The gear ratio of the truck is a necessary element that improves towing capacity, vehicle performance, and fuel economy.
How to Tell What Gear Ratio My Truck Has? You can determine the gear ratio of your truck by the VIN decoding, checking the axle, differential cover, driveshaft revolution, and calculation of the teeth of the pinion gear and ring gear. Mostly the gear ratio of pickup trucks of different year models is 4.10, 4.20, 3.31,3.55, and 3.90.
It also produces an effect on the torque and towing capacity result in better fuel economy.
The gear ratio of a truck can either be 3.2 or 5.6, depending on the type of vehicle.
The version of the truck has to be taken into account when considering the gear ratios when calculating the miles per gallon for various model year trucks.
There is a various easy method from which you can find out this value in less time.
Gear ratio by VIN number
VIN is the identity of your pickup truck. It is significant because it tells you complete detail about your vehicles like engine size, model year, manufacturing date, and many others.
You can find the gear ratio, so, first, find out the VIN location. It can be present on the doors of the driver’s side, above the steering wheel on the dashboard, or on the track title.
VDS of this identification number starts from the 4th digit to the end. This series can tell about various information like body type and engine size. It is not essential because each VDS has this information; but, if the manufacturer adds it, you can calculate from it.
If gear and original differential are present in your truck, you can find it easily from it.
Count the gear teeth
Another method is 100% accurate and works to solve your problem. You must uncover the differential and calculate the teeth of the pinion and ring gears to estimate your truck gear ratio using this method.
You can get the exact ratio after dividing these values of the teeth count of the ring gear to the pinion gear teeth number.
For example, when ring gear has 37 teeth, and the pinion has 12, divide 37/12 to get the gear ratio of your pickup, which is 3.03.
Determine from the number of driveshaft turn
You can start, but make sure that the differential is open or posi condition since the determination for each of these parameters is different.
Spin one of the wheel in engine neutral condition after adjusting it. In this way, you can also find that differential has a posi gear or not when the other wheel turns, so you need pair of the jack stand or not.
Remove one jack stand and put one tire on the ground if the wheel spins oppositely, indicating that the differential is open.
Some people prefer to mark the tire and driveshaft with soapstone or chalk while performing this test, calculate the total revolutions easily. Then, after one spinning of the labeled wheel, count the number of revolutions of the driveshaft.
From the driveshaft revolution, you can find the gear ratio. For example, the number of turns of the driveshaft can be 4-1/2, give the gear ratio about 4.1.
From the differential of your truck
You do not need to open the differential because it can cause a mess. People can avoid it because it is time-consuming, and the gear oil smell is pungent that difficult to bear.
So, it is a better option you can choose to determine it without face any messy condition.
The two best locations from which you can find are the axle and the cover of the differential.
127 Examples of the trucks with their gear ratio
| Pickup Truck (Year) | Gear Ratio |
| 1999-2000 Ford F-150 | 3.73 |
| 2001-2004 Ford F-150 | 3.31 |
| 2005-2008 Ford F-150 | 3.73/3.55 |
| 2009 Ford F-150 | 3.15 |
| 2010-11 Ford F-150 | 3.55 |
| 2012-14 Ford F-150 | 4.10, 3.55 |
| 2015-16 Ford F-150 | 3.15,3.73,4.10 |
| 2017-18 Ford F-150 | 3.73/3.55 |
| 2019 Ford F-150 | 3.31 |
| 2020-21 Ford F-150 | 3.21,4.10,3.73 |
| 1999 Ford F-250 | 3.33 |
| 2000 Ford F-250 | 4.10 |
| 2001-03 Ford F-250 | 3.73 |
| 2004 Ford F-250 | 4.10/3.73 |
| 2005-06 Ford F-250 | 4.30, 3.73,4.10 |
| 2007-08 Ford F-250 | 3.13 |
| 2009-11 Ford F-250 | 4.30/4.10 |
| 2012-16 Ford F-250 | 3.31 |
| 2017-21 Ford F-250 | 3.73/3.55 |
| 2000-2004 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 3.73/4.10 |
