What gear ratio to run with 5.3 or 6.0 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**CYLFD** · 11-21-2012, 04:44 PM

Just wondering what gear ratio most people run with a late model 5.3 or 6.0. I'm trying to button but the rear suspension on my 68 and my plan is to run late model chevy motor. I want a posi. For sure just didn't know what the common gears where and didn't want to put all the rear suspension together then pull rear end back apart.
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brad_man_72 · 11-22-2012, 01:25 AM

What transmission makes a big difference. I'm running a pretty common combination of 4l60e and a 373 rear. Fun stoplight to stoplight and decent rpm at highway speeds.
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eagleuh1 · 11-22-2012, 03:30 AM

I'm running a Dana 60 3.54 Posi in my 68 Long Bed C20 with a 2005 5.3/4L60E. Plenty of pickup and go and tow a 5000 lb + travel trailer with no issues. I have tranny cooler and Doug Thorley LS conversion headers on mine. These are the only mods to engine. As stated before, plenty of acceleration and good hiway RPMs cruising.

eagleuh1 · 11-22-2012, 03:32 AM

Had a 4.56 Dana 60 at the start. Drove to Phoenix Az and back to Arkansas listening to the engine whine and suck the gas down. Much happier with the 3.54's.

**CYLFD** · 11-22-2012, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

What transmission makes a big difference. I'm running a pretty common combination of 4l60e and a 373 rear. Fun stoplight to stoplight and decent rpm at highway speeds.
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This is the combo I was leaning towards.
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**CYLFD** · 11-22-2012, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagleuh1

Had a 4.56 Dana 60 at the start. Drove to Phoenix Az and back to Arkansas listening to the engine whine and suck the gas down. Much happier with the 3.54's.

I hadn't looked into the Dana and 3.54's but I will thanks
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Ackattack · 11-22-2012, 09:20 PM

I have 4.10s in mine. Fun, but I'm sure its costing me some MPG, but I don't drive it much, so who cares.

I had an 05 crewcab z71 with 3.42s and it pulled my 6k pound trailer OK and got 20+ MPG.

I think 3.73s would be the best all around gear with an OD tranny

11-21-2012, 04:44 PM	#1
CYLFD Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Dfw TX Posts: 242	What gear ratio to run with 5.3 or 6.0 Just wondering what gear ratio most people run with a late model 5.3 or 6.0. I'm trying to button but the rear suspension on my 68 and my plan is to run late model chevy motor. I want a posi. For sure just didn't know what the common gears where and didn't want to put all the rear suspension together then pull rear end back apart. Posted via Mobile Device

11-22-2012, 01:25 AM	#2
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: What gear ratio to run with 5.3 or 6.0 What transmission makes a big difference. I'm running a pretty common combination of 4l60e and a 373 rear. Fun stoplight to stoplight and decent rpm at highway speeds. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

11-22-2012, 03:30 AM	#3
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: What gear ratio to run with 5.3 or 6.0 I'm running a Dana 60 3.54 Posi in my 68 Long Bed C20 with a 2005 5.3/4L60E. Plenty of pickup and go and tow a 5000 lb + travel trailer with no issues. I have tranny cooler and Doug Thorley LS conversion headers on mine. These are the only mods to engine. As stated before, plenty of acceleration and good hiway RPMs cruising.

11-22-2012, 03:32 AM	#4
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: What gear ratio to run with 5.3 or 6.0 Had a 4.56 Dana 60 at the start. Drove to Phoenix Az and back to Arkansas listening to the engine whine and suck the gas down. Much happier with the 3.54's.

11-22-2012, 09:20 PM	#7
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: What gear ratio to run with 5.3 or 6.0 I have 4.10s in mine. Fun, but I'm sure its costing me some MPG, but I don't drive it much, so who cares. I had an 05 crewcab z71 with 3.42s and it pulled my 6k pound trailer OK and got 20+ MPG. I think 3.73s would be the best all around gear with an OD tranny __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index



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