[sourdough]

I would opt for the 3.73 long before I'd go for a 3.23 to tow. The 3.23 is for going to the grocery store and not for towing...it wants light loads and gives decent gas mileage. A 3.73 is not the best for towing or going to the store but a good all around compromise. Your 3.42 axle is OK for your trailer since it's not real big. The 3.23 would be a big letdown in every dept. IMO. If you can get the 3.73 I'd go for that without a 2nd thought. My last several trucks have been 3.55, 3.92, 3.73 and 4.10. To tell the truth there isn't enough difference in gas mileage between them to worry about. However, there is a big difference in how they handle a load.

On those new transmissions IIRC they don't really throw in really low "granny" gears but more fill in the gaps left in a 6 speed transmission. That really helps when you have a load behind you. Most trucks with a decent axle ratio and adequate engine can take off pretty good....you just hate it when it hits that next "hole" - speaking to gas engines.