1500 towing

[gilkmanva]

I have a 2004 Avalanche Z71 (1500) with 3.73 gearing.
I am looking at a 5900 lb travel trailer. The truck is rated at 7100 lbs. with the current gearing. I am considering regearing to 4.10 which should get me to an 8000 lb tow rating (should have done this from the factory :bang: )
I have added a B&M TOC, going to get a 160 degree thermostat, corvette servo/billet 4th servo and a custom tune. Should I go ahead and do a shift kit as well?

please provide opinions/experience
thanks,
Jim

[NITROUS]

Hey bro, I love the 4:10's in my 1/2 ton. It's totally a preference as to where you get the gears installed. The dealership will just cost you more money. If you live around the Houston area I will recommend Pyle Differential in Baytown. I had them install factory 4:10's in my truck and haven't had a problem yet. They even had my back on the road within 2 1/2 hours. JMHO I would stick with the factory gears if possible. I've ran Richmond before and they can sometimes make a little more noise depending on the machine marks when manufactered, Don't take me wrong Richmond makes a good gear. You'll wan't to make sure you have some sort of programming to recalibrate your speedometer.

Sorry man, I misread the thread. I thought you where asking if you should use the dealership to install gears. Hell ya do the tranny! Just remember the kit can drive you crazy with everyday driving if you don't like a little slam in your shift.

Vortec383

[gilkmanva]

Vortec,
thanks for the comments. If I regear, I would go factory, to make sure I did not have any warranty issues. not sure I will need to.
My biggest concern is the 4L60E. I have read you can put the shift kit in and adjust the firmness based on the size of the holes you drill and number of spacers.
Just looking for advice on beefing up the tranny.

Maybe I'll let it go and replace it with a 65 when needed

[NITROUS]

There are many mods you can make to the tranny depending on the amount of money you want to spend. The servo is a must because it's cheap and easy. Here are a couple of tranny links that will help you decide. I'm sure some of the guys advertised here in the forums can help you too.

4L60E Mods
Phoenix

Vortec383

[gilkmanva]

Vortec,
great info on those sites.
thanks,
Jim

[rckrzy1]

Factory for gears ? No Way, I tried with my new truck and was
told $1300 I said for a 2 wd, YEP.

If your near DFW I got a guy that will do it for $400 using motive
gears.

BTW my empty TT weighs 3400, WET and loaded I went to the
scales, 5100. I tow at any speed I want around here.