At the Victor diamond mine in northern Ontario the Ford and Ram trucks suffered so many front end issues that Debeers basically banned them from being used. GM pickup trucks became exclusive for that reason

The main takeaway of the DMax 2500 seems to be that from a design philosophy standpoint GM set out to build a liveable daily driver that can tow the big stuff in a pinch when needed, while Ford/Ram built more vocational oriented trucks that can be specc'd out in luxe trims but sacrifice everyday creature comforts for durability. If you're towing a backhoe or landscape trailer to jobsites 5 days a week and sometimes take the family out to dinner on the weekends it probably comes down to a shootout between the Ram and the Superduty, but if you're looking to commute to your day job and get the kids to swim meets while still being able to tow the boat/camper/tractor on the weekends the GM seems absolutely unbeatable.

I'm currently researching my next Chevy truck & your videos have helped to make my decision, thanks.

I run a 2015 gmc 2500 hd as my work truck in northern Alberta I agree there is more moving parts but the front ends are stout. It has 329’000k on it and through some rough Alberta pipeline roads and off road conditions. Last year at 280 I finally had to rebuild the front end. My 2010 dodge ram 3500 I put two front ends in it by 210k not to mention a new 68rfe transmission too. I know it’s hard to take one guys word on trucks but each truck has there flaws but my duramax has been my best truck I’ve owned hands down

New to this channel. I really like this in depth series with you digging into all the important info that none of the other “journalists” ever dive into. So once you are finished with this chevy, would you possibly consider doing a series on the powerstroke and cummins? I would love to hear all about the same stuff on those two as well.

Alex, great content. I love that you get into the bones of the trucks not so much into the icing and all the glitter of each truck. you are a wealth of knowledge. It is true you are bias, everyone is no matter for various reasons. The application of each truck byer will vary as to which truck is best for them, case in point someone who rarely leaves the black top another than maybe an occasional gravel road, will do just fine with GM's independent front suspension, opposed to the serious off roader willing to sacrifice some ride comfort from the independent front suspension in my opinion. A byer must know how he will use the truck and for what to not be disappointed, in his or her purchase. That said reliability is probably one of the most important item that every truck buyer wants and you do a great job explaining this so that every truck buyer can make an informed decision as to which Truck is best fits for their needs and application. Thanks for sharing your opinions and expertise.

I've had Auto 4WD on three different GM 1500 trucks over the past 22 years and I find it to be incredibly useful during our long Alaska winters. If I were to buy a 250/2500 truck I would buy GM for that reason alone. Personally, I don't tow my trailers in snow, so there will never be that extra load on the Auto 4WD system. I've only used 4WD while towing when I've been in sand and dirt, and for that I go straight to 4HI. So I have no concerns about my Auto 4WD failing and in 22 years I've had zero issues with it.

Nice review. Very detailed. Loved how you explained the pros and cons. I'd like to see your review of the GM 1/2 ton pickup with the 3.0 Duramax.

I truly believe that the emissions components on GM vehicles have evolved to the point of being the most reliable of the 3 north American truck manufacturers. The 3.42 ratio gear set is a non issue for me since the gearing in the 10 speed "Allison" transmission makes up for it. I had a deleted LMM Duramax before this 2022 L5P that I now own and would never go back.

Listen I get everything you are saying about the drivetrain and I agree 100% with your pros and cons. I just traded my 2017 Ram 2500 6.4L Megacab in for a 2023 GMC 2500 AT4HD Duramax. I originally went with the Ram specifically for the reason you mention about the front solid axle. I am a frim believe a solid axle is stronger and more durable. Although, I got tired of being tossed around the Ram cab on bad roads, it literally hurt sometimes. I understand the gearing issue you have in the rear and the desire to put a shorter gear set in the diff. If I had the Ram and exclusively towed I would want the 4.10. But in the GMC with a 10 speed I never lack for power. The gearing is on point in the trans and it keeps the engine in it torque band, granted the most I've pulled in the GMC so far is 10K lbs. But when I'm going up the on ramp to the highway and stand in it takes off.

I have a 2019 3500 single rear wheel drive and I towed 28,100 pounds on a dump trailer and it towed it perfectly fine with no problems even going up a hill.