| 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 3.23 |
| 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 3.73 |
| 2007-10 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 4.10 |
| 2011-14 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 3.40/3.08 |
| 2015-16 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 4.10 |
| 2017-2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 | 3.08, 4.10, 3.32 |
| 2001-2002 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.73 |
| 2003-2004 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.40 |
| 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.73/3.22 |
| 2006-08 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.23 |
| 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.07 |
| 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.08 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.43 |
| 2012-13 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.42/3.32 |
| 2014-16 GMC Sierra 1500 | 3.08 |
| 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra | 4.08,4.10(V-6)
3.91, 3.92(V-8) |
| 2004 Toyota Tundra | 4.10,4.30(V-6)
3.91,3.93(V-8) |
| 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra | 3.77, 3.91,4.10 |
| 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra | 4.10,4.30 |
| 1998 Toyota Tacoma | 3.9 |
| 1999-2004 Toyota Tacoma | 4.56 |
| 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma | 4.10 |
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma | 3.73 |
| 2017-2021 Toyota Tacoma | 3.90, 4.10, 4.30 |
| 2004-2006 Nissan Titan | 2.94 |
| 2007 Nissan Titan | 3.35 |
| 2008-15 Nissan Titan | 3.73, 4.10, 2.90 |
| 2016 Nissan Titan | 2.90,3.36,3.92 |
| 2017 Nissan Titan | 2.92 |
| 2018 Nissan Titan | 3.36 |
| 2019-2020 Nissan Titan | 4.08 |
| 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 | 4.10 |
| 2002-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 | 3.73,4.10 |
| 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 | 4.10, 3.21 |
| 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 | 3.19 |
| 2020-2021 Dodge Ram 1500 | 3.21 |
Ford F-150 model
F-150 model from 1999 to 2000 has this value around 3.73, while 2001 to 2004 has 3.31 because these have significant specification like 2-WD and 4-WD configuration with rear end axle assemble around 5.8 inches.
From 2005 to 2008, the truck equips with a crew cab 4×4 design, a 5.4liter V-8 engine, and a 6-speed transmission having a gear ratio of 3.73 and 3.55 regulate a speed of 85 mph.
2009 model couple with 5.4liter V-8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission has this ratio around 3.15 that provides excellent fuel economy rating.
2010-11 series have Supercrew 4×4 cab style and wheelbase is approximately is 140 inches have a ratio around 3.55 on its door label can tow around 5500pounds. You should know the details about the weight of the Ford F150.
On the 2012-14 series, a gear ratio of roughly 4.10/3.55 can boost towing capacity, range from 7000 to 8000 pounds.
Ford 2015-16 with 3.5-liter, 5.0liter, and 2.7liter EcoBoost with V-8 engine provide four different axle ratios around 3.15, 3.73, 4.10, and 3.32.
2017-18 model of F-150 with 3.5liter EcoBoost, large tires of 35 inches give 3.73/3.55 gear ratio while 2019 has 3.31.
High gear ratio provides best fuel economy rating and towing capacity like 2020 to 21 have 3.21, 4.10, and 3.73.
Ford F-250 model
The F-250 gear ratio not only makes it easier to shift ratios but also reduces noise, improves vehicle performance, and increases towing capacity on highways at any speed.
1999 F-250 model have super duty cab with 4×4 have gear ratio around 3.33, while 2000 has 4.10.
As a result, the 2001 to 2003 series have a value of about 3.73, ideal for towing and maintaining speed during driving.
2004 model of this series has gear ratio around 4.10/3.73 while 2005-06 has 4.30, 3.73, and 4.10.
2007 to 08 are available with excellent specifications like exterior and interior designing, towing capacity. Engine with 3.6Liter V-6 and 6-speed automatic transmission produces high acceleration, torque, and horsepower. The gear ratio of about 3.13 can also have a favorable influence.
2009-2011 model of F-250 has gear ratio around 4.30/4.10, while 2012 to 2016 comes up with the 3.31.
