One of the reasons I bought my '05 when I did was because I didn't want the G56 tranny. I wanted the ratio offered by the 3.73 and NV5600 since the G56 and 3.73 is equivilant to the 4.10 and NV5600. Granted I don't tow every day but alot of the mileage I put on is working the truck, either towing or plowing (with the '96) and about 65% towing with the '05. Most of my towing is in northern NE so I do see some grades. My average trailer weight is around 12K with a max around 20K, thats the loaded trailer only... I have done minor mod's to the '96 but nothing to the '05 (see sig.) and have no complaints with the gearing. No complaints with getting better fuel economy than most are reporting with the G56 or 4.10's either. Just my experience. When I'm running empty with the '05 I sometimes try to shift to the next gear when I'm already in 6th . This usually generates a little chuckle from my wife when she catches me .