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Understanding Avalanches...Help The Car Crowd

T

The_Plainsman

GUEST
I test drove an Avalanche 10 days ago for the first time. Now I'm tortured beyond my ability to withstand. I want one. But there are some things I don't understand and was hoping you good folks could help.

What is the difference between a 3.73 and a 4.10 axle ratio? Why should I care? Which should I choose? I'm definitely interested in a 4 x 4 with the Z71 package and the 5.3. But the axle ratio thing mystifies me. Please advise this poor ignorant car bound person. :-[
 
One other question for right now...why do some select the Z66 instead of the Z71? Isn't one off-road and the other not off-road? Why select not off-road? I'm really trying to figure out this vehicle not criticize people's choices. Thank you.
 
I am moving this to chit chat, so you can get more responses.

anyway, the 3.73 and 4.10 are different gear ratios. Basically the main difference is torque and fuel economy.


The 4.10 delivers more lower end torque, which helps throttle response for in town driving, and also has a high towing rating.

3.73 is the standard ratio, and delivers better fuel mileage.

alot of the z66 vs. z71 is personal preference. some people like 2wd, and others like to be able to switch into 4wd.
 
Thanks, Spork! I've been lurking for the last week just reading posts and trying to familiarize myself with the site. It's good to know that people do respond to newcomers embarressingly basic questions.

:)
 
Gosh, I thought of another question. What's the difference between limited slip differential and locking differential? Are either of these something I will need if I want the Z71 package?
 
Go for another test drive with a 4.10 and if it's available, a 3.73 the same day. I was feeling kinda so-so about the 3.73 but after driving a 4.10 knew that's what would make the difference for me. The get-up-and-go on takeoff is defintely different. I'm now driving a '91 Camaro with a 305 (~2700lbs) and moving into a ~5700 lb truck with approximately the same engine. I know the Av's never going to handle and perform like my RS (and that's OK), but I do want some extra zip available when I need it. The low end difference is noticeable. Look at the descriptions of the Avs here - a rather high number seem to have the 4.10 option.

A few weeks back, I sent eMails via the GM Web site and got 18 calls the next morning. Of those 18, 14 tried to tell me that I either don't really need or want the 4.10 gears. I started asking the salesmen if they could describe exactly what the difference is from a technical standpoint, what the actual performance difference is, and if they even know where in the vehicle the gears in question are located. Many got indignant, some just stammered, only one gave me a good answer.

I'm picking up my Indi Blue Z-71 Av (with 4.10) on Tuesday afternoon!
:cool:
 
The z71 package includes the locking differential which is prefered IMO.

FWIW an open diff will allow one wheel to go slower than the other i.e. if your stuck in the mud one wheel spins while the other does nothing. :mad:

A limited slip (aka posi traction) uses clutches in the diff to transfer power to the wheel with traction.

A locking diff distributes power to both wheel equally, but will allow one wheel to go faster than the other like when going around a corner, the inside wheel will be powering the vehicle while the outside wheel is allowed to "go faster" than the powered wheel, otherwise you would be squealing your tires around every corner. ;D

BTW the general consensus in the fourwheel drive community is that a 2wd with a locking diff will perform nearly as well as a 4wd with open diffs.
 
Thank you so much guys for your responses. Looks like I'll be insisting on a 4.10 with a locking differential!

This 4 x 4 stuff is all new to me. When i took my test drive I didn't know what to do with those buttons. I have a '93 Dodge Grand Caravan with All Wheel Drive and ABS (bought it new). It works great in the snow here in Minnesota and you don't have to do anything. So I'm just learning about 4WD. I want to keep the AWD Caravan (only 80,000 miles and the wife loves it) but get rid of my boring Buick LeSabre in favor of an AV.
 
O.K. I have got to jump in on this one. I own the Z66 with the locking differential and the traction assist. 17 inch wheels too!.

I personaly do not do any serious off-roading, but living in Arizona there are alot of back roads that can take you to some pretty fun and interesting areas. They refer to alot of these as Forest Roads (FR##) I choose to go with the Z66 thinking that it served 80% of my needs of around town and 20 % of my needs on these so called washboard roads.

The way I saw it was that with the locking diff and the extra clearance (17" wheel) I would be able to get most places that I needed. I felt good when you mentioned the general consensus among avid 4 wheelers was that a locking diff could do fairly well off road.

However, the big question that I have is regarding the suspension on the Z66, (i.e. load leveling, smoother shock, etc..), is there any potential issues with the Z66 reagarding the semi off road drives?
What do you think Stinky?
 
If economy is remotely important...stick with the 3.73 rearend. If you don't live up north...or go off road...go with the Z66. You'll save $3000 and who knows how much in gas and maintenance. I had my Z66 out in 4" of icy snow, while others were all over the place...I just cruised right by. Unless I had to deal with lots of snow or just liked to hit the back country, I would stick with the Z66. The 3.73 has plenty of get up and go and you'll find hiway driving more pleasant. If you like to smoke em' off the line...sure get the 4.10, but I bet you won't find too many guys who are dissappointed with the acceleration of the 5.3 with the 3.73. My $.02.
 
I'm reallly confused now, after reading in the thread "1500 vs. 2500" on this board that a lot of people seem to have "limited slip differential."

