2021 Ford Explorer Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2021 Ford Explorer comes exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission across all powertrains, though there are slight variations in how it's tuned for different engines.

Ford 10R60 10-Speed Automatic (2.3L EcoBoost I4 & 3.3L Ti-VCT V6)

Ford 10R80 10-Speed Automatic (3.0L EcoBoost V6)

Available axle ratios

The 2021 Ford Explorer offers a few different axle ratios, primarily dependent on the engine and driveline (RWD vs AWD).

How to identify your axle ratio

For your 2021 Ford Explorer, the easiest way to identify your specific axle ratio is to check the door jamb sticker. Open the driver's side door and look for a white or yellow sticker affixed to the door jamb. Toward the bottom of this sticker, you will find an "AXLE" code. This code will correspond to the axle ratio installed in your vehicle from the factory. For instance, you might see "3.16" or "3.31" directly, or a two-digit code that translates to the ratio.

Unlike some older Ford trucks that utilize an axle tag on the differential housing itself, modern Ford SUVs like the Explorer primarily use the door jamb sticker for this information. A VIN decoder tool can also often provide this detail, as well as accessing your vehicle's build sheet from a Ford dealership.

Towing vs MPG impact

The axle ratio plays a significant role in how your 2021 Ford Explorer performs in terms of both towing capability and fuel economy. It's a trade-off: what benefits one often compromises the other.

A numerically lower axle ratio (e.g., 3.16) means the engine will spin fewer revolutions for every turn of the wheel. This typically results in better fuel economy, especially at highway speeds, as the engine can operate at lower RPMs. However, it also means less mechanical advantage for accelerating from a stop and for pulling heavy loads, making it less ideal for frequent or heavy towing.

Conversely, a numerically higher axle ratio (e.g., 3.31) means the engine will spin more revolutions for every turn of the wheel. This provides greater torque multiplication, which is excellent for accelerating quickly and for towing heavy trailers. Your vehicle will feel more responsive off the line and will handle heavy loads with less strain. The downside is that the engine will be running at higher RPMs at any given road speed, leading to decreased fuel economy, particularly during highway driving.

For most Explorer owners, the factory-assigned ratio (3.16 for the 2.3L/3.3L and 3.31 for the 3.0L EcoBoost) provides a balanced approach for daily driving and light to moderate towing. If you plan to consistently tow near the upper limits of the Explorer's capacity, and your vehicle came with a lower ratio, you might notice the engine working harder.

Common issues

While the 2021 Ford Explorer's driveline components are generally robust, some issues can arise, particularly as vehicles age or if they've been subjected to heavy use or neglect.

• Ring & Pinion Whine: A persistent howling or whining noise that changes with vehicle speed and often pitch during acceleration or deceleration can indicate wear or improper setup of the ring and pinion gears within the differential. This can be caused by low differential fluid, heavy towing beyond capacity, or manufacturing defects.

• Carrier Bearing Wear: The carrier bearings support the differential carrier. If these bearings wear out, you might hear a rumble or growl, especially during cornering or when accelerating. This can be exacerbated by neglecting differential fluid changes.

• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear (if equipped): Some performance-oriented or higher-trim vehicles may feature a limited-slip differential. Over time, the clutch packs within these differentials can wear out, leading to chatter or clunking noises during tight turns, or a reduction in the limited-slip function. Regular differential fluid changes with the correct friction modifier are crucial for these units.

Regular maintenance, including checking and changing differential fluid at recommended intervals, is key to the longevity of your Explorer's powertrain components.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.