Axle ratios, etc

Posted by CNKS on April 26, 2005 at 13:54:15 from (204.249.178.138):

In 1992 I bought a GMC K1500, 350 cu in, automatic, 3.42 rear axle. Since then I have developed tractor disease and tow occasionally. My half ton is not a towing vehicle. I have added an extra capacity trans oil pan and an external trans oil cooler. Oil temp hits 230-250 degrees even in "flat" Kansas because of the usual head or cross wind. Pickup has 83000 miles (just broken in) and is in excellent condition, inside and out. A $30000 3/4 ton (including trade, rebate and sales tax, GMC 2500HD 6.0, 4.10) is not an option because I only tow once a year or so for any distance. Transmission is a 4L60 (700R4), the small one. Towing "capacity" is about 6500 lbs, meaning on flat ground with a tailwind -- that situation never happens. The trans will overheat against the wind even when towing a Farmall C, less than 5000 lbs including the trailer. Does anyone have this combination with a 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratio, and will this allow me to do my occasional towing without eventually melting my transmission? Lower gears (high numerical) would also help unloaded travel, as the lockup disengages on the slightest incline. The thing is simply geared too high--I am somewhat hesitant to go to 4.10, as I would need that gearing only for towing. Empty in overdrive it turns about 1800 rpm at 70 mph, with a 4.10 that would be about 2200 rpm -- perhaps that's not too bad, still lower than the rpm before overdrive became common. I don't know how much the 3.73 ratio will help. Would have to do both axles -- read on one of the towing forums that it would cost about $1500 for both axles, so it needs to work. There are also underdrive/overdrive split range (2 speed axle) attachments, more like $3000 for those. I realize I can't make a 3/4 HD out of it, just want something that will work for occasional towing, within the rated specs. All comments except--buy another pickup--are welcome.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Axle ratios, etc Haas 13:32:25 04/27/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc dbNga 09:21:00 04/27/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc onefarmer 08:21:59 04/27/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc lee 06:43:41 04/27/05 (1)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 06:57:36 04/27/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc NDS 06:05:28 04/27/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc dave from MN 05:51:59 04/27/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc K.B.-826 20:51:27 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc lee 18:55:22 04/26/05 (1)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 19:07:59 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc Paul Shuler 17:25:34 04/26/05 (2)
  • Oh one more thing Paul Shuler 17:28:33 04/26/05 (1)
    • Re: Oh one more thing CNKS 18:41:17 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc ChadS 17:24:08 04/26/05 (1)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 18:27:45 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc Bob 15:57:46 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc Hugh MacKay 15:44:19 04/26/05 (6)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 17:59:30 04/26/05 (5)
    • Re: Axle ratios, etc Hugh MacKay 20:46:03 04/26/05 (1)
      • Re: Axle ratios, etc Stickler 11:58:12 04/27/05 (0)
    • Re: Axle ratios, etc ChadS 18:59:02 04/26/05 (2)
      • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 19:45:05 04/26/05 (1)
        • Re: Axle ratios, etc ChadS 07:46:04 04/27/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc lee 15:41:32 04/26/05 (2)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 18:53:42 04/26/05 (1)
    • Re: Axle ratios, etc ChadS 19:02:11 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc 26Red 14:32:02 04/26/05 (2)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc scot_c 17:46:24 04/26/05 (0)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 14:46:39 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 14:17:30 04/26/05 (1)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc dr.sportster 14:39:52 04/26/05 (0)
• Re: Axle ratios, etc RustyFarmall 14:16:51 04/26/05 (2)
  • Re: Axle ratios, etc CNKS 14:36:22 04/26/05 (1)
    • Re: Axle ratios, etc superih 15:10:44 04/26/05 (0)

Post a Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]