2020 Ford Explorer Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Understanding the transmission and axle gear ratios in your 2020 Ford Explorer is crucial for optimizing performance, fuel economy, and towing capabilities. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the available gear ratios and their implications.

Transmission gear ratios

The 2020 Ford Explorer primarily uses a 10-speed automatic transmission across all engine options. This advanced transmission offers a wide range of ratios to balance acceleration, towing, and fuel efficiency.

Ford 10-Speed Automatic (10R60/10R80)

Available axle ratios

The 2020 Ford Explorer offers several axle ratios, which are often tied to specific engine configurations, trim levels, or optional packages. These ratios significantly impact the vehicle's overall performance characteristics.

Note: Axle codes can vary. Always verify with your specific vehicle's door jamb sticker or a VIN decoder.

How to identify your axle ratio

For the 2020 Ford Explorer, the easiest way to identify your axle ratio is by checking the door-jamb sticker located on the driver's side. Look for the "AXLE" code. This code will correspond to the installed front and rear axle ratios. While Ford used to frequently use axle tags on the differential housing, this practice is less common for newer models like the 2020 Explorer, with the door jamb sticker being the primary method for quick identification. If the door jamb sticker is unreadable or missing, a Ford dealership can provide the information using your VIN.

Towing vs MPG impact

The choice of axle ratio has a direct impact on your 2020 Ford Explorer's performance characteristics:

• Numerically lower ratio (e.g., 3.31:1): This means the driveshaft makes fewer rotations for every one rotation of the wheels. This setup results in lower engine RPMs at cruising speeds, leading to better fuel economy. However, it offers less mechanical advantage for acceleration and towing, making the vehicle feel less responsive under heavy loads.

• Numerically higher ratio (e.g., 3.58:1, 3.73:1): With a higher ratio, the driveshaft spins more times for each wheel rotation. This provides greater mechanical advantage, resulting in improved acceleration and towing capabilities. The engine will operate at higher RPMs to maintain the same speed, which generally leads to lower fuel economy compared to a numerically lower ratio.

For the 2020 Explorer, the 3.58:1 ratio often found with the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 models strikes a good balance between performance and reasonable fuel efficiency, especially given the power output of that engine. The 3.31:1 ratio is geared more towards maximizing MPG with the 2.3L EcoBoost.

Common issues

While the 2020 Ford Explorer's driveline components are generally robust, some issues can arise with extended use or lack of maintenance:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: A persistent high-pitched whine that changes with vehicle speed (not engine RPM) often indicates wear on the ring and pinion gears within the differential. This can be caused by improper setup, lack of lubrication, or heavy towing.

• Carrier Bearing Wear: The carrier bearings support the differential carrier within the axle housing. Worn bearings can produce a low-pitched rumble or howl, especially noticeable during acceleration or deceleration. If left unaddressed, this can lead to more significant damage.

• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear: Explorers equipped with a limited-slip differential (if applicable to a specific trim/package) rely on clutch packs to transfer power. Over time, these clutches can wear out, leading to a loss of limited-slip function, chatter, or shuddering during turns.

Regular differential fluid changes (especially if you tow frequently) using the manufacturer-specified fluid are crucial for prolonging the life of your axle components.

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