Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Chev silverado axle ratio

Anyone know what the “standard “ axle ratio is for a 4wd, half ton silverado, with 5.3 liter gas engine?

Not sure if there's a "standard". When I was shopping for a new Z-71, they came in either 3.42 or 3.73. I wanted the 3.73's & hunted till I found one.

Used to be choices were available when ordering, as I did that several times. So on a used vehicle it could be whatever the original owner ordered.
Otherwise I think 410 is pretty much standard.

I was able to download the build information on my Chevy truck awhile back, but I didn't save the site URL. If you have the VIN number and do some google-fu you should be able to find your answer.

In the glove box will be a label with all of the codes for the options. One of those should be axle ratio.


Clyde

I believe the towing package has a 3.73, but I don't know that a 4WD without the tow package doesn't have it.

FC

3.73

I bought a new Silverado 1500 4WD in 2003 with the 5.3 L extended cab and it's axle ratio was 3.73. I bought a used 2009 Silverado crew cab 1500 4WD in 2011 and it's axle rating was 3.55. Have no idea if the extended cab vs the crew cab had any difference in the difference. The '03 had a 4 gear auto; the '09 had a 6 s0pd auto.

VIN number will tell you.

The 14's and up are either 3.08 or 3.42. The Max Tow comes with 3.73's.

My 2017 with tow package is 3.42 but the 3.73 is an option. Ed k

My 08 ex cab w/5.3 with HD trailer package is 3.73.

Bingo!

My 02 Z71 had 3.73 gears. I've no idea whether that was "standard". As others have said, look in the glovebox.

You used to be able to order what you wanted
Now, don't think you can.
My 98 Z71 was 3.54, posi

My 2010 Z71 with the 5.3 engine was 3.42.

In my experience I see more 3.42's than all others combined. It's been that way since the 90's. Maybe longer, but that is when I started paying attention.

I don't know how it works on the newer models, but my 94 Z71 has a code in the glove box (GT4) which means that the gear ratio is a 3.73. If the later models use the same codes, the code that starts with GT is the one. Online somewhere there is a chart that translates the codes.

1. Last 8 of VIN.
2. Call GM dealer. Give them last 8 of VIN.
3. Ask for gear ratio of rear axle or glove box will have RPO code of gear ratio; the best thing is just give them the VIN, or PM me the last 8 of your VIN and I can get it for you.