2020 Ford F-150 Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2020 Ford F-150 offered a variety of transmission options, primarily the 10-speed automatic, designed to optimize both performance and fuel efficiency across its diverse engine lineup. Some configurations also offered a robust 6-speed automatic.

Ford 10R80 10-Speed Automatic (most engines)

Ford 6R80 6-Speed Automatic (3.3L Ti-VCT V6 only)

Available axle ratios

The 2020 F-150 came with a wide range of axle ratios, allowing buyers to tailor their truck for specific needs, from maximizing fuel economy to heavy-duty towing.

Note: "Locker" refers to an electronic locking differential or limited-slip differential, depending on the specific code and package.

How to identify your axle ratio

Identifying your F-150's axle ratio is crucial for proper maintenance and understanding its capabilities. While Ford doesn't use a single "RPO sticker" like GM, you can typically find the axle code in a couple of places:

• Door-Jamb Sticker: On the driver's side door jamb, you'll find a sticker with various vehicle information. Look for a section labeled "AXLE." This will contain a two-digit code that corresponds to your axle ratio. For example, "L7" would indicate a 3.55 electronic locking differential.
• Axle Tag: Some F-150s may have a metal tag attached to one of the differential cover bolts. This tag will often have the ratio stamped on it directly (e.g., "3 55"). It might also contain other information like the differential type.
• VIN Decoder: Using your truck's VIN, many online decoders or a Ford dealership service department can provide a detailed build sheet that includes the axle ratio.

Towing vs MPG impact

Your truck's axle ratio significantly impacts its performance characteristics, creating a direct trade-off between towing capability and fuel economy:

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.15, 3.31): These ratios mean the engine RPMs are lower at a given road speed. This results in better fuel economy on the highway, as the engine isn't working as hard. However, it also means less mechanical advantage for towing heavier loads, potentially leading to the transmission downshifting more frequently or the engine struggling on inclines.

• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 3.73, 4.10): These ratios cause the engine to turn at higher RPMs at a given road speed. While this will result in lower fuel economy, especially on the highway, it provides a much greater mechanical advantage. This translates to increased towing capacity, easier starts with heavy loads, and better performance in off-road or hilly conditions.

Choosing the right axle ratio depends heavily on your primary use for the truck. If you frequently tow heavy trailers or drive in mountainous terrain, a higher ratio is beneficial. If your commute is mostly highway and you rarely tow, a lower ratio will save you money at the pump.

Common issues

While Ford F-150 axles are generally robust, a few common issues can arise over time:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: A high-pitched whine that increases with vehicle speed can indicate wear or improper setup of the ring and pinion gears. This is often noticeable during deceleration or at specific speed ranges.
• Carrier Bearing Wear: The bearings supporting the differential carrier can wear out, leading to a clunking or thumping noise, especially when accelerating or shifting. Untreated, this can cause further damage to the differential.
• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear: For models equipped with a limited-slip differential, the internal clutches can wear down over time. This reduces the effectiveness of the limited-slip action, causing one wheel to spin freely when traction is lost. Symptoms might include a shuddering sensation during tight turns.

Regular differential fluid changes and inspection can help prolong the life of these components and catch issues early.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.