Which would be the best gear to run a 3.42 or 3.73 with a stock bottom end 6.0. Stock cam, stage 3 heads, t-76. Right now truck has 4.56's with a 35" tire planning to drop to a 31" on 20's. I'm worried 4.56's are too steep of a gear and would blow tires off going no where. Any thoughts???

 

3.73s would be better for all-around performance. Not that 3.42s would stress your drivetrain that much, but lesser stress with the shorter gears. Why not consider 4.10s or 3.73s, and forget about 3.42s? With the weight of the CC & rotating mass of 20s & 31-inch'ers, I'd look at nothing taller than 3.73s... unless you're about to purchase some type of forced induction setup. noticed your sig

 

Just dumped the 3.23's for 4.10's, should have done it sooner. my total tire is almost 32''. ive got 275 55 20's and i wanna say wheel and tire combo is almost 70 lbs. love the new gear. then again your gonna have allot more power turning yours

 

Ok I don't know why I was moved other than I guess it was a gear question. I am adding a turbo right now and I was wondering what gear would be best. I think I will go with the 73's but I was just wanting other opinions

 

i would see what it does with the 4.56's first then decide. i don't think i would go higher than 4.10's though. i am pretty sure traction will be an issue no matter what!! i have a crew cab on 20's with a 275/45 and 3.73's. i have 4.10's in the tool box waiting to go in.

 

Well it really depends on ur intentions with the truck. Being a spooled forced induction ID go smaller with a 3.73 to make it scream top end, however a 4.10 will get the spools up faster...its a toss up...

 

I have intake ported for spray but need to build motor first. I figured if I went with 3.42's NX would make up for lag, but I agree 3.73's would be best all around. Truck is a DD really don't have any intensions other than go fast and turn some heads.