2017 Freightliner M2 106: Transmission & Axle Ratios
AI-generated reference. Always verify torque values, fluid capacities, intervals, and procedures against the manufacturer's service manual or OEM repair information before performing work. Repairius is not liable for damage from acting on this content without verification.
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Transmission gear ratios
The 2017 Freightliner M2 106 was available with a variety of Allison and Eaton Fuller transmissions.
Allison 2000 & 3000 Series
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1st | 3.10 |
| 2nd | 1.81 |
| 3rd | 1.41 |
| 4th | 1.00 |
| 5th | 0.71 |
| 6th | 0.61 |
| Reverse | -4.49 |
Eaton Fuller Manual Transmissions (9-18 speed)
Due to the wide variety of Eaton Fuller manual transmissions available, it is not practical to list all possible gear ratio combinations. However, a common 9-speed configuration is as follows:
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1st | 12.65 |
| 2nd | 8.81 |
| 3rd | 6.55 |
| 4th | 4.77 |
| 5th | 3.55 |
| 6th | 2.48 |
| 7th | 1.85 |
| 8th | 1.34 |
| 9th | 1.00 |
| Reverse | -13.21 |
Available axle ratios
| Ratio | Available With (engine/trim/package) | RPO/Axle Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.31 | Cummins ISB 6.7 | Not specified | Fuel economy |
| 3.55 | Cummins ISB 6.7 | Not specified | Balanced |
| 3.73 | Cummins ISB 6.7 | Not specified | Balanced |
| 3.91 | Cummins ISB 6.7 | Not specified | Towing |
| 4.10 | Cummins ISL 8.9 | Not specified | Towing |
| 4.30 | Cummins ISL 8.9 | Not specified | Heavy Towing |
| 4.56 | Cummins ISL 8.9 | Not specified | Heavy Towing |
| 5.13 | Cummins ISL 8.9 | Not specified | Extreme Towing |
| 6.14 | Cummins ISL 8.9 | Not specified | Off-road/Extreme Towing |
How to identify your axle ratio
There are a few ways to identify the axle ratio on your 2017 Freightliner M2 106:
- VIN Decoder: The most reliable method is to use a VIN decoder. Many online services can provide a build sheet for your truck, which will include the axle ratio.
- Axle Tag: Look for a metal tag on the differential housing. This tag will often have the axle ratio stamped on it.
- Door Jamb Sticker: While less common on Freightliner trucks than on light-duty pickups, some may have a sticker on the driver's side door jamb that lists the axle ratio.
Towing vs MPG impact
A numerically lower axle ratio (e.g., 3.31) will result in better fuel economy, but will have a lower towing capacity. A numerically higher axle ratio (e.g., 4.30) will provide a higher towing capacity, but at the expense of fuel economy.
Common issues
While the Freightliner M2 106 is a robust truck, some common issues to be aware of include:
- Ring and Pinion Whine: A whining noise from the differential can indicate that the ring and pinion gears are worn or not properly aligned.
- Carrier Bearing Failure: The carrier bearings support the differential carrier. If they fail, you may hear a rumbling or grinding noise from the differential.
- Limited-Slip Clutch Wear: On trucks equipped with a limited-slip differential, the clutches can wear out over time, resulting in a loss of traction.
Find a driveline shop on Repairius.
More specs for the 2017 Freightliner M2 106
Oil Capacity & Filter
Capacity, weight, filter PN, drain plug torque, change interval.
Fluid Type Specs
Engine oil, coolant, ATF, diff, brake, PS, DEF — with OEM spec numbers.
Coolant Capacity & Type
Total system capacity, OEM coolant spec, flush interval, bleed tips.
Transmission Fluid & Service
Trans model, fluid spec, capacity, filter PN, service interval.
Torque Specifications
Lug nuts, drain plug, caliper, axle nut, plug, key fasteners.
Brake Pad & Rotor Specs
Pad PNs, rotor size, min thickness, caliper torque.
Tire Size & Pressure
OEM size, cold psi, bolt pattern, wheel size, TPMS.
Battery Size & Group
Group size, CCA, AGM/flooded, dimensions, reset note.
A/C Refrigerant & Oil
R-134a or R-1234yf, charge oz, PAG oil spec.
Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)
Headlight, fog, tail, turn, reverse, interior.
Factory Maintenance Schedule
Service intervals by mileage, severe-duty notes, known issues.
Towing Capacity & Payload
Max tow, payload, GVWR/GCWR, hitch class by trim.
Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage
Fuse box locations, layout, amps, and what each fuse controls.
Serpentine Belt Routing & Length
Belt routing, length, rib count, OEM + aftermarket PNs.
Wheel Alignment Specifications
Camber, caster, toe ranges (front & rear), adjustability notes.
Paint Color Codes
All factory colors with paint codes, sticker location, touch-up tips.
Wiper Blade Sizes
Driver/passenger/rear blade size, attachment, OEM + cross-refs.
Spark Plug Type & Gap
Plug PN, gap, torque, interval by engine.
Key Fob Programming
DIY programming steps, FCC ID, fob PN, battery, transponder.
Same spec — other model years
Maintenance & repair guides
2017 Freightliner M2 106 Maintenance Schedule →
Available maintenance guidance; confirm the manufacturer schedule.
Repair planning references →
Plan the scope of work; detailed procedures need configuration-matched evidence.
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