Good job on the video man, really like your informative factual-based videos. I own a 20' GMC AT4 2500 HD and I am an HD landscaper that pulls my #12000 skid steer plus implements on my 25' gooseneck ( a lot of weight). The truck seems to pull it just fine with 0 issues as a matter of fact my crew is always telling me I drive too fast and honestly I barely put my foot into it. This L5P just goes! It is very smooth for what it is and I enjoy the product immensely. I have a little over 95K miles on it and not one issue so far. None. I want to trade it in before the 100,000-mile mark bc of its value but am hard-pressed to switch to another manufacturer. I like the Tradesman with the Power Wagon package but am not totally convinced I will get all the "goodies" that GM gives me. I do wish they would refresh the interior as they did on the 1/2 tons and I would probably just stick with GMC at least that is what I am leaning toward doing at the moment. Keep up the good work, we are watching!

Hi. Great review, from a Canadian, I like it! lol. We bought a 2022 Denali Diesel 3500 SRW and quite honestly, given what we do with the "Beast" believe that it will do just fine! We tow 10,000 lbs with it (Travel Trailer) and feel quite happy, compared to the 1500 V8 6,2L 8 speeds that we had before... My thinking: as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you...that's what we have done with our cars over the years (yes, it's more expensive!) but we "never" had any bad issues... Those trucks are expensive, and a good mecanic is a great friend to have! Thanks for the great review! Remi (Québec)

Awesome job as usual. Glad to se ya back.

Really informative viedo and GMC makes a really nice truck, but i love my 16 powerwagon, rides smooth, but does not tow or carry near as much as the some of the others , but i am keeping it as i don't tow much any longer. Keep up the good work, thx matt in az.

Huge thanks Really appreciate your knowledge !

Great and valuable information. Thank You. I'm from Australia and in process of doing research on 2500HD American trucks. So far in Australia we only get 2 Factory backed options for HD trucks. Fully loaded Silverado LTZ and only with Duramax 6.6L diesel, second option is RAM 2500 fully loaded Laramie with Cummins 6.7L diesel. Ford is bringing F150 with only 3.5L gas engine, not sure about F250 and bigger? These trucks are converted to Right Hand Drive (RHD) by specialist factory conversion facility and fully backed by original manufacturers. Conversion is great and you cant tell that they have not originally made for RHD. In Australia we drive on wrong (Left) side of the road. Anyway, I have been leaning towards Chevy because I don't do much towing and do long distance road touring where comfort is more important. Alex, has now convinced me that Chevy is the way to go for me as solid front ends have been really bothering me in regard of comfort and steering. We will be getting 2024 LTZ update in couple of months time. What I can see from research is that the new update is mostly cosmetic inside with new dashboard and infotainment. Will probably wait to see the new 2024 update before pulling the trigger, but that will depend on wait times for actual 2024 model delivery and discounting on current 2023 models. I am an older guy and new digital dashboard is not that important to me. Thanks again for very informative videos.

What a Breath of Fresh Air, to hear from someone who Know's what the HELL he's talking about because he Know's the inner workings of this Truck's. Especially being a Diesel Mechanic. So happy i found you, and you have a New Fan. Don, from California. U.S.A.

Great video, Thank you!

I'm currently battling a ED 1500 full delete problem that I can't get solved. Hence I'm looking at the 3.0 Duramax. I would like to see the same walk through on that truck as I value your experience and candor. Thanks for considering this option!

I also priced the two trucks out . Couldn’t drive the Cummings . A recall on the 2500 and 3500 Dodges. Something to do with the transmission over heating. GM Price it at 70k and Dodge is 80 K range . I think for now I’m gonna go GM . Thanks for the review. I am in the market for a large truck again. I had a 2500 diesel Duramax. No problems . Bought it new .worst mistake in my life I sold it . I’m missing it and just retired and want another very soon . It never gave me problems while towing . Took it into dirt and sand . No issues .

Great video and information as always! Is this truck stock? It looks like it has a leveling kit or sits up higher than normal. Good looking truck. Will be in the market later this year when the 24s start coming out

Good video. Chevys have always been holiday haulers and not great for commercial use towing.

Have a 2021 2500 duramax. Got rear ended and drove Ram 2500 while mine was in the shop. Day to day the ram was not comfortable. Hauling it rode just fine. I think it all comes down to what you’re using it for. 75% of HD truck owners don’t use them to their full capability so ride comfort might play a bigger role.

Thanks for the video. I'd appreciate it if you could answer a question for me. Of the 3 main manufacturers of trucks, which 3/4 ton would you choose for snowplowing and why? I work for a local company that provides a work truck. I use it all year and plow snow in the winter too. Currently its a 98 GMC 2500. Its been a good truck but is starting to have some expensive problems and the company wants to start looking for a replacement. Thank you.

