how can I find out what gear ratio is in my '96 Chevy C-1500???
Is it somewhere in the VIN??
Starting to boat shop, and want to know what I can safely tow - or should I just be truck &boat shopping ( much less feasible...)
It already has all the heavy-duty trailering package - but the gear ratio makes a huge difference in what I can tow (legally) from 5000 to 7500 #'s - can make a big difference in boat choice.
Any help??

Many axles have a tag on them listing the gear ratio and carrier type. Have you checked for it? Also I'm sure many here will tell you that any half ton pickup can pull a load, but stopping it is what's important.

sticker on the inside of the glovebox lid.

The RPO for axle equip are G-codes

example...G80 is positraction

another example GU6 is 3.42 ratio, GT4 is 3.73 ect.

or jack the truck up and mark the driveshaft and a tire with chalk and go one tire revolution counting the driveshaft revs. if it's just under 3...it's a 2.73. If it's just 3+ it's a 3.08
barely three and a half is a 3.42

That Truck Came With 373 Unless Ordered Otherwise!

Oh praise the board!!!!

Thanks guy's - I should have it figured out tommorow morning. No tags, any more hint's on that glove box code???
The 3.73 is what I was hoping for - allows me 7500#'s - maybe I can still look at the Cig Bullet's.

Thanks. Bouy

only if was a stick V6 was that the standard ratio!

2 wheelers with a V8 got a 2.73 or a 3.42 (optional choice)

It's a 5.7 with factory tow. Couldn't pass up the deal, only had 46K, I haven't even put 10K on it. Great running truck - just want to use it as a work/tow truck.
According to the manual , a 3.73 wil get me 7500#'s. If thats the case, sh$t BABY, IT'S ALL GOOD!!!!
Otherwise, I need to start looking for a bigger truck...

There is a 95% chance it is not a 3:73 with it being a two wheel drive.

OK - I haven't ventured out to start checking the truck yet, but , how difficult would it be to cange out the gears to allow me to tow the higher weight??
would it be best to just replace the entire axle?