2017-21 of Ford F-250 with an efficient engine capacity, a rich torque curve, and high power output. It serves as a standard and continues to remain relevant due to its versatility and excellent build quality. The gear ratio that makes it more efficient is around 3.73 and 3.35.
This series has a Gasoline 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine that produces torque around 420 pounds and horsepower approximately 370hp with 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2021 model has another gas engine option like a 7.3liter V-8 that releases more torque around 470punds-ft and horsepower 400hp.
Chevy Silverado 1500
To make a truck purchase decision, you need to understand the features available in a given model. The vehicle must be unique and offer a unique experience in terms of comfort, use, and performance.
I will help you compare various Chevrolet truck gear ratios and pick the perfect one that suits your budget and lifestyle. They are reliable, ideal for any weather condition, and have a low price tag on top of it that meets customer demand.
2000 to 2004 with extended cab 4×4 run at 2500rpm at 70mph have gear ratio around 3.73 and 4.10.
2005 model gain more popularity due to its performance, capability, and durability. This series also have hybrid models with standard Vortec 5300 V-8 and 4-speed automatic transmission having a gear ratio of around 3.23.
2006 Chevy Silverado has a 3.37 ratio while 2007-2010 have 4.10 associated with high towing capacity.
2011-14 Silverado 1500 has a 3.40 and 3.08 gear ratio with Vortec 5.3L V8 Engine. 2015-16 with Vortec 6.0L V8 has a 4.10 axle ratio.
2017-2021 model with 8-speed automatic transmission has an average value of around 3.08, and other optional values are 4.10 and 3.32.
Example of GMC pickup trucks with gear ratio
GMC offers a light-duty pickup with significant features having better fuel economy and power with high-technology advancement.
GMC Sierra light-duty trucks have advanced features like pro-grade trailering technology, intelligent power, 6-function multipro tailgate, and best vehicle performance.
GMC Canyon is a mid-sized pickup that has both excellent power and efficiency. It has a high towing capacity of around 7500pounds and an engine 3.6L V-6 with automatic transmission.
GMC Sierra 1500
There is the various method that mentions above through which you can determine this ratio.
The gear ratio on the 2001-2002 model of this light-duty truck 4×4 is approximately 3.73, whereas the gear ratio on the 2003-2004 model is around 3.40.
2005 model having 2-wheel-drive configuration and crew cab style the value of axle ratio is around 3.73 or 3.23.
2006-2008 of this series having 4.8Liter V-8 gas engine, 2-wheel-drive configuration with crew cab style, and 4-speed automatic transmission the gear ratio is around 3.23.
Sierra 1500 2009 version has 5.3L V-8 with 6-speed automatic transmission have this value around 3.07.
2010 model with four-wheel-drive configuration and Vortec 6.0L V8 has this ratio approximately 3.08 while 2011 has 3.43.
2012 to 2013 have gear ratio around 3.42 and 3.32 while 2014 to 2016 have an average value of around 3.08 with 5.3Liter.
2016 version has a max trailering package with 6.2 liters, and 9.8 inches axle has a gear ratio of around 3.40. 2017 has 3.20 while 2018-2019 with 5.3L V-8 has a 3.40 ratio. You should know GMC Sierra 1500 average weight.
2020 to 2021 models have different gear ratios depending on the engine efficiency, like 5.3 liters & 6.2 liters with 10-speed automatic transmission have a 3.20 ratio. In the case of 2.7Liter and5.3Liter, have 3.42 and 3.30 gear ratios.
Toyota Tundra
The tire size and gear ratio can influence Toyota tundra performance, consistent gear transmission, and fuel economy. The reason behind it is the low RPM as compared to the ideal.
First-generation Tundra gear ratio
Its first generation starts from 2000 to 2006, and its specification includes the engine of 3.4L V-6 transmission and 4.7L V-8.
When you are discussing or search on the search engine, you may also get irrelevant information related to the differential gear ratio of this generation.
