ccw55

Hi, I'm new to this forum.I'm thinking about buying a 3500 drw ctd ho 4x4 6spd 373's. Not sure what option package.I hear a lot about fuel mileage.Do they have a digital read out on the tripometer that shows fuel consumption and such? How's the handling and durability of the 4x4? I tow a 5er about 8500#,about 5 or 6 times a month. I now own a 99 gmc 1/2 ton, but need more truck.We plan to upgrade with a larger 5er in the near future.I really find this forum very informational and interesting.Where else can you go to find any info like this? Anything ya'll care to tell me about this truck would be greatly appreciated.

bneaves

If you plan on towing that often and are going up in size of the 5er I would go ahead and get the 4.10's.

ccw55

Why do you think I need the 4/10's? I don't ever pull in the mountains.May go once a year.Generally stay southern states.

bneaves

I am looking at the weight's, like most I feel that over 10K is towing "heavy." With your current 5er being 8500 lbs and you planning on moving up in the near future, I would feel better with the 4.10's. ;D I would think with a larger 5er, you will have larger storage tanks for water, luggage, gear, etc, so that will only increase weight. Be sure this is just my .02, but I missed the 6-spd part which will help towing with the 3.73's. I was thinking auto, but I have always wanted to have more than absolutely necessary. When I bought something that would be used close to it's limits, I always ended up needing more. The 4.10's are not that big of a change in fuel mileage while unloaded, and can even be better when loaded. I would look at some of the threads that are about mileage results or 3.73 vs 4.10 to see what opinions are showing up. I would also drive both first and if possible hook a tag along trailer to both, loaded heavy, to get a feel for pulling power. That would be the best thing I could reccomend. I picked up a 2500 HO/6-spd with 4.10's and pulling just 6K it was nothing. But if I were pulling 9K-10K or more often I would want the 4.10's just for peace of mind. The new 03's are pushing the EGT's stock and I would think pushing the weights for an extended time would only put you more into the danger zone. Which as you know can lead to troubles. :'( Good luck at whatever you decide. You'll love the 03 engine!!!

ccw55

Ok bneaves, thanks for you're input. I'll take that into consideration. I figured with the 6spd behind the ho that 373's would work fine.Thanks again.

KenR

I don't have any thing to add except &quot;Welcome to the Forum&quot;. <br>Great bunch of Guys and Ladies, all willing to help. I hope you learn a lot like I have.

Casey Balvert

How heavy GVWR fiver to you plan on? There is an average fuel economy readout in the trip computer. Pretty accurate in my experience. Don't be afraid of the 4.10 axle if your trailer requires it and any trailer over 13,000 does. And that is not the big for a fiver. <br><br>Mine tops out at 105 mph and gets 19 mpg in cold weather with a 4.10 axle.<br><br>Casey

ccw55

I'm probably gonna wind up with a dry gvwr at 10,000to 11,500#'s.But I'll be soloing more with this truck than pulling.

Casey Balvert

Only my personal opinion but I think you should strongly consider the 4.10 axle. Mine is a daily driver. My trailer grosses at 12 but we want to buy a bigger one and I at least know that I have lots of reserve.<br><br>Casey

FiverBob

Gichugoat,<br><br>Welcome to our world. We have fun and learn a lot from each other.<br><br>Yes, we have computer read out - - on the roof center. Has some other neat stuff in it too. Mine is extremely close to manual calculations.<br><br>I have a 4.10 dually 3500 HO six shooter. I am ver happy with the mileage, RPMS at highway speed, and especially happy with RPMS while towing. I tow about 16000 and it does really good. I needed the 4.10 to get the rating, but happy now I did even if I did not need quite that much.<br><br>