How much 98 Suburban 4X4 with 6.5TD can tow?

[farbodr]

I have found what I thought was the perfect solution to our towing need. It is a 98 GMC burb 4X4 with a 6.5TD with only 80K. You can imagine how disappointed I was to find out that it can only tow 5000 pounds. How could this be with 490 pound of torque? I think it has a 3.42 rear end but still 5k seems way too low. Do I have it all wrong and it can tow 8-9k?:confused:

TIA,

FR

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome to the Forums!

Is this a 1500 or 2500? If a 1500 (1/2 ton, and likely with a 3.42), no real surprise, but 5K does seem a little low. A 1/2 ton has no business towing 9K+, in any case (even the "new" trucks I see on TV commercials). Your gear ratio will have a huge impact on the towing capacity, and for a very good reason. If you do have a 2500 with the 3.42 (??), change the gears to get the higher towing capacity. Always do your homework before making a purchase, because hindsight is always 20/20.

490 torque? Who told you that?

[mark45678]

I have found what I thought was the perfect solution to our towing need. It is a 98 GMC burb 4X4 with a 6.5TD with only 80K. You can imagine how disappointed I was to find out that it can only tow 5000 pounds. How could this be with 490 pound of torque? I think it has a 3.42 rear end but still 5k seems way too low. Do I have it all wrong and it can tow 8-9k?:confused:

TIA,

FR


gear ratio is killing its towing compasity . if you had 4.10 you would be good ! Trans is going to get hot , motor will run hot with out gear.