Busted the pinion gear when towing, need help

[*FFC*]

I got a friend who has an '01 Chevy 1500 5.3L with a 6" lift.  He was towing and busted his pinion gear.  Only 2 teeth broke off, but he's wanting to go to a lower gear.  What's the recommended gear ratio for towing with 35" tires? I'm terrible with these things, so I told him I'd ask ya'll 

Thanks in advance!


EDIT: It's a 5.3 not 4.3

[Blingn]

it is a chevy =bad ,small motor=bad, 1/2 ton=bad

[Mistaken]

 

[olivedrab85]

I had an 06 crew with a 5.3, I put in 4.56's and it towed my 4runner around good. Not sure about the 4.3 though

[Blingn]

http://www.csgnetwork.com/gearratcalc.html

Differential Gear Ratio Calculator

[Gittinit]

A semi float, six lug 14 bolt would be a great/cheap upgrade for that rig. That 6cyl would never break it.

[*FFC*]

Sorry guys, I'm an

a 14 bolt upgrade? with what gears? keeping the 4:56's?

[79coyotefrg]

14 bolt is a chevy 2500 rear axle

i would go with 4.10's or 4.56's  cause he probably had  3.73's  if  not 3.37's

[*FFC*]

14 bolt is a chevy 2500 rear axle

i would go with 4.10's or 4.56's  cause he probably had  3.73's  if  not 3.37's

No, he had 4:56's that broke when he was towing.  He was thinking of either going with 4:10's or keeping what he's got, but he wanted to do it right, so I figured I'd check for him what 'right' is with a 35" tire.  Seems that the 4:56's are the required ratio.

[79coyotefrg]

456 is good

[freds40]

My guess is he has the 4l60E auto. I'd say at least 4.56s to tow with that. That tranny and towing any decent load are not a great combo.

[Mistaken]

the 4l60e's are put into s-series trucks and the 1500's the beefier 4l80e is put in 2500 and 3500's.
the 4l60e's are a terrible transmission when it comes to towing. with out an aftermarket tranny cooler ran in series with the factory one the transmission is knowen to go over 250* when towing. with temps like that it does not take long for parts to fatigue from the heat and fail, i know from experiance. with the after market cooler my truck rans at a constant 120* when not towing. i would suggest your friend upgrade his tranny while he is under there

[Rocksurfer]

He should slide a complete 2500 in there to be safe. A 1500 is pretty weak for towing, my Durango has a higher tow rating.

I'd swap out the whole axle to at least a 2500 to save having this issue again. Not only will it be stronger it will increase braking power