From 2000 to 2003, Toyota Tundra has manual or automatic transmission, V-8 & V-6 have variable values.
Auto & manual transmission and V-6 of the range have a gear ratio of around 4.08, 4.10, and 4.30. In this way, with V8, these are 3.91 and 3.92.
Auto & manual transmission with V-6 of 2004 show 4.10/4.30 gear ratio while V-8 with 4×4 & 4×2 have 3.91 and 3.92.
This year’s model with double can configuration (4×4, 4×2), V-8 and auto transmission has gear ratios around 4.08 and 4.10.
2005 to 2006 of this generation truck with V-8 & V-6 auto/manual transmission have gear ratio about 3.77, 3.91, 3.92, and 4.08.
Second-generation Toyota Tundra
The second generation of Toyota Tundra starts from 2007 to 2021, having an engine of 5.7-liter V-8 torque produce from this series is 410 and horsepower is approximately 385hp.
2007 to 2021 series of this version except 2014 with 4×4 double cab configuration have 4.10 and 4.30.
The 2014 model has a gear ratio of about 2.6, while the four-wheel-drive configuration with 4.6L and 5.7L engines has 3.9, 4.10/4.30, respectively.
Toyota Tacoma
Depending on the model of this mid-size pickup have a 2.7L inline-four or a 3.5L V6 engine. These are more fuel-efficient to high mileage coverage.
Toyota Tacoma of 1998 model has gear ratio around 3.9 with engine 3.4L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, while 1999 has 4.56.
From 2016 to 2021, Toyota Tacoma’s third generation will use a 3.90 gear ratio.
This 2016 model with V-5 has a 3.73.
Toyota Tacoma’s second generation, which runs from 2005 to 2015, has a gear ratio of about 4.10.
Toyota Tacoma 3rd generation has a gear ratio of around 3.90,4.10, and 4.30 with V-6 speed automatic transmission.
Nissan Titan
The Nissan Truck with a Gear Ratio is one of the most successful products in the history of Nissan.
It will assist in cost reduction without compromising performance, improving productivity, and allowing the industry to keep up with demand.
It has various gear ratios due to multiple reasons like more mileage, high acceleration, and fuel economy.
For example, you can get the example of the Nissan Titan 2005 model.
This method is preferable when there is no tag or sticker present on the axle or differential. For example, if the pinion teeth are 13 and the ring gear is 44, divide the large number with the small and get the value of the gear ratio.
You can find it by the number of rotations of the driveshaft. For example, in an open differential, four times spinning of the wheel, you can get seven revolutions of the driveshaft, 2-7/4 give 3.75 gear ratio.
2017 model of Nissan Titan 1st and 2nd generation have different automatic speed transmissions like 5 and 7 respectively.
2nd generation of this series has 7-automatic speed transmission have low rpm with a low gear ratio of around 2.92 but has a high towing capacity.
2018 Nissan Titan pickup truck gear ratio is around 3.36 while 2016 have 2.9, 3.36, and 3.92 for the Non-XD, XD gas truck, and XD diesel truck.
The 2020 Nissan Titan has various specs, including a 5.6L V-8 engine with 400ft-lb of torque and 420 horsepower.
This model comes with a 3.36 ratio in 2018, and it can be 2.9, 3.36, or 3.92 in 2016. 3.36 in 2012, 2.91/3.36 in 2011.
2004 to 2006 of this series have 2.94 ratios. 2007 has 3.35, 2008 to 2015 has 3.73, 4.1 and 2.9 that are preferable.
Dodge Ram 1500
These have specifications like best interior and exterior design, powerful engine, torque, and transmission.
Choose the best truck when you consider buying it, like the best engine efficiency, transmission, and towing capacity that matter with the gear ratio.
Torque has a direct relationship with towing capability, and higher torque means more
horsepower and the ability to accelerate fast under pressure.
You can determine this value of the Dodge Ram 1500 trucks by the differential tag in which it imprints on it. You can also find it on the manual of this model where all the equipment detail also present.
