What is the gear ratio for the Silverado SS?
The most commonly cited gear ratio for the Silverado SS is a 3.73:1 rear axle final drive, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E). This setup was chosen to balance brisk acceleration with comfortable highway cruising for the high-performance pickup.
The question of gear ratio touches two related aspects: the rear axle final drive (which directly affects how far the wheels turn for each engine rotation) and the transmission’s gear set (which determines engine RPM across different driving conditions). Here’s a closer look at how these gears come together in the Silverado SS.
Key gearing specs
Below are the core gearing specs most owners and enthusiasts refer to for the Silverado SS. These apply to the factory configuration common across the model years and may vary with aftermarket changes.
- Rear axle final drive ratio: 3.73:1
- Transmission: 4L60-E four-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (2WD); 4x4 was not offered on the Silverado SS
The 3.73:1 rear axle ratio is designed to deliver strong acceleration from the 6.0L V8 while keeping engine RPM manageable during highway cruising. The 4L60-E automatic complements this setup with appropriately spaced gears for everyday driving and confident passing power.
Why the 3.73 ratio matters
With the 6.0-liter V8 delivering substantial torque, the 3.73:1 final drive helps the Silverado SS launch quickly from a stop and maintain strong mid-range performance without forcing the engine into excessively high revs on the highway. This choice reflects a balance between performance-focused response and comfortable, everyday drivability.
Model year notes
Chevrolet did not offer a manual transmission option for the Silverado SS, and the drivetrain configuration (2WD with a 3.73:1 rear axle and a 4L60-E automatic) remained characteristic of the SS throughout its 2003–2006 production window. Some owners pursue aftermarket changes, but factory specifications center on the 3.73 final drive paired with the 4L60-E automatic.
Summary
The Silverado SS’s gearing centers on a 3.73:1 rear axle final drive combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E) in a rear-wheel-drive package. This configuration was chosen to deliver brisk acceleration and solid highway performance, aligning with the SS’s intent as a high-performance variant of the Silverado.
