2019 Ford Transit Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2019 Ford Transit is one of the most versatile and capable commercial vans on the market. Whether you are running a delivery fleet, hauling heavy construction equipment, or building out a custom camper van, understanding your powertrain specifications is critical. The combination of your transmission’s internal gearing and your rear differential’s axle ratio dictates how well your Transit will accelerate when loaded, how much it can comfortably tow, and what kind of highway fuel economy you can expect.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the 2019 Ford Transit transmission gear ratios, available rear axle ratios, how to identify what your van has, and what it all means for your daily driving and hauling needs.

Transmission gear ratios

For the 2019 model year, all Ford Transit vans (regardless of whether they are equipped with the 3.7L naturally aspirated V6, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, or the 3.2L Power Stroke I5 Diesel) route their power through Ford’s robust 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission.

This transmission was engineered to handle heavy payloads and towing stresses while offering a deep first gear for getting heavy loads moving, and double overdrive gears for highway fuel economy.

Ford 6R80 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Available axle ratios

Ford offered several rear axle ratios for the 2019 Transit to help tailor the van’s performance to specific commercial and recreational needs. These were available in both standard open differentials and limited-slip configurations.

How to identify your axle ratio

If you bought your 2019 Ford Transit used, you might not know exactly how it was specced from the factory. Thankfully, Ford makes it relatively simple to determine your rear axle ratio without having to crawl under the van and count driveshaft rotations.

1. Check the Door Jamb Safety Compliance Certification Label: Open the driver's side front door and look for the rectangular sticker on the door latch pillar. Look along the bottom edge of the sticker for the word "AXLE." Beneath that, there will be a two-character code. Match that code to the chart above (e.g., "73" means an open 3.73, "3L" means a limited-slip 3.31).
2. Inspect the Axle Tag: If the door sticker is missing or unreadable, you can slide under the rear of the van. Attached to one of the differential cover bolts, there is usually a metal tag. The ratio will be stamped on this tag. If it is a limited-slip differential, it will often have an "L" in place of the decimal (e.g., "3 L 73").
3. Use a VIN Decoder: Any Ford dealership parts department or online OEM parts vendor can run your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to pull the exact factory build sheet, which will explicitly state your original axle ratio and differential type.

Towing vs MPG impact

The rear axle ratio is the final gear reduction before power is sent to your wheels. It acts as a multiplier of the torque coming from the transmission, meaning the ratio you choose heavily impacts the character of your van.

Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.31) A 3.31 ratio is known as a "tall" gear. Because the engine doesn't have to turn as many times to rotate the wheels once, your RPMs will be lower at highway speeds. This translates to better fuel economy and a quieter cabin on long trips. However, the tradeoff is reduced low-end torque multiplier effect, meaning the van will feel more sluggish when taking off with a heavy trailer, and the transmission may "hunt" for gears on steep inclines.

Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 4.10) A 4.10 ratio is known as a "short" gear. This ratio gives the engine maximum mechanical leverage, making it incredibly easy to get massive payloads moving from a dead stop. It is the best choice for heavy towing and frequent stop-and-go city driving where acceleration matters more than high-speed cruising. The downside? Your engine will run at higher RPMs on the highway, resulting in a noticeable drop in MPG and increased engine noise.

Common issues

While the 2019 Ford Transit driveline is generally highly reliable and built for commercial abuse, there are a few things to watch out for as the mileage climbs:

• Carrier Bearing Failures: Because of the long wheelbase on many Transit configurations, they utilize a multi-piece driveshaft with center support bearings (carrier bearings). A worn carrier bearing can cause a significant shudder on takeoff or a low-frequency vibration at highway speeds.
• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear: If your van is equipped with the factory limited-slip differential (codes 3L, 7L, or 4L), the internal clutch packs will eventually wear out, especially if subjected to frequent heavy towing or harsh terrain. When they wear, the differential acts like an open diff. If you hear chattering from the rear end during tight turns, the differential fluid may need to be changed and a friction modifier added.
• Ring & Pinion Whine: Though less common, severe overloading or a lack of routine differential fluid changes can cause accelerated wear on the ring and pinion gears. This usually presents itself as a high-pitched whine that changes pitch depending on whether you are accelerating or coasting.

If you suspect any issues with your transmission, driveshaft, or rear differential, it is best to have it inspected by a professional before minor wear turns into a catastrophic failure.

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