2025 Ford Explorer — Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2025 Ford Explorer is expected to continue with the 10-speed automatic transmission across its various trims. This advanced transmission is designed to provide an optimal balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

10R60 10-Speed Automatic (Standard)

Available axle ratios

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a selection of axle ratios, allowing owners to optimize their vehicle for different driving needs, from maximizing fuel economy to enhancing towing capability. Specific availability may vary by trim and optional packages.

Note: RPO/Axle codes for the 2025 model year are currently "To Be Announced" (TBA) as official documentation becomes available.

How to identify your axle ratio

Identifying the axle ratio of your Ford Explorer is crucial for maintenance, upgrades, or understanding its performance characteristics. For Ford vehicles, the most reliable way to find this information is usually on the door-jamb sticker or an axle tag.

Door-Jamb RPO Sticker: Open the driver's side door and locate the white or silver sticker on the door jamb. This sticker contains various vehicle codes and information. Look for a section labeled "AXLE." There will be a two-digit code or a combination of letters and numbers here. This code corresponds to your vehicle's axle ratio. You may need to cross-reference this code with a Ford dealer or an online Ford axle code decoder for the exact numerical ratio.

Axle Tag (older models/heavy-duty applications): While less common on modern SUVs like the Explorer, some vehicles may have a metal tag attached to one of the differential cover bolts. This tag will often have the gear ratio stamped directly on it (e.g., 3.55). If present, this is a very direct way to identify the ratio.

VIN Decoder: If the above methods are inconclusive, a Ford dealership or a reputable online VIN decoder service can often provide detailed build information, including the axle ratio, using your vehicle's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.

Towing vs MPG impact

The axle ratio plays a significant role in how your vehicle performs, particularly concerning towing capability and fuel economy.

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.31): These ratios mean the engine has to spin fewer times for each rotation of the wheels. This results in lower engine RPMs at highway speeds, which generally leads to better fuel economy. However, with less mechanical advantage, the vehicle will feel less powerful during acceleration and will have a lower towing capacity.

• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 3.73): Conversely, higher axle ratios mean the engine spins more times for each wheel rotation. This provides greater mechanical advantage, resulting in quicker acceleration and significantly increased towing capacity. The trade-off is higher engine RPMs at cruising speeds, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, especially on the highway.

Choosing the right ratio comes down to your primary use case. If you do a lot of highway driving and rarely tow heavy loads, a lower (numerically) ratio is often preferred. If you frequently tow boats, campers, or engage in off-road activities that demand more torque, a higher (numerically) ratio will be more beneficial, albeit at the expense of some MPG.

Common issues

While modern differentials are highly durable, some common issues can arise over time, often exacerbated by heavy towing, aggressive driving, or lack of maintenance:

• Ring and Pinion Whine: A persistent howling or whining noise that changes with vehicle speed and throttle input often indicates wear or improper setup of the ring and pinion gears. This can be due to worn bearings, incorrect backlash, or damaged gear teeth.

• Carrier Bearing Wear: The carrier bearings support the differential carrier within the axle housing. Worn carrier bearings can produce a rumbling or growling noise, especially noticeable during turns or when accelerating. If left unaddressed, this can lead to further damage within the differential.

• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear (if equipped): Explorers equipped with a limited-slip differential use clutches to distribute power between the rear wheels. Over time, these clutches can wear out, leading to a loss of traction in slippery conditions or a chattering/binding sensation during turns. Regular fluid changes with the correct friction modifier are essential for limited-slip longevity.

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