Hello everyone, new guy here with a question. I'll be selling my Silverado soon and replacing it with a Tahoe.


I'm looking for one with 4x4 and the HD tow package, I see some listed with a 3.08 rear end gear but I really want a 3.42.


Does the 4x4 automatically come with a 3.42?


Thanks BV

 

It depends how it was ordered when new. My 99 Tahoe 4dr LS 2wd was ordered with 373 positraction tow package. That is a really all around gear since essentially you have a 5 speed automatic with the o/d. I know 4x4 is popular, but maintenance is more costly especially tires. JMHO, good luck.

 

In the Glovebox, you'll find a placard with RPO Codes thereon.
Find one starting with a "G", followed by a "#".
This will give you your Axel Ratios.

Examples by in2pro...
https://chevroletforum.com/forum/tah...47/#post303606

If one of these are not what you have, you can do a lookup on the Codes.

 

If you plan to tow, may I suggest the Suburban?

Also, you may want to specify year as well.

09 added the 6 speed auto (vs. the old 4).

Or are you buying one new? I think they are up to an 8 speed.

 

Look for a 5.3 with 3:73, not many out there but worth the search.

 

These trucks never came with positraction. Positraction is a limited-slip differential with clutch packs, and it requires a special additive in the rear axle fluid, a friction modifier, to prevent chatter.

The G80 is a locking rear differential. Big difference. It mechanically locks the two rear wheels together; unlike a positraction rear.

Gear ratio is independent of whether it's a 4x4. Generally speaking, the higher gear ratios will be linked with the towing package.

I agree with one of the above posters - a Suburban is a much better tow vehicle than a Tahoe.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone, the search goes on!

 

************************************************** **********
Just to be political correct here, I am going to share with any who may be interested, the build sheet as well as the CO(window sticker)this is the correct listing from GM. i kept all the original paper work when purchased NEW listing @ just over 32K.

GT4 AXLE REAR, 3.73 RATIO 3.73R(GT4)
G80 AXLE REAR POSITRACTION,LIMITED SLIP POSITRACTION L/SLIP
R/AXLE(G80)

Since my interest in cars started before any type of rear axle option, whether it be positration/traction lock/Detroit locker/Limited Slip or whatever, the slang of posi traction has been around. They all do the same, lock the rear wheels. JMHO

 

The bolded sentence is incorrect. Yes, they're used interchangeably sometimes, and even by GM itself. But the two are very different.

I don't know how else to describe it - a positraction uses clutchpacks, and the two axle shafts are never truly joined together.

The G80 mechanically locks the two rear axles together. It doesn't have clutches.

The positraction is a LIMTED SLIP. Key word is SLIP. A limited slip still allows slip between the two axles. The G80 does not.

Watch this video - and see the difference between a limited-slip and the G80.

 

Sometimes it's just not worth the argument. I have to stand by my background of knowledge and the paper work that came with my $32k 1999 Tahoe LS 4dr 2WD.