Change Order? 3.73 Or 4.11

[teksavy]

Hi Again:

I have placed my order for a 2003 Z71 (w/ 3.73 gears) and ran across the thread talking about 3.73 vs. 4.11 gears and from what I read, everyone was raving over the 4.11 setup. I couldn't find any negative points.

However, I was hoping that someone could offer real-world experience with the 4.11 gears vs. the 3.73.

My biggest question is how much will 4.11 hurt my gas mileage?

The 4WD is already going to chomp 1 MPG off, will the 4.11 gears chomp another 1MPG?

I was originally going to get a Z66 with 3.73 for better gas mileage, but decided on getting a 1500 Z71 4x4 (w/ 5.3 eng) because Stabilitrak wasn't available for the 2WD and resale value.

Now I'm wondering if I should change my order to the 4.11 ratio? I certainly don't want to spend 2K+ to swap out.

My dad has a Sierra 1500 2WD with 5.3 and it has a great upper end but is lacking a little on the lower end. I think the 4.11's would fix that, but I don't really want to sacrifice MPGs.

Any objective, real world help would be very much appreciated!

Again, thanks.

-Ed

 

[jdw174]

I may well get stomped here by owners of the lower gears, but it's been my experience that power gears (4.11) will lower your mileage some. How much will most likely depend on how heavy your foot is

It stands to reason that the 4.11 gears will make your engine run faster to obtain the same speed as a 3.73. In some vehicles the difference may be negligible, while in others it could be significant as far as mileage. You pays your money and you takes your chances.

 

[SJProwler]

Hi Again:

I have placed my order for a 2003 Z71 (w/ 3.73 gears) and ran across the thread talking about 3.73 vs. 4.11 gears and from what I read, everyone was raving over the 4.11 setup. I couldn't find any negative points.

However, I was hoping that someone could offer real-world experience with the 4.11 gears vs. the 3.73.

-Ed

Here is a thread that should help. ?4.10 Mileage

I have the 4.10's and am quite happy with them.

If you bought the Av looking for a mileage mobile, you probably picked the wrong vehicle.

Just my .02

SJP

 

[tincup]

I've got the 3.73 gear set in my Avalanche and think it's OK. If you're going to be pulling a heavy camper trailer or something like that, the 4.11's might be the better choice. I pulled a single axel trailer to Colorado this fall with no problems, but when you get to the mountians, the extra gearing might have helped a little.

Like SJProwler said, if you bought the Av looking for a mileage vehicle, it might not be the ride for you although 15MPG or better isn't bad for a 2-1/2 ton vehicle with a V8 and auto trans.

Just my experience.

Tincup

 

[txyank1]

Hi Again:
.......My dad has a Sierra 1500 2WD with 5.3 and it has a great upper end but is lacking a little on the lower end. I think the 4.11's would fix that, but I don't really want to sacrifice MPGs.
Any objective, real world help would be very much appreciated!
Again, thanks.
-Ed

Lacking in what way? Towing? I don't tow or haul anything very heavy but lacking on the low it ain't. I have 3.42 w/locker and can spin the tires right off it. Kick it down at 30 and it'll still break loose.

 

[Skidd-au]

Hey Ed, I'm sure you are going to love your new truck. The discussion about which ratio gears to select has been had many times on this board, in the following places, just to name a few;

• which gears?(part 1)
• which gears are better? (part 2)
• which gears? (part 3)
• 3.73 to 4.10 gear ratio swap
• 4.10 rear end mileage
• Buying... 3.73 or 4.10?
• TOWING WITH 2500 3.73 Vs 4.10 gears

Just type "4.11 3.73 gears" using our search feature and you will get more info than you can handle. Just make the default minimum days a decent number like 100 or 200 days to ensure you get some of the older discussions.

Please keep our posts in those existing threads do that we can help everyone by keeping our information in one place.

Skidd 7