I was wondering if anyone has this experience. It seems that the best all around set up is the 1500 with a 5.3 and 3:73 axle.


It doesn't seem that this is offered any more?


I towed a couple of things since owning my sub, double axle trailers with 20-23 foot boats and jet skis for friends. Not a lick of problem anywhere here in AZ, even with high triple digit heat.
Why did they stop offering this combo? If indeed they did.

 

I was wondering why they stopped offering the 3.73 gears too. I believe 2008 was the last year they stopped offering them. The very next year, all 1500 burbs went to the 6 spd transmission. Could that be why???

I tow about 5500-5700 lbs with my 5.3L and 3.73 axles all summer long during the boating season. Won;t win any races but it gets us where we need to go without any problems. I wish I had a little more torque on the rolling midwest hills so I'm in the market for the 6.0L 3/4 ton. They are like the unicorn of tow-capable SUVs though. Very hard to come by.

 

I wonder if the 6 speed gave lower 1st and 2nd gear ratios? IDK


The combo is excellent for a real all purpose sub.

 

Yes, the 6-speed gave you a wider spread than the difference between the 3.42 and the 3.73. But honestly, the 1500 trucks are designed for occasional towing. With the (relatively) low GVWR, the weight of the body which decreases payload, and the semifloater 14-bolt rear, you don't have the necessary bits for pulling a big trailer. I learned that the hard way. My '01 is on rear end #4.

My 2500 has the 3.73 and the 6 speed. Pretty nifty combination.

My '01 has the 5.3 with the 4-speed and 4.10 axles - I'd take that over the 3.73.