon and Colorado. The truck performed flawlessly. I will own a 2500 until the day I die.

 

great question,


pot luck on axle ratios, I have never found anything that made sense on what got ordered with them except the 3LT option.


Either way most dealers will have the details on the axle ratios in the used cars. or you can look at the build code list in the glovebox.


You didn't say 1/2 or 3/4 ton. if you are looking for 3/4 ton subs most will be geared for towing.


As for 1/2 ton subs I see most with 342 gears but got lucky when I found mine with 373, 2008 was the last year for that I think.

 

So, in a nutshell you're wanting a 3/4 ton/2500, with a Towing Package. That'll get you the most GTW (gross towing weight).

Just how much Trailer weight are you anticipating towing ?

 

I also have a axle question. On the 2012 Sub LTZ specs are listed these axle ratios:Axle Ratio (:1) – Front 3.42, 3.08 (3.08 min/3.42max)
Axle Ratio (:1) – Rear 3.42, 3.08 (3.08 min/3.42max). I interpret this to mean that 3.08 would apply to normal 2wd driving and 4w H driving. 3.42 would only be used in 4w Lo driving. Therefore, you couldn't get the max towing capacity, 8000 lbs, while using 2wd. But driving on the highway in 4w Lo doesn't seem reasonable. Is my interpretation correct?

 

Welcome to the forum.

I believe that just means those are the axle ratios available. You can't have two different ratios as the the gears are fixed.

 

Also, the GTW doesn't change weather you select 2WD or 4WD. However, usually 2WD's have a higher GTW than do 4WD's.