4WD/AWD and Boat Ramps

[SouthernBow]

I've got a 4x4 ford and never put it into 4 wheel yet,but it's good to know it's there if I need it.

[Okie Boarder]

My Dad has a Sierra with the 4 wheel steering. That is pretty cool and it lets you park a truck like a little car.

[csuggs]

I never had a problem with two wheel drive. My Chevy has the G80 code limited slip axle and I keep good tires on it. Okie, look for the code in the glovebox of a Chevy or GMC. G80 is limited slip axle and G4 is a 3.73:1 gear ratio. Good combination for towing. There's another code in there for the factory trailer towing package, but I can't think of it just now.

Edit - correction, GT4 (not G4) is the code for 3.73:1 axle ratio. And the code for heavy duty trailering equipment is Z82.

[Okie Boarder]

Clint...I'll check that out. I'm pretty sure the one we're considering is probably equipped well considering everything else it has on it.

[Tackleberry]

When I was selling Supras, Moombas, and Nautiques I had a regular cab, short wheel base Chevy 4x4 (07 Classic Z71) that I towed with. I used an 09 Launch 22 as a demo boat on the weekends and never had to put it 4wd to pull a boat out. Even on some of the steepest ramps in the area (Smith Lake, Alabama). I also towed several 24' Supras, Nautique Team 236, Malibu VLX, and various other inboards without an issue. Those aren't light boats. My last truck, '10 Chevy Z71 2wd ext. cab and my current '08 Tahoe 2wd have zero issues pulling my Comp LTS out of the water.

[sybrmike]

Over the years I've had 4 different 4WD's, but the only times I used it was when I knew I had it - so I pushed a little farther and deeper than if I were in a 2WD. The only time I used 4WD on a ramp was to pull somebody else's boat up a steep, muddy, potholed, ramp that nobody should have been using in the first place. I skipped the 4WD this time - replaced the 4WD 1500 Ram with a 2WD 2500 CTD. Either way, with a LSD or locker in the rear - 4WD may just be for insurance (pay for it & hope you never have to use it).

[Chuck Yager]

I have an '07 new body style GMC CC Z71 and love it. Like has been said before. 4x4 is a security blanket for me. I personnaly wouldn't have one without 4x4. Mine has the autotrac transfer case you are talking about and it does really well, I do susally just put it into 2HI and just shift it into 4x4 if I feel the need. I also have the locking diff (and yes it is an automatic locking diff. It works really well too. I couldn't be happier with the combination. it makes the truck very capable. GMs do seem to be a bit spin happy sometimes, but I usually don't need 4x4 to pul the boat out of the water unless its a ramp that is paved and there is a lot of gravel from the parking lot on the ramp. The avalanche should be a choice you will be very happy with in my opinion.

[Okie Boarder]

Well, pulled the trigger. Picked up the Av last night. It is definitely in nice shape and I think we're going to enjoy it. We're hitting the lake tomorrow so I'll see how it does pulling and at the ramp.

[csuggs]

What rear gear ratio did you end up with?

[Okie Boarder]

To be honest, I haven't even looked yet. I'll check it out tonight and let you know. Here's a couple pics...one at the dealership and one rear shot in the garage.