Towing Capacities and Gear Ratios

[ejschultz]

I'm looking at a handful of Tahoes, mostly from around 2010 to 2014 because of pricing. I'm buying it to use it as a daily driver but to also use it to haul my camper on occasion. I have a 27' bumper pull that tips the scale at roughly 6000 pounds. I'm curious what gear ratios were available and what the RPO code might be for the HD tow package that would have came on these. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[donjetman]

The lower the better for towing. 3.42 minimum.
Also, you'll need a better external trans fluid cooler like a Tru-Cool Max with cold wx bypass
http://trucool.com/products/tru-cool-max

 

[ejschultz]

Which gears did GMT900s have? I was under the impression 3.08s or 3.42s. If I could get a stock one with 3.73s or even 4.10s, that would be great. Would I have better luck looking at a Z71 for a lower ratio?

 

[mikeyss]

07-08 had 4 speed auto and were the years the 3:73 and 4.10 were available, but once the 6 speed autos came in 09, the best you could get were 3:42's. The 6 speed auto trucks could still be had with 3:73 though. I have 3:42 with 6 speed and I like cruising at 80mph at 1800rpm, but at times, I wish I had 3:73's.

GU6 - 3:42
GT4 - 3:73
GT5 - 4:10

 

[ejschultz]

So basically any 2009 or newer, I’ll be looking for 3.42s? What about the tow package? Any info on that RPO? I appreciate the quick responses here.

 

[swathdiver]

I'm looking at a handful of Tahoes, mostly from around 2010 to 2014 because of pricing. I'm buying it to use it as a daily driver but to also use it to haul my camper on occasion. I have a 27' bumper pull that tips the scale at roughly 6000 pounds. I'm curious what gear ratios were available and what the RPO code might be for the HD tow package that would have came on these. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You're looking at all 6-speed trucks, 6L80s and they will have either 3.08 gears (GU4) or 3.42 gears (GU6). If you are looking for a 4x4, the oneswith 3.08 gears in these years should only have a 1-speed transfer case. The 2-speed cases have 3.42 gears.

Towing capacities for the 4x4s with 3.08s is 5200 and with 3.42s is 5700 or 8200. K5L is the option code you're looking for, this gives you the largest radiator and cooling fans along with an engine oil cooler and external transmission oil cooler.

Consider also the trucks with JL1, the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. It cannot be backfit unless you are a multi-millionaire and don't mind taking the whole truck apart to Integrate it.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC) was added in 2012.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) was added in 2012.

Cruise Grade Braking - Normal Mode was added in 2012 and 2013

Powertrain Grade Braking - Normal Mode was added in 2013

Make the purchase of a Tech-2 part of your budget.

USB charging ports and USB to the radio was added in 2010.

Oh, why did you eliminate 2009s from your search? They have 6-speeds and there were some pretty special Tahoes made that year that might be right up your alley.

 

[ejschultz]

No particular reason I guess for the lack of 2009s. I can definitely add them to my search knowing they’re also 6 speeds. What differentiates the two tow ratings for 4x4s with 3.42s? Is it the K5L code?

 

[swathdiver]

No particular reason I guess for the lack of 2009s. I can definitely add them to my search knowing they’re also 6 speeds. What differentiates the two tow ratings for 4x4s with 3.42s? Is it the K5L code?

Yes, the greater ability to shed heat increases their towing capacity. You looking for a RWD or 4WD vehicle?

 

[mikeyss]

There are a few 09 Tahoe's out there with 6.2L and 6 speed with 3:42's. Took me awhile to find mine, I'm sure you may be able to find one, but may have to travel to it. I don't see a K5L code on mine, but it has an engine oil cooler and external trans cooler from the factory.

 

[swathdiver]

There are a few 09 Tahoe's out there with 6.2L and 6 speed with 3:42's. Took me awhile to find mine, I'm sure you may be able to find one, but may have to travel to it. I don't see a K5L code on mine, but it has an engine oil cooler and external trans cooler from the factory.

That high mileage 2010 Yukon XL 4x4 with the 6.2 is still for sale, down to $11K.

As for the 6.2 Tahoe, I've located 532 4x4s and 136 RWD LTZs and 1 4x4 LS for 2009. Found 49 2008 LTZ 6.2 Tahoes, all RWD.