What is the gear ratio for a 2002 Chevy 2500HD?

There isn’t a single gear ratio for every 2002 Chevy 2500HD. GM offered multiple rear-axle ratios for that model year to match towing, payload, and highway-use needs. The most common options were 3.73:1, 4.10:1, and 4.56:1, depending on the truck’s configuration.

Options and how they affect performance

The following list outlines the typical rear-axle ratios you might encounter on a 2002 2500HD and what each ratio generally means for driving characteristics.

• 3.73:1 — Common in base configurations; typically balances highway fuel economy with reasonable torque for everyday use.


• 4.10:1 — A mid-range option often chosen for improved towing and mid-range acceleration without sacrificing too much highway speed.


• 4.56:1 — A heavy-duty or towing-focused ratio that improves low-end torque for hauling and climbing, at the expense of higher engine RPM at highway speeds.

In all cases, the exact ratio depends on the specific axle and package installed at the factory. To know your precise gear ratio, you should verify with the vehicle’s axle tag, door sticker, or by decoding the VIN with GM’s specifications for that VIN.

How to determine your exact gear ratio

Use these methods to identify the precise ratio on your truck:

1. Inspect the axle differential tag: A small tag on the differential cover or axle tube usually lists the ratio (for example, "RATIO 4.10" or similar).


2. Check the cab/door data sticker: The driver’s door jamb sticker often includes the axle ratio alongside other specs.


3. Decode the VIN: A VIN lookup through GM’s service data, a dealership, or a trusted online database can reveal the original axle ratio for that VIN.

Knowing the exact ratio helps with tasks like calculating engine RPM at highway speeds, estimating towing performance, and comparing fuel economy across configurations.

Common configurations by drivetrain

Among 2002 2500HD trucks, the ratio you get is closely tied to whether the truck is two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and to the engine/transmission combination. Acknowledging these differences can help you interpret the numbers you find on a tag or in a brochure.

Notes on identification

When shopping or verifying a vehicle, always confirm the exact axle ratio from the axle tag or door sticker, and cross-check with the VIN. This ensures you’re comparing vehicles with the same gearing and towing capability.

Summary

For the 2002 Chevy 2500HD, there isn’t a single universal gear ratio. The model year offered several rear-axle ratios, with 3.73:1, 4.10:1, and 4.56:1 being the common options. The precise ratio depends on the truck’s configuration, and the exact value can be confirmed via the axle tag, door sticker, or VIN decoding. This information is essential for understanding towing performance, engine RPM at speed, and overall efficiency.

What is the gear ratio for the rear end of a Chevy 2500?

Probably 4.10 if it's a 6.0. 3.73 if diesel.

How can you tell the difference between a 3.73 and a 4.10 gear ratio?

You can tell if you have 3.73 or 4.10 gears by manually counting, checking the differential cover for a tag, or finding the ratio stamped on the ring gear. The most direct method is to lift the rear wheels, rotate one tire one full revolution, and count how many times the driveshaft turns; 3.75 turns indicates 3.73 gears, while slightly over 4 turns indicates 4.10 gears.
 
This video demonstrates how to check your gear ratio by counting the driveshaft turns: 48sBent Motorsports OffroadYouTube · Sep 22, 2023
Method 1: Manual count (with the vehicle jacked up)

1. Jack up the vehicle: Safely lift the rear of your vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Ensure the wheels are off the ground. 
2. Mark the driveshaft and a tire: Place a mark on one of the rear tires and a corresponding mark on the driveshaft. 
3. Rotate the tire: Rotate the marked tire forward one full revolution. For an open differential, you may need to lift only one wheel and have someone hold the other stationary, or lift both wheels and rotate one tire twice while the other tire is on the ground. For a locked differential, lift both rear wheels and have one tire rotate once while the other rotates once in the opposite direction. 
4. Count the driveshaft turns: Count how many times the mark on the driveshaft has rotated. 
   • 3.73 gears: The driveshaft will turn approximately 3.753.753.75 times for one full tire revolution. 
   • 4.10 gears: The driveshaft will turn a little over 444 times for one full tire revolution. 

Method 2: Check the differential cover tag 

1. Locate the tag: Look for a small metal tag that is usually bolted to the differential cover. It may be on one of the bolts. 
2. Read the ratio: If the tag is still present, the gear ratio will be stamped on it. It will likely be a number like "3.73" or "4.10". 

You can watch this video to learn how to find the differential cover tag: 51sFlawed OffroadYouTube · Apr 18, 2022
Method 3: Read the ring gear stamps 

1. Locate the ring gear: This requires removing the differential cover to get a clear view of the ring gear.
2. Find the numbers: Look for two numbers stamped on the teeth of the ring gear, such as "41" and "11". 
3. Divide the numbers: Divide the larger number (teeth on the ring gear) by the smaller number (teeth on the pinion gear). 
   • 41÷11≈3.7341 divided by 11 is approximately equal to 3.7341÷11≈3.73 
   • 41÷10=4.1041 divided by 10 equals 4.1041÷10=4.10 

This video shows how to read the ring gear stamps to find the gear ratio: 46sJL LIFE OFFROADYouTube · Nov 18, 2022

What is the gear ratio for a 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500hd?

The 2002 Chevy 2500HD was available with 3.73:1 or 4.10:1 gear ratios, with the ratio often depending on the specific configuration and drivetrain options. The 4.10 ratio is a common option (RPO code GT5) for this truck. 
This video explains how to find the gear ratio based on the RPO code: 56sTattsForLifeYouTube · Sep 7, 2018

• 3.73:1 - A common gear ratio for the truck. 
• 4.10:1 - Another available option, identified by the GT5 RPO code on some models. 

To determine the exact ratio for your specific truck, you can check the RPO (Regular Production Option) codes sticker, which is typically found on the driver's side doorjamb. You can also have a dealership or mechanic look up the vehicle's VIN, or inspect the rear differential cover for markings or count the teeth on the ring and pinion gears. 
You can watch this video to learn how to determine the gear ratio by counting the teeth on the gears: 1mChris DukeYouTube · Nov 22, 2016

What is the gear ratio for a 2003 Chevy 2500hd?

The 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD commonly came with a 3.73 gear ratio, but other options like 4.10 and 4.56 were also available. To find the exact ratio for a specific vehicle, check the RPO (Regular Production Option) codes on the placard in the driver's side door jamb.
 
Common gear ratios

• 3.73: A very common ratio, often found on models with the 10.5-inch rear axle. 
• 4.10: Available for the front axle, often on 9.25-inch differentials. 
• 4.56: Another available ratio, found on parts listings for similar models. 

How to find your specific gear ratio

• Check the RPO codes: The easiest way to confirm your truck's original gear ratio is to look at the "Service Parts Identification" (SPID) label, usually located on the driver's side door jamb or in the glove box. 
• Find the axle ratio code: Look for an RPO code that corresponds to the axle ratio. For example, GT4 is a common code for a 3.73 ratio. 
• Consult a dealer or online tool: If you can't find the RPO code, you may be able to find the ratio by providing the vehicle's VIN to a Chevy dealer or using a VIN decoder online.