First TT - Of course plenty of questions!

SoundGuy wrote:

roook wrote:
Disregard? Did you miss the conversation?

I don't see in any "conversation" where you said you've actually weighed your truck with a full tank of gas and done the calculations so you know what numbers you're dealing with. You've also not provided any specifics about your particular truck that would help indicate, regardless of these weight calculations, just how well (or poorly) your truck may deal with towing a heavy load when road & wind conditions are far from ideal. Believe it - a 4.10 axle ratio will be FAR more capable when towing a heavy load than GM's ubiquitous 3.42, or an even worse 3.23. Just referring to an owner's manual or noting the door jamb ratings is a start but to really understand what your truck can safely tow while also transporting your family you really need to go weigh it, as it would sit ready to be hitched to a trailer. Only then will you actually know what the real story is.

I'm done - good luck with your search. :)

Not that I disagree with the majority of your statement, but the 1st and 2nd final gear ratios with the 3.42 and the 6 speed are actually about the same for towing compared to the 4.10 with the 4 speed so the need for anything over the 3.73 is basically nill (2.48 vs 4.03 1st gear is huge). The 8L90 takes this even farther to a 4.56 first gear which means the 3.42 is the Max Trailering option. The 10R80 as implemented by Ford has a 4.69 1st (not sure if GM will use the same ratios but I'd bet they do or at least it will be close)