need a question answered...

[94_C/1500]

4L60E and 4L80E are automatic transmissions. Using a 4.10 gear ratio in the axles has nothing to do with the transmissioin.
If you are getting 12 mpg in the city, then something isn't right. I would think even with high gearing your truck should do alot better then that. But lower gears usually allow better MPGs in the city and a little worse on the highway and interstates. But that isn't always true. Its very possible to get better MPG on the highway with lower gears, especially if the road goes over mountains.

 

[Mike]

If you tow a lot drop in a complete 6.0/4l80e from a yard.

 

[jshawag12]

If you are getting 12 mpg in the city, then something isn't right

i have 3.73 rear end....and its 4x4...it averages 12-14 if it was all straight city driving....i thought that was kinda normal

 

[Butch]

i have 3.73 rear end....and its 4x4...it averages 12-14 if it was all straight city driving....i thought that was kinda normal

That's all my trucks ever gotten with either motor, don't forget if your beefing up to tow don't overlook the brakes, my 12 year old truck can pull a lot but it sucks at stopping it with out pushing.

 

[MIHELA]

The 14 bolt SF from an early 90's light 3/4 will help a bit with towing because it's stronger and has a lot beefier brakes. That an 3/4 ton springs would help. Other than possibly having hardened exhaust seats in the heads (which is debateable) the vortec 5.7's are all the same.

 

[94blu1500]

and dont forget its not what you can tow its what you can stop, 2500/3500s have larger brakes and a stiffer chassis

 

[Scheidsride]

The tranny in a 3/4 ton (2500) is beefier. The motors are the same 5.7.. If you find a 350 in a 2500 or 3500 as long as it's a 5.7 96 to 99 .. Your good.. You have a 4 L 60 E TRANNY the 2500 an 3500 have 4l80e .. The z71 package has 3.73 gears and the 3/4 tons usually do to... The 1 tons run a 4.10 .. I pulled out a 5.0 305 out of a truck and put a awesome 5.7 out of a 99 tahoe in it.. Everything is the exact same.. Had to put in a diff program in the computer but that's it..

 

[jshawag12]

so if i put in a 4l80e the next time this one goes out(Lord willing not for awhile) that should add a little towing capacity? will a shift kit and servo help make this 4L60e last any longer as far as towing goes or do anything for towing in general?

wish i woudl have had this truck before the tranny went out and i would have put a 4l80e in there

 

[Scheidsride]

Well for one to replace a 4l60 with a 4l60 is not pull on out put the other in job.. Big big electronically and wiring difference between the both.. If your 4l60 goes out, you can get it beefed up.. My crate 350 is a little over 360 horse right now and I've pulled big trailers with thousands of pounds on it without any problems.. 6-10thousand lbs on an 2-3k lbs trailer.. It's got tighter stronger shift s.. The faster a tranny shifts the longer your clutches last.. Unless your draggin' around a 45 foot gooseneck trailer loaded w 20k lbs everyday .. And w a half ton
your prob not.. Then I w just rebuild the 4l60.. Tell the tech to beef it up a bit.. They can put in better clutches update the valve body and few other small things.. And remember to drop down to third.. If your dragging a trailer and it's shifting down everyother mile..

 

[jshawag12]

my bro has a 5th wheel travel trailer and i wanna say its around 8k...and i know the towing capacity is about that for a half ton...would that be a problem? of course it wouldnt be an all the time thing