| Re: Final Drive Options and Recommendations [message #220505 is a reply to message #220499] |
Fri, 30 August 2013 10:57   |
mickey szilagyi
Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013
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Senior Member |
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Thank you all for the various opinions on our final drive situation. My son is convinced to go with the 3.70 since that seems to get the most votes. I'm having a harder time deciding between the 3.55 and 3.70. We have a 77 Kingsley with the 403 and it appears from what some of you have said it is on the heavy end as far the GMCs go. We may also be towing either a small utility trailer or small vehicle - something to transport a family of 5 when needed. I can't see that we would travel faster than 70 even going cross country. I pull a 21 foot boat with my 1999 Durango and I like to go between 60 and 65 so I don't see changing much with the GMC. Maybe 70 mph on the open road to make a little time. My son drives about the same way. Other than getting to our destination vacation areas on the interstates we'll be doing a fair amount of driving on two lane roads at lesser than interstate speeds. Probably not much cold/winter weather driving.
So, in trying to come to a decision, what is the peak performance RPMs and/or torque range of the 403. I'm guessing it's between 3000 and 3200 but please verify or correct me if that's not right. Maybe this is not as important as I'm assuming as there are too many different driving situations.
Also, we are undecided on the limited slip add-on. It's expensive but now would be the time to do it and it should be a one time expense. How important or how much of a factor would it play in the overall performance and use of the motorhome. Is it only helpful once in a blue moon or more often than what I imagine. Is it something that could fail or be a problem as we see it only has a 2 year 24,000 mile warrantee, less than the final drive warranties. Is that telling us something?
Finally, does the final drive assist in downhill driving and braking on long grades? Would one have an advantage over the other - 3.55 vs 3.70.
We're driving on 16 inch aluminum wheels with 225/75R16 tires.
Are there any other factors that we should consider? We realize there isn't a magical sure fire combination but we rely on the forum consensus, experience and expertise for a lot of what we have already done to our coach.
Thanks again to all, each of your comments are read and greatly appreciated.
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
[Updated on: Fri, 30 August 2013 11:00] Report message to a moderator |
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