I have the 2021 L5P LTZ and I am wondering if an oil catch can is recommended for this vehicle? Thanks for the in depth review

I work on Ford Super Duty and Chevy 3500 HD trucks. These trucks run in a city, pull trailers, plow snow and spread salt. In my experience the GM front ends have fewer problems. They also give a much better ride. I must add that the F450 does have a great turning radius.

Hi Alex. Great video. I am getting at 2024 Silverardo Chev 2500 HD next week (only model available in Australia) Our previous vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser 200 VX) has issues with the fuel injectors, they all needed replacing @170,000km. Would you suggest a fuel water separator filter for our new Chev?

Like the input on the L5p, watched both parts. First try to not use the Lords name in vane. Besides that I have a 2020 GMC 2500 to tow my camper, I’m running about 30k gross, I did have to bag it to help with weight sag. I get the rear end gear ratio feel but it works. It’s a beast and with the power band and the 10 speed u don’t need the gear reduction, the transmission does it for you, you get the best of both worlds. Keep up the videos. Love to see the onsite of the mechanics.

I’m pretty sure the 3.42 gearing was new with the 10 speed. Previously, 3.73 was the standard gearing on the D/A combo (as far as I recall anyway)

Here in New England where bad roads with lots of pot holes is the norm. I’ll take that IFS on the GM. The ride is better and they don’t chew up ball joints as often as the solid front axle trucks.

I agree on the IFS. I've had Chevy 1/2 tons but for diesels I've only gone with ford and dodge

There are actually two transfer cases available. Depending on trim level, you can get a conventional part-time t-case, and avoid the clutch type.

I have a 2017 3500 GMC 4x4 single cab. I've pull a 4 horse trailer with living quarters and 4 ft mid tack. Load with four horses and gear i sure it weighs 17,000 -18,000 lbs. i performs flawless in the mountains and the highways.

That’s a good analogy

Racers have put a thousand horsepower through rear drive constant velocity joints. Another thing to keep in mind is that military trucks like the Humvee and I believe the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) have CV joints. Military trucks go off roading and tow trailers quite a bit by nature. I should also add that the new military trucks have detuned Duramax engines. For what it's worth my 2024 one-ton Chevy can tow 20K off the chassis and 22K on the gooseneck.

Please do a review on chevy 6.6 v8 gas. Thank you

Cool video

Does the transfer case without an auto select position still have the clutch pack?

Does the rear differential and front differential have a drain plug or do you have to take the whole cover off?

I agree with you on the wishbone suspension because a u joint is a hell of a lot cheaper than a new axle

Love it that you have one of the best Loaders CAT makes in the background. I think of the Lock up of that CAT going into gravel loads. Anyway I just got a 2021-3500-Z-71 Silverado ( Duramax/Allison) and looked at everything you talked about under mine. I will say I was on top of a mountain Pass. No snow cleared on side roads. In (4 × 4) Low and manual shifting. I was in snow up to frame. It was very good as far as following previous tracks I could get out of turns, easy when it left ruts. It is a 4 Door & 8 foot box.

I am waiting for my 2024 2500 duramax mightnight addition which is in route. Am I making g the right decision????

You neglected to mention that solid front axle "feature" of death wobble.

Something not mentioned in the comparison with the Ram 2500 is the insufficient payload in a 2500 Ram in the trim levels above the work truck. I can't tow my fifth wheel in the Ram because the pin weight (unloaded) is 1800 lbs. My Chevy has 3200 lbs of payload compared to the Ram's just over 2000. While I technically could pull the empty fifth wheel with the Ram, I would exceed the payload by adding a second passenger.

Is there any recalls for the 2023 Chevrolet and GMC 2500/3500 6.6L Duramax? Should I get a 6.6L V8 Gas or a 6.6L Duramax? Does it have DEF Fluid?

One issue with solid axles, the damn dearh wobble, and on heavy duty trucks, it gets expensive fast, and many techs dont want to bother. Ive had independent gm front suspension with torsion bars, ifs rides and drives better, ifs is very durable, out of the big 3, gm has done it best, i had a 2006 lbz 2500, boss steel plow, it was perfect. I have ifs in my 2012 gmc savana 3500 16 box truck, the independent front suspension is smooth and fast to correct and act, ive missed mny close calls thank to the independent front suspension, gm is a balance, not the strongest, but ive pused to limits, and ive never had a problem besides replacing the pinon gear every 3 years on the Steering component.

