Don’t you hate it when daily drivers take up your time when you would rather be working on the Buick’s? I guess it’s not my daily but it’s my fun, camping toy. The rear end shredded itself a few weeks ago so I took the opportunity to re gear it from 3.73 to 4.10s. Got front and rear diffs for $300 so that’s not bad. With the 35” tires it really needs the 4.10 gear, should be a great improvement.
Dont jinx me Sean lolol The Rear in my Wifes Tahoe is making VERY VERY faint hum/whining sounds when you back off the throttle Quarter million miles I guess its allowed to make noise, will take a look see in Spring
This is a temporary situation, eventually we will get back to refining our own resources here in North America as we should. It will get a lot worse before it gets better, but this is necessary because people need to be forced to wake up to reality. I won’t change my vehicles based on the current fuel prices. I can drive my fuel efficient car if I want, but I rarely do. The Yukon with 3.73 gears, 35” mud tires and a lift is terribly under geared on the highway. The Engine would lug at 2000 rpm with the 3.73, it will be much happier with the 4.10 gears. I bet it will get better fuel mileage, with the gear swap, especially with 500 pounds of camping gear and pulling a small trailer with my ATV. I’m also adding custom front bumper and winch. It’s a toy, used for fun on the weekend or driving to work once in a while.
When I bought it a few months ago it was making strange noises whenever one of the tires would break traction and the G-80 factory Gov locker would engage. They work fine however over time and abuse will cause them to explode. They are nick named the “Gov Bomb” as when they go the entire rear is normally hooped and not rebuildable. I already had found a 4.10 rear end and front diff ahead of time as I wanted to re gear it. Have the new rear off getting sandblasted, putting it back together next week.
Many a truck is off-roaded daily with larger tires and a 10 bolt. I may add an Eaton true trac and get rid of the Gov Lock. A 5.3 isn’t in any danger of breaking axles or overpowering a 10 bolt.
Back together, 4.10 gears are much better. It’s now 2000 RPM at 70 mph was lugging at 1750 with the 3.73 gears. Helper air bags worked out great at 12 psi, much better ride and no squat when weight is added.