3.42 or 3.73 gears? This is my question.

[00_shortbed]

Ok here goes-- I have a 2000 Silverado shortbed reg cab with 5.3l and 4l60. Tire size is 235/65/16, it has 3.42 gears in it now and performs really well. But, would i benifit any from 3.73 gears??? I have friends that tell me they were happier with the 3.42's because the 3.73's made it feel like it topped out soon??? i just wonder with this tire size if i should stick with 3.42's. Right now @ 70 its right at 2k with the 3.42's.

[RS/SS 4.8]

Try 70 @ 1.6k that sucks toping out is probobly rpm related. Higher rpm higher top speed. Lower rpm lower top speed. Also depends on what tire size u got. Right now my truck with 32 in tires and 3.23 should run 150 or so in 3rd theoretically it runs outa steam at 122 mph but with 4.10 its supost to run 118. Oh thats without changin rev limiter at 5500

[CHEVROLADE]

i had a 2000 5.3 ext cab with oem 342s...i did the 373 swap and man it made a great difference...ide do the 373s they are a great all around gear ..you wont lose topend

[00_shortbed]

Thanks guys, i guess i can throw them in to see. I can always go back. Can i get any feedback from other members on what gears they use and tire size?

[CHEVROLADE]

i ran them 3.73s with 29'' tall wheel/tire

i currently run 323s with the 6speed 29'' tire as well

[farmtruc]

I don't think it's worth the swap, id go 4.10's.

[ecld_07]

ran 4.56 and i dont think it fell on its face till 4th but that was 130 mph. do atleast 4.10s

[sierraman]

think about this, how often do you plan on running all out, if alot stick with 3.42's.
if your running racing or towing, lower gears are a must, then go 4.10 or lower.
if you want to dial in your mileage, get on a rpm calculator and find the closest gear ratio: http://www.csgnetwork.com/multirpmcalc.html

[00_shortbed]

Yeah i dont plan on running all out that much, mainly just quarter mile, racing from red light to red light and flooring it on the highway to 100 or so.

[Crazy Blu]

3.90s!!! Or 4.10s they say you can do 140ish in 3rd on 4.10s in my truck I shift to 4th usually so dunno how tall 3rd is exactly on a 29" tire as well...
Im at a high rpm on the hwy but not to bad...