Towing Upgrade

I have a 1997 Sierra K1500, Z71, 5.7 vortec (40,000 miles :smile: )..added 3inch exhaust, K&N FIPK, and programer for coumpter. I want to beef up the rear end a little to pull a travel trailer(26 footer),(don't want to spend alot, and can't aford a 3/4 ton), any suggestions. I'm not "that" much of a handi man( :loser: ), but can do a few things without going to a shop. :feedback:

Shepherds,
That's sure alot of trailer to pull with a K1500, even with the 5.7l. If you're dead set on using this rig to pull this trailer, I'd switch out the rear springs to 3/4 ton units, swap out the 3.42's for 4.11's with a lock-right diff, and get a rear disc brake kit. A weight distributing hitch setup is also a must with a long trailer. I don't know what your trailer weighs, but if it's well over your trucks' max tow rating I'd rethink the whole idea.

Geno

I towed a 27 footer with a half ton Ford conversion van without problems so I would think you would be oaky as well. Since you have a 4X4, a rear end gear swap will cost you double since you have to do the front axle as well. I don't think you'll need it.

I might recommend that you consider installing an aftermarket transmission cooler and change that fluid while you are at it. You might also look at changing your diff fluid and adding an aftermarket rear end cover. I installed one from Mag-Hytec (http://www.mag-hytec.com/differential%20covers.htm) on my motorhome. Its added fluid capacity and cooling fins will extend your rear end's life.

With a load equalizing hitch, the load is spread over all of the axles and you should be sprung heavy enough unless you are going to load your truck to the max in addition to the trailer.

I have a friend of mine who has a 96 Chev regular cab fleetside with the 5.7 in a half ton 4X4, and a five speed manual, not sure what rear gear it has, but it pulls just fine, and he regularly tows a fifth wheel livestock hauler that weighs 7000 lbs empty, and god knows what when it has ten horses or steers in it. (Can be as high as 20,000lbs)
It drives real nice and has no trouble pulling, and does regular duty between Idaho and Colorado and Washington state, yep sees lots of hills !!!

Here is a link to a pretty good camper forum, they might be able to shed more light on the subject.

http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/index.cfm/fuseaction/logout.cfm

I Tow A 25 Foot Travel Trailer With A 96 Sierra Ext. Cab, 4.3v6, 5 Spd Man. I Have To Leave It Out Of 5th , But Will Run Down The Highway At 65-70 No Problem. Have To Slow Down For My Buddy And His Bronco Most Of The Time! Long Hills Tend To Slow Me Down A Touch.