The IFS might not be as durable but when you do have to work on it, it is a lot easier and probably quicker to work on meaning less cost and back on the road sooner.

What fuel pump does the new 2023/2024 3500 ram Cummins have? The Bosch cp4?

We looked at all the big 3 trucks while shopping for a towing rig. We found that Ram 2500s had about 1000 lbs less payload than GMC/Chevy 2500s. Ended up with a GMC. Not sure how you hit those higher towing numbers on the Ram without overloading your truck.

Like a video on the Ford power stroke and their transmission

My mechanic told me to stay away from Dodge/Ram/Jeep products as they see more of those than any other make. Ive also talked with tow truck drivers and they see more of the same vehicles break down.

On a side note, what are your thoughts on the 8hp70 transmission? I know ram says lifetime fluid in it but I have a hard time believing that. I’m at almost 75k on my 2016 5.7 and haven’t serviced it. I’m not having any issues but wanted to know what your thoughts were on it.

Look they are all awesome, the downside is the “whelp gotta pull the cab off the truck to work on it and the dealer rate is 100$ an hr” conversations.

With respect to the rear end, they geared at 3:42 because of the 10 speed. Old 6 spd was 4:01 in 1st, 10 spd is 4:54. This more than makes up for rear end change.

I thought tow rating had more to do with the suspension and stopping capability. All these trucks can pull more than they are rated for. I do it almost every time I tow. The problem is stopping the laod. Also I've replaced more ujoints on solid axles than cv shafts.

For me, I think rear coil spring on hd is worst to have then independent front suspension unfortunately, full torque 1st gear is only available in the 3500 version

You need to look at final drive ratio. If you put a bigger ratio rear end behind that insanely low first gear, you'll be snapping axles before you get out of the driveway.

Do you know if the 6.6 gas and diesel have any parts in common ?

In the toyota 8" world the higher gears were stronger. The lower you go the less tooth contact you had between the pinion and ring. I would assume that is the same across the board?

99% of the time people are not really off-roading a 75k truck so day to day comfort is a big deal Ones your ball joints, tie rods all that starts going out replace them with quality parts and your good to go with a strong peace of mind that you will find

Question: If you weren't a RAM guy, would you recommend the 2500 L5P Duramax for someone who doesn't want to tune or trick out their 2500? I might put on a cold air intake, do the MAP spacer mod. I'm a GM guy through and through. My 2009 Tahoe is going strong and I will keep my pavement princess for as long as possible. But I need a better tow vehicle and really want to stay in the GM family.

Just priced the two out. RAM 87k. Equivalent Chevy 70k. Ram went from an affordable truck to the most expensive. A super duty is cheaper option for option. I guess you really need to love a cummins to spend that much more. Gas engine GM and Ford win again. In 2024 GM will put the 10 speed behind the 6.6 gas. Ram needs to wake up or up the value. That fancy interior doesn't mean that much to me.

Why is the front suspension of this Chevy on bump stops at ride height?

I don’t agree with the Ram towing of 20k, payload numbers don’t allow the 2500 to tow 20k with 10% on the hitch. I believe the payload on your truck is under 1500 lbs which is the standard crew cab bed that most people buy. Other 2500 Rams I have seen ( either friends or vids) have been around 1800lbs payload which would be max tow at 18k with no driver, passenger, and gear/tools/luggage. I have a 2020 Chevy 2500 High country ( all optioned out) and have over 3000 lbs payload leaving plenty of payload for 1850 lbs required on a hitch pull and a 2775 lbs for the 5th wheel/goose hook up…. That’s 18500 lbs GVW with 15% on payload. GVW 5th goes down as I add passengers in cab thou. Lower trim levels go up in payload . I’m not sure where Ram is getting a 20k towing….maybe a single cab gasser work truck. Haven’t seen any payloads on those or anyone that ever buys them.

We need a review on a L5P…second gen……second gen please!!!2024…470 hp…970 tourqe

U would change ur mind about the independent front suspension after 10000 miles and several sets of ujoints in ur ram

Agreed ford has 3.55 standard but option of 3.73 and 4.30

strait axle=death wobble

Is it true that this truck only pulls out in 1st in tow mode?

