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MSHappyCampers · 06-19-2011, 07:56 PM

I have a friend who has a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 EC and wants to find out what the rear axle ratio is in order to determine the 5th wheel towing rating. Can anyone tell us how to find the axle ratio on this truck?
Thanks!

wingnut60 · 06-20-2011, 06:37 AM

Have him read thru this:

What gear ratio do I have in my GM or Chevrolet rear end, do I have positraction - Drivetrain.com

MSHappyCampers · 06-20-2011, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Have him read thru this:

What gear ratio do I have in my GM or Chevrolet rear end, do I have positraction - Drivetrain.com

Thanks, we'll check this out!

Cat320 · 06-20-2011, 11:22 AM

If the link does not work, you can always call GM with the VIN...one of those letters/numbers is the axle ratio.

RustyJC · 06-20-2011, 11:34 AM

With all respect, because of the ~20% of the total 5th wheel trailer weight carried by the truck as pin weight, I suspect your friend will max out on his 1/2 ton truck's GVWR long before he hits the fictitious "manufacturer's trailer tow rating" that's based on the curb weight of a base model truck with no options or accessories (including a 5th wheel hitch!!) and only a 150 lb driver.

Rusty

MSHappyCampers · 06-20-2011, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC

With all respect, because of the ~20% of the total 5th wheel trailer weight carried by the truck as pin weight, I suspect your friend will max out on his 1/2 ton truck's GVWR long before he hits the fictitious "manufacturer's trailer tow rating" that's based on the curb weight of a base model truck with no options or accessories (including a 5th wheel hitch!!) and only a 150 lb driver.

Rusty

Thanks for your comments. I'll be sure he checks that!

MSHappyCampers · 06-20-2011, 06:36 PM

Can anyone tell me how to find the GVWR for the 2001 1500 4WD EC with auto transmission? I have googled it and can't seem to find the answer. Your help is appreciated!

450Donn · 06-20-2011, 06:42 PM

GVWR is listed on the drivers door post. Axle ratio is listed inside the glove compartment door on the build sheet.

MSHappyCampers · 06-21-2011, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn

GVWR is listed on the drivers door post. Axle ratio is listed inside the glove compartment door on the build sheet.

Thanks! I'll have him check that this morning.

mhs4771 · 06-21-2011, 08:01 AM

Even if your friend gets a 5er that won't max out his TV, will he be able to stop it?? Dealer and Mfr both are selling units that are supposed to be 1/2 ton towable, but personally I wouldn't do it unless it was a very very small 5er, then why, stay with a TT. Just my 5 cents (inflation)

MSHappyCampers · 06-21-2011, 01:30 PM

Thanks everyone! He now has the RV GVWR, his truck GVWR, and the 5th wheel towing capacity of the truck. He is going to take the whole rig to a truck scale and get the actual weights.

Ray,IN · 06-28-2011, 07:47 PM

A quick N dirty way to determine differential ratio involves a length of string and a piece of chalk. Jack up one drive wheel, make a mark on it with the chalk. Tape the string to the bottom side of driveshaft. Turn the wheel one revolution. Count the number of times(+the last partial) the string wraps around the driveshaft.

Randy the sly old fox · 07-03-2011, 08:51 PM

The EC is usually an economy model and might have either a 3.08 or 3.23 rear end and are not meant for towing or hauling but instead for fuel economy and light hauling. The built sheet numbers for rear end gears has not changed in years so look on the build sheet located in the glove box for one of the following:
GT4 - 3.73
GU4 - 3.08
GU5 - 3.23
GU6 - 3.42

G80 - Locking Diff

G82 - Trailering Pkg
K5L - HD cooling
KC4 - Ext engine oil cooler