2012 5.3L Yukon XL
The Mrs. and I are looking at stepping into the TT realm with our two little ones. We've got a new Yukon XL with the 5.3L package. I'm unsure about the ratio, so i'll have to check the sticker at ho...
Forum Discussion
Tystevens wrote:
The "tow rating" on the 3.08 trucks is frustratingly low, to be sure. But aside from the cooling equipment and the lower gears, the rest of the truck is the same as the higher tow rated version -- same brakes, same frame, same transmission, same engine, etc. So, the same "safety" stuff. The coolers and lower gears will help with equipment longevity and performance, but it isn't like the frame or brakes on a 3.08 truck are going to spontaneously combust or disintegrate under a load that would be fine behind a 3.42 truck. You are just at a higher risk of overheating your transmission and having to run in lower gears.
Thank-you for bring up this important point. A lot of people instantly criticize others for going over the GCWR, on the basis of "safety", without actually analyzing if the GCW/GVW is safety or powertrain limited.
Two trucks, one 3.08 and one 4.10. Then, I can SAFELY tow just as much weight in the 3.08 - I won't pose any additional danger to other road users. If my transmission wears out, that's my problem!
music69 wrote:
That would be true if there wasn't a torque converter, but there is... and the two don't operate the same in those lower gears. GM's tow rating is ~2000 lbs higher for a 4L60/4.10 combo over a 6L80/3.08, with the same motor.
Could you please elaborate on that one? Did GM put in a weaker torque converter in the 6L80 than the 4L60? If so, that's really not smart...
Otherwise, the torque converter sees the total gearing effect from transmission x rear end. If my transmission 1st is 20:1, then I can run a 1:1 rear end and my converter would be super happy.
