Gear Ratio
I'd like to know whether a higher or lower gear ratio is better for towing. Considering a 2013 or 14 Silverado 2500 4wd. I plan to be in mountains as well as flats. Don't know what I'm going to tow...
Forum Discussion
covetsthesun wrote:smkettner wrote:
Get the lowest ratio available (highest numerical). Although it is not as critical with the newer 6 speed transmissions. 4wd is double the cost to swap gears if disappointed with oem. You will not lose much if any fuel mileage for the lower gear and may even improve towing efficiency.
Ok...now that is something I didn't know.. so the lowest gear ratio is the highest numerical? A 3 something ratio is actually a higher gear ratio than a 4?:? Eyeballs are rattling around now.
Do I understand this correctly?
cts
"low gear" is like being in first gear (low gear) that allows the engine to spin faster and multiplies the torque. That is why 3.73, 4.10, 4.56 are "lower" gears than 2.73, 3.23, 3.42 that represent "higher" gearing. The higher the number the faster the engine turns relative to the axles. The higher the number the more torque multiplication you get for better towing drivability. Less of an issue with low rpm higher torque diesels.