Another method you can use is by decoding and find this value.
According to the survey and online screening of the purchasing, the gear ratio of the Dodge Ram 1500 of 2019 model is approximately 3.19, an average value.
1st generation of this model start has a gear ratio of 3.54 while the second generation (1994 to 2001) has 4.10. The rpm of a vehicle with this value is about 2200, depending on the wheel size.
3rd generation starts from 2002 to 2008 have 3.73 and 4.10 that affect on the RPM. When no tag or label is present, you can use the revolution of the driveshaft to locate it.
Ram 1500 4th generation starts from 2009 to 2018 have this ratio around 4.10 and 3.21.
In this way, the 5th generation starts from 2019 has a ratio of around 3.21.
Various Factors involved with the gear ratio of the truck
The vehicle’s gear ratio can determine by the actions you perform with your pickup, such as whether you require heavy-duty or light duty. Various factors matter with it and can affect the vehicle’s performance.
Fuel efficiency
It depends on the fuel amount you use while driving on the highway at high speeds. Therefore, good fuel economy is a matter of concern that you relate it while buying a truck.
For example, if the gear ratio of one vehicle is 3.21 and another has 3.31, it means the former is more fuel-efficient than the other.
On highway drive or long-distance traveling, a low axle ratio can save your fuel cost. Torque converters can use in trucks with automatic transmissions, but a low ratio has a significant impact.
Vehicle performance
In annual driving, need high axle ratio for better towing and acceleration but in the automatic need low and initially require effort and more acceleration to towing a weight its mileage and speed boost up on the highway.
Towing capacity
Through it, towing capacity and torque can produce which also correlate with the fuel economy.
A vehicle with a high gear ratio has the highest towing capability but reduces fuel economy and speed. Conversely, those with the best fuel efficiency and a low ratio may also have limited torque and payload capacity.
After 2010 upcoming trucks have a gear ratio range around 3.45 to 3.71. it is best to produce high acceleration for the diesel engine truck with V8 transmission.
Tire size
This specification can also correlate with the tire size, which can vary from one brand to another. Therefore, its rotation also depends on the size, and speed can vary due to this factor.
Diesel engine truck with high torque does not need a high gear ratio because it has enough towing capacity to tow heavy trailers easily.
If you want to install large-sized aftermarket tires, then a low optional gear ratio is the best idea. On the other hand, if you install wide tires to elevate your pickup truck, then study the gears and find which one is more compatible with it.
When you replace the wheels with larger circumference ones, you get more mileage at the same engine rpm. With it, the leverage arm lengthens, increasing the axle center point and ground distance.
This approach uses in diesel vehicles since these have high torque, thus adding it has a low impact on energy loss and increases fuel economy.
Speed
For driving at highway speed, the standard axle ratio should be enough for it. However, it becomes different for each truck, and a low gear ratio makes your vehicle fuel efficient allow the driveshaft to spin the axle faster, and revolution becomes high. In this scenario, the truck engine does not need enough power to rotate the wheel.
This ratio can also vary for the front and rear axle but the same for the 4-WD configuration. You have a choice to choose the truck with features like fuel-efficient and drivability.
The 4.50 is a high gear ratio as compared to the 5.50.
Throttle response
You can define throttle response as an engine response that regulates output depending on whether the pressure applied to it is low or high.
Engine speed sensors that determine the revolution of crankshaft speed while you drive affect the throttle response.
Another way that affects the throttle response is the addition of the large circumference tires that can increase the fuel economy, torque, and acceleration at the same rmp.
Can you modify your truck gear ratio?
When purchasing a pickup truck or making improvements to previous models, you must select a suitable value. Tire size can vary from one vehicle brand to another, so it becomes difficult to determine.
Its value should be high while towing a large fifth-wheel trailer since it increases towing capacity. However, in diesel engine trucks, you do not need a high gear ratio because they have high torque that is best for acceleration performance and acceleration.
Related Articles:
Why is my Ram 1500 stuck in the 4th gear?
List of worst pickup trucks in the history