So which is better, "limited slip differential" or "locking differential"? Man, this 4 x 4 stuff is complicated. ???
 
Important Safety Tip: Don't use 4 wheel drive to get into trouble, but to get out of it. My philosophy is to go as far as you can in 2 wheel drive, then when you get stuck, put her into 4 wheel drive and back out. ;D ;D
I have the 3.73's on my Z71 AV and don't have any complaints.
 
The easiest way to find out which axle ratio you have is to look on the window stick that should have came with the truck.
Another way is to look on the Service Parts ID tag in the glove box. All the option codes on the truck should be listed in alphabetic order on that tag. The 3.73 axle option code is GT4 and the 4.10 axle code is GT5.
The gear ratio is the number of revolutions the drive shaft turns to turn the wheel one revolution. With the 3.73 axle the drive shaft will rotate 3.73 times every time the wheel goes around once.
You can either have better mileage with the 3.73 or more power with the 4.10. I have the 3.73 axle and I can tell you it has plenty of power. These trucks like gasoline anyway so unless you want to tow I would go with a 3.73.
 
If you don't know whether or not you have the 3.73 or 4.10 rear...most likely you have the 3.73's....it's the standard on the Av....you could opt for the 4.10 rear end as an option free of charge upon selecting your Av...

I originally test drove a Z66.....but decided to go with a Z71 for various reasons....I don't like a soft ride on a truck like this....to me it felt too smooth and road to much like a car......the other reasons have to do with all the little extra's that come with the Z71 package..like the 17's, skid shields, etc.....I like the way it rides nice and firm.....
 
While in the 4x4 community there are lots of 'locking' or 'limited slip' differential options, there's only one option on the Av - posts referring to either the locking differential or limited slip differential refer to the same thing. It's a good thing to have if snow is in your life.

As for 3.73 vs. 4.10 - I have the 3.73 and no complaints regarding acceleration - but then my Av won't see the drag strip as some on this board will!
 
You don't have to go with the Z71 package to get the 4X4.
I wasn't sure if i wanted the Z71 Package but I did want the 4X4 capability. The salesmen said that although he could give me the 4X4 without the Z71, it would be cheaper for me in the end to take the Z71.
Personally I think everyone should get the Avalanche with the 4X4 option even if they don't get the Z71 package. At least they have 4X4 capabilities in the rare case they need it. Whats the sense in getting the Avalanche otherwise?
I also suggest the 17 inch wheels for looks. I do not like how the Avy looks with the 16's (Sorry guys!)
I would only suggest the 4.10 gears if you plan on pulling things. I don't pull anything but have the 4.10's. I regret it because I do use a little more gas than i need to.
 
This is a real easy one to understand on making your decision.

If you get a 2WD Avalanche get the Z-66 on-road package. For what you get (traction control, differential, 17" wheels and tires, auto leveling suspension and a limo like ride) it's worth every single penny.

If you get a 4WD Avalanche get the Z-71 off-road package. For what you get (skid shields, upgraded suspension, differential, 17" wheels and tires and a firm ride) it's worth every single penny.

Notice that both of these packages come with the differential.

Now - on the issue of 2WD versus 4WD I spent two winters in South Dakota and ditched my rear-wheel drive S-10 for a front wheel drive Montana before I moved. My wife kept her beloved Thunderbird.

We never experienced a "hard" winter while in South Dakota and only experienced one situation where conditions grounded the Bird. I drove it home from Sioux City one night with soft snow on I-29 and almost 6" accumulation and I was shocked at how well the Bird did.

With that said if I lived away from the Great Lakes and the great white north land, I'd consider a Z-66. However if I was closer to the lakes, the Canadian Border, or out on the U.P. I'd go with the Z-71 off-road.

BTW - you can't get a Z-66 on-road on a 4WD and you can't get a Z-71 off-road on a 2WD - so the choices are real simple.

HOWEVER, no matter what you decide be sure to get the Z package because it's worth every penny.
 
I agree that the Z packages are worth every penny. I rarely see Avs on dealers lots that don't have the Z package. So in my opinion it's just a question of 2WD vs 4WD. I opted for 4WD since there were many more Avs to choose from with 4WD here in NJ. It does snow here a few times each winter and I will be using the Av to pull a trailer on some unpaved, gravel and dirt roads.

I probably could have been okay with 2WD, but I opted for the 4WD for the reasons mentioned. I hope to recoup most of the additional $3K when reselling the vehicle.
 
I have only seen one without a z package. on the rear sides it had 4x4 on it. no z sticker. i assume this was a 1500 4x4 without the Z71
 
jamie said:
I believe the 4x4 moniker is reserved for the 2500 series trucks only. Anyone confirm?

Jamie
Click to expand...

No - if you buy a 1500 4X4 that does not have the Z-71 it will have the 4X4 sticker on the back where the Z-71 would go. I have seen this with my own eyes at my dealer...
 
Chief Avalanche Fan said:
No - if you buy a 1500 4X4 that does not have the Z-71 it will have the 4X4 sticker on the back where the Z-71 would go. ?I have seen this with my own eyes at my dealer...
Click to expand...


True, also the Z71 package isn't available for the 2500 series.
 
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