Excalibur3000
Montana
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Joined: 04/18/2006
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I will add driving in 3 with Tow/Haul on and letting your mototr rev is the best deal. The transmissions in the GMC/Chevy non-HD 1500 line are the weak point - let your motor do teh work in thrid and try to avoid shifting under load where you can (and especially avoid "hunting" - shifting back and forth a number of times in a short period fo time.)
Casey
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coolcamp
St. Louis
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Joined: 05/22/2006
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Amen...stay in 3rd with T/H on. I installed an HD instument cluster in my 1500 so I can monitor trans temp and this higher RPM will keep the trans below 190 on a 100 degree day.
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Rubiranch
Salt Lake City, UT
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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Change the gears and drive like you want.
Go here gear/tire rpm calculator and make sure it's enough gear so you end up where you want to end up.
It's only money and sometimes it can buy happiness. 
TV: Mint 1972 Ford F-250 XLT
TT: 1969 19' Excel; entertains 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2
You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to stay alive.
I don't carry because I have to, I carry because I get to.
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explorer72
Corona, CA
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Joined: 11/07/2007
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Before I got our latest TT I switched my 5.3 Avalanche from 3.73 to a 4.10 gear with a Limited Slip Diff. I thought the cost was pretty minor compared to the way it tows now. I'm sure the 3.73 would have towed fine but the 4.10s just help the engine not work as hard for the same results. Off the line starts and traffic are handled with ease now and hill pulling seems to be better than before. Like others have stated though, the 5.3 is a higher RPM engine, so it's torque curve is at a little higher RPM than other V8s. I didn't notice any major change in MPG either, actually I think I get better MPG towing than I do normally! But I'm sure that's just because I'm not flooring it every where I go when I have the TT behind me.
WHATEVER YOU DO THOUGH, make sure you have your gears installed by someone who knows what they are doing, the wrong installer will make your $500 decision to switch gears a living hell if they set your gears up wrong. Howl anyone?
2004 Chevy Avalanche 1500
2008 Jayco Jayflight 28BHS
Never underestimate the power of an Avalanche...LOL
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dodge guy
Chicago, western subs.
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Joined: 03/23/2004
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I think quite a few missed the point that he doesn`t want the truck to hunt at 55-60. he said 65 it was perfect. so a gear change to 4.10 would move his power band at 65 down to 55-60. he also said he does drive in 3rd.
It`s the same with my X it doesn`t like 60 mph, but 65 is the perfect speed.
The gear change will get you what you want. and while it may not payoff $$$ wise, it will payoff in a more relaxed drive, no constant shifting.
Wife kim
Son brandon 7yrs
Daughter marissa 6yrs
Dog shadow
07 Cherokee 32B
02 Excursion 4X4 V-10 4.30 gear
Reese HP dualcam,Prodigy brake controller,
Air lift air bags.
Better to have a bad day of
camping than a good day at work!
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Scott_C
NJ
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Joined: 07/04/2007
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I don't think those responding are getting your question. The answer you seem to seek is will is shift where your powerband sits. 4.10s from 3.73 will keep you locked in the 55-60 mpg cruising speed quite well. It is up to you as to whether or not paying for the swap is worth it. Usually, $600 to $1000 from a pro shop depending on what else you do and what install kit. I do gears myself, so I'd do it without second guessing for the price of parts, but I sense you are thinking about a shop. Let me encourage you to check out salvage yards for a GM 10-bolt already loaded with 4.10s from the factory and just swap the entire differential. It's actually a lot easier and cheaper! You can generally buy a complete late model 10-bolt rear for $400.
2008 Shamrock 21SS
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TJHUB
Wisconsin
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Joined: 07/14/2008
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I'm new to towing with a TT, but I was able to figure things out successfully.
I've been towing with my '04 Yukon XL 5.3 with 3.73 gears and the towing package. I estimate my rig loaded for a trip to be near 7,000#. For me, I get along just great at about 62-63mph with the motor in 3rd and the tow button on. The motor runs around 2,600rpm and I'm able to use about 3/4 throttle up hills without downshifting into 2nd (I never use cruise control). Even bucking a strong headwind, I can maintain 57mph plus up hills. Granted here in Wisconsin the "hills" aren't much but it's certainly windy all of the time.
I considered changing the gears, but for the 1,000 miles or so I tow the TT per year, I'm going to leave things the way they are. I seem to be able to tow just fine.
ME '68
DW '69
DS '98
DD '00
2004 GMC Yukon XL 5.3L (4X4)
2008 PUMA 27FQ
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osrob
Southern California
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Joined: 04/19/2008
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Thanks all for the responses. Lots of good insight into the issue.
dodge guy gets it. I don't like the way it hunts down to 2nd on a slight grade.
I use Tow Mode, have curtailed CC and run 3rd to gain control, but that won't stop the downshift to 2nd. Running at higher RPM in 3rd will limit the need to drop to 2nd in the 55-60 MPH range.
I am already the slowest guy on the road at 55 and I like a comfortable ride. I don't accept slowing to 45-50 in 2nd is the way to enjoy the open road.
I just completed 4,000 miles in the last month. I was a rookie, but have advanced a grade.
I am curious of a couple comments...
Howl? Is the gear change technically difficult that requires a top technician to do it right? I do need to hire someone to do the work. If I traded the power band issue for a chronic howl, I would be bummed.
I appreciate all the inputs.
Osrob
What you see is what you get... I aim to see a lot!
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imback43
oklahoma
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Joined: 06/17/2008
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Hey I have a 2001 chev 1500 5.7 had 3.73 gears and had same problem.
I went to 4.10 gears reflashed pcm and changed shift points also added trans cooler. fuel mileage increased and can tow @60 mph all day with no problems. total cost was around $600.00. I am very happy with results now.
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dodge guy
Chicago, western subs.
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Joined: 03/23/2004
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osrob wrote:I am curious of a couple comments...
Howl? Is the gear change technically difficult that requires a top technician to do it right? I do need to hire someone to do the work. If I traded the power band issue for a chronic howl, I would be bummed.
Yes it takes special tools and presses and needs to be done very accurately. so a good shop that does gear swaps as there sole buisness or the majority of it is a good way to go. I went from 3.73`s to 4.30`s on my X and the towing performance was night and day. my towing mileage actually increased approx. .8mpg. not much but an improvement nonetheless. I did my gear swap myself
as I work as a tech at a Dodge dealer. also keep in mind if you have 4X4 you need to do front AND rear.
Good luck!
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