What better gm 6.6 or Ford 6.7

I think im going with a 3500 Duramax even though i really am a Cummins fan. The fact that i have to pay extra for th H.O. engine to get the only transmission they should offer is dumb. Also Ram raised their prices too much, probably no coincidence they still have 22's on dealer lots.

Couple of things. The 1500 series 10 speed was designed in collaboration with Ford and not approved by Allison. Allison had nothing to do with that transmission. The HD 10 speed (10L1000) was designed with Allison involved and tested and approved by Allison. You talk about strength of front ends and of course you are entitled to your opinion, but as a retired mechanic with 40 years on the job, I have not seen failures of these front ends unless the CV boots are open to the elements. I believe they are well suited to the HD trucks and not prone to "Death Wobble." In addition the turning circle is much tighter on the GM's. Personally I could not buy the RAM based on the its use of the 68RFE. That transmission is not robust enough and prone to premature failure so RAM's towing numbers are worthless to me. And the fact that Fiat / Chrysler decided to use the CP4.2 Fuel Pump on the 2019 Cummins was enough to scare me away. Why would they do that knowing those pumps fail and spread metal throughout the whole fuel system. Apparently those trucks are being recalled and the CP4 replaced with a CP3 leaving customers without a truck for months. The Fords use a CP4.2 and there is no way for me feel good about that.

I agree mostly with the axel opinion. But i do think a 3/4 with a gas motor is OK, but not ideal.

With the price of diesel and the emissions crap on a diesel engine is any of it really worth it? If I were to buy a diesel the emissions garbage would all be deleted. I've heard diesel fuel in the US and Canada is so dirty, why?

The Allison has very low 1st and 2nd gear ratios in transmission to overcome the 3.42 gear. Now you know why.

Its funny I get so much trash for owning one of these....its funny that most people doing the belittling dont own one or have never owned one.....Great trucks

I think GM is marketing these for travel trailer towing customers. Ride is important to this group and the Duramax will tow almost every travel trailer out there.

My brother owns a Y60 patrol and i have the 2500HD cateye chev , for long highways and desert driving id prefer my chevy over that Patrol anyday of the week , drove 180kms on a windy day and the patrol was ALL OVER THE ROAD compared to my chevy , ride quality was also better on my chevy even though it has leafs in the back compared to Coil springs.

Why did ram put a plastic trans cover instead of cast aluminum

I will say out of the big 3 gm has the strongest frame

GM had knee action sespention in 60 series trucks back in the early 60s

The 1500 10 speed isn’t an Allison. Only the HD 10 speed has been approved by Allison.

I got to say I've broken more U-joints at half shafts on a solid front axle than I ever have a CV axle and I beat the crap out of my trucks

I hate independent suspension. Seems like my boots bust. At least once a year 1 will crack & loose grease. Its cheaper to but a whole new axle. Everything else i love. Just wish it was solid front & rear axles.

99 % of the time is pretty great odds. Ill take that

I don’t agree with your statement that Ram has missed with their 6 speed transmission. Ram has the most reliable tranny in a HD with the Aisin. The 10 spd on Ford and GM are good tranny’s but time will tell if they are up to par with the Aisin.

We just replaced our oilfield work truck fleet & went back to GM. should've never switched .. I'm not worried about cv boots..lol.. we maybe replaced 1 in the last 15 years, and GM simply makes a more reliable truck overall. I have the receipts to prove it..

While I agree that GM should at least offer more gear ratios, they still seem to tow just fine. The Ram 2500 will run out of payload capacity before reaching its tow capacity. Payload capacity on Ram 2500s is absolutely pathetic. Another upside of IFS is the lack of death wobble that can happen from solid front axles. I agree that the solid front axles are stronger and generally offer better articulation but have their issues too.

I don't think the gearing is the problem, the 3500 has the same engine, transmission and rear axle ratios right? That can tow well over 30,000 pounds. My guess is GM just caps the 2500 off strictly as a marketing thing.

My 2006 duramax I've had up to 39000 pounds truck and trailer That's hauling 31000

I hear what you’re saying on the gearing and the trannys on the Chevy and the Ram. And i say this not being a fan of either truck on the 2500’s. The tranny on the Ram is way too problematic. 3500 a different story all together.

