shs

I have searched and searched and didn't find anything to answer my question...

I recently traded in my 2007 Suburban LTZ for a 2011 Suburban LTZ. I tow a 5000 lb camper. For the 2007, it wasn't an easy pull but, it certainly handled it. I bought the 2011 mainly because the mileage on the 2007 was almost 90k and the 2011 was under 13k. Along with that, I was told that the 6 speed tranny along with the 3.42 rear would be a much improvement over the 2007. I was also happy with to have a built-in brake controller with the 2011. My issue is that the 2011's towing performance is horrible. I burn about 25% more gas and I feel that the vehicle only wants to move is when the RPM's are over 3k. I bought the newer vehicle to add some towing performance. So far it sucks and I'm a bit leery of longer (over 100 miles) tows.

Can I do anything to improve the towing capability? Can I upgraded or make some changes to the rear? Even without towing, the 2011 seems sluggish. The 2007 had more 'get-up-and-go' than the 2011. My 2003 Trailblazer EXT I6 feels like it has more ballz than the 2011.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks you.

tech2

post the last eight of your 2007 and 2011 so we can compare builds and find out what's going on.

shs

2007- 7G257606
2011- BR291105

I was told that the 2011 has the 3.42 rear and it definitely has the 6-speed tranny .

Thanks for your help!

tech2

your 07 had a 3.73 rear axle, the 2011 has 3.42. for towing you want the higher ratio

shs

thanks! i figured the 07 had the 3.73. from what ive seen advertised, chevy now only offers 3.08 and 3.42 rears as their standards.

What can I do? Ive read about re-tuning and replacing the differential but I really dont know what to do at this point. Whats the easiest, cheapest, best for gas mileage and performance.....???? Is the rear hard to replace?

This truck is killing me. I had my dash crack a week after buying it and a week before the factory warranty ran out. GM replaced for free. Then I have the rear wiper not working on an intermittent basis. It was looked at by 3 dealers. 1 replaced motor, 1 replaced switch, 1 couldn't get it to not work..... If I wouldn't be taking a loss, I'd trade it in for a Ford, lol....

Thanks!

73shark

When you're talking about changing differential gears, don't forget that if you have 4WD, you'll need to do both ends.

shs

Sounds pricey.... and like it might be a lot more work than I'm willing to do....

What would the experts do?

tech2

you don't have many options.
-leave it the was it is
-change the final drive
-tuner


if it was mine, I'd leave it alone.

shs

I have to do something. Towing is a nightmare anymore. The reason I bought the newer truck was to help with towing. Will a re-tune help?

tech2

probably not as much as you would like.