With the GM trucks it's always a matter of GM just making lower-rated trucks. GM plays it really conservative, comparatively speaking, with how high they rat their engines and trucks. Back in the 2010-2012 era they played the one-upsmanship game with Duramax power; every time Ford or Ram raised theirs, GM responded a few months later. For whatever reason, GM has since opted not to do that. What they have said consistently since then is that they focus on the total towing experience. To them that means not necessarily shooting for the moon like Ram and Ford on power and capacity ratings. Is this hurting GM? Maybe a bit but they still outsell Ram by a good amount so they're not hurting for sales even with gas and diesel power ratings - and a couple tow/payload ratings - below the others. So can GM's platform do those higher ratings? I would say yes, if they do away with the G80. But like the IFS, some of their design features are considered institutional such as GM's focus on OHV engines for so many decades. So, whenever GM raises their power and capacity ratings, I'm guessing they will have a stronger G80 and IFS as well.

That 10 speed is a GM hydramatic, 'Allison branded'. Not a true Allison. Great video, I agree, SFA is the only way to go.

how about videos comparison Rams vs ford HD engines and suspension system, and transmissions

You forgot about the payload capacity of the Ram vs Chevy. You don’t have enough payload in the Ram to pull 20K as the GVW is only 10K vs 13.5 K in the Chevy. You seem to know all the other numbers, why not talk about this??

General reliability is king. Sorry, I don't trust RAM Cummins. Edit, you can buy new solid axels, Duramax Allison, with the 4500 series.

06/07 Classic were the best Duramax years. Dodge had their best years in the 90's and Late era 5.9's ONLY in standard. The Alumiduty years are definitely Ford's best unless you're a fan of the square body 7.3 PS

GM always does this crap on all their V8 vehicles. They don't give you an aggressive enough rear gear. It's like they try and force the engine to lug itself up to speed. It makes these modern GM vehicles feel very old school. Like the 90/00's 4 speed days. They are lazy to downshift. I remember back in my LS1 Fbody day we complained that 3.42's weren't aggressive enough, and totally unnecessary with Viper overdrive gears. The GEN6 Camaros with automatic transmissions use a 2.77 rear gear. Why? A 3.42 would be an awesome gear to complement a 10L80/10L90. I was looking to buy a Silverado 1500 with a L87/10L80, but ended up getting a F150 with a Coyote/10R80 instead. 2 reason were 1) GM is way too proud of the L87. They ask way too much for it and option it in too few model/cab/drivetrain configurations. "But JROC, it's a Corvette engine with different exhaust and intake manifolds." I don't care, it's also a Camaro engine, and Coyote is a Mustang engine, an GEN2/GEN3 Coyotes are full forged, have much better fuel systems, 5L F150 is a flex fuel vehicle from the factory, and being DOHC vs OHV there's no reason that Ford should be able to offer a Coyote in such a broad range of models/cob/drivetrain configurations compared to GM with the 6.2L, and for so much less $. The only reason I can figure that GM limits the sale of the 6.2L so much is to get better CAFE ratings as a GEN5 6.2L is much better than a GEN5 5.3L. I couldn't find a L87/10L80 truck that compared with my F150 interms of features and mileage for anything less than $12K more than my F150. I would of been paying $53-$54K for a used 19 RST Z71. Issue 2) on why I went F150 over Silverado is the F150 with the GEN3 Coyote feels stronger, more playful and funner. This is odd in a truck as Coyote is known to be a RPM based engine, while the LT1 is a very broad/linear engine (I used to own a 19 1SS 1LE) but you wouldn't think so driving these trucks back to back. The F150 is so willing to downshift and put the engine in the meat of it power that it's very rewarding and makes it feel modern compared to the Silverado with the L87/10L80. I credit this to 2 things. The Ford gives you the opinion for 3.31's, 3.55's, or 3.73's (my truck has 3.73's) whereas GM sticks you with 3.23 rear gears. Then Ford tunes their 10 speed to be much more willing to downshift like it knows what you're wanting to do when you start adding throttle. The tuning on the 10L80 is old-school in that it's lazy to downshift. It forces the engine to lug unless you give it a pretty good amount of throttle input. With a 275/55-20 tire my F150 rides right at 2,000 RPM's at 80 MPH. The newer GM and 21+ F150 uses a taller 275/60-20 tire and a 10R80 and 10L80 use the exact same gears so a 3.73 rear gear is not too aggressive a rear gear for a GEN5 SBC on the highway. You GEN3+ SBC's cruise great at 2,000 RPM's. I will say I thought the 3.73's in my M6 19 SS 1LE was a pretty ideal gear for the car so I can't say that GM never gets their rear gear right.

The independent suspension is based off the hummer highly capable in off road situations