2019 International MV Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2019 International MV is a powerhouse in the medium-duty commercial truck segment, serving as the backbone for box trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, and utility vehicles. Because it is highly customizable for Class 6 and Class 7 applications, selecting the right powertrain configuration is critical for maximizing productivity and minimizing operating costs. Understanding the interplay between your transmission's internal gearing and the rear axle ratio is key to optimizing performance for your specific route and load requirements.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the transmission and axle gear ratios available for the 2019 International MV, along with tips on identifying your setup and maintaining your driveline.

Transmission gear ratios

The 2019 International MV was offered with a variety of transmission options to pair with the Cummins B6.7 or L9 engines. The most popular choices are the Allison automatic transmissions (2000 and 3000 Series), though Eaton Fuller manual and automated manual transmissions (AMTs) are also specified for certain applications.

Allison 2500 RDS (6-Speed Automatic)

A staple in regional haul, beverage delivery, and tow trucks.

Allison 3000 RDS (6-Speed Automatic)

Designed for heavier payloads, PTO applications, and rugged duty cycles like dump trucks and refuse collection.

Eaton Fuller FS-5406A (6-Speed Manual)

A traditional synchronized manual transmission favored by operators who prefer direct control over shift points.

Available axle ratios

The 2019 International MV utilizes rear axles primarily sourced from Dana Spicer and Meritor. Because commercial trucks require vastly different setups than passenger vehicles, axle ratios typically range from high-4s to low-6s to handle heavy GVWRs (Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings).

Note: Axle codes vary wildly on commercial trucks based on the specific Dana or Meritor axle housing weight rating (e.g., 17,000 lbs, 21,000 lbs, or 23,000 lbs single rear axles).

How to identify your axle ratio

Unlike passenger cars that use simple door-jamb RPO stickers, commercial vehicles like the International MV have slightly different identification methods:

1. The Line Ticket (Build Sheet): The most accurate way to identify your International truck's specifications is by checking the Line Ticket. This is often tucked inside the glove box, printed on the driver's side door jamb, or located behind the driver's seat. It will list the exact axle manufacturer, weight rating, and gear ratio (e.g., "014GHR - Axle, Rear, Single, Meritor RS-21-160, 21,000 lb, 4.88 Ratio").
2. The Axle Tag: Crawl under the rear of the truck (safely) and look at the differential housing. Both Dana and Meritor affix a metal tag to the differential cover bolts or stamp the housing itself. This tag will display the model number and the ring-and-pinion ratio (e.g., "RATIO 5.13").
3. VIN Decoder / Dealer: If the tags are rusted or missing, any International Truck dealership can run your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to pull the original factory build sheet.

Towing vs MPG impact

In the commercial world, the trade-off between pulling power and fuel economy is paramount to a business's bottom line.

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 4.11, 4.33): Often referred to as "tall" gears, these are best for highway speeds. They keep engine RPMs lower at 65 mph, which significantly improves fuel economy (MPG). However, they will accelerate slower when fully loaded and are not ideal for steep grades or heavy towing.
• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 5.57, 6.14): Known as "short" gears, these provide massive torque multiplication at the wheels. This is exactly what a fully loaded dump truck or tow truck needs to get moving from a dead stop or climb a steep grade. The downside is that at highway speeds, the engine RPMs will be high, limiting top speed and drastically reducing fuel economy.

Common issues

While the driveline components on the 2019 International MV are heavy-duty and built for abuse, they do require maintenance and can suffer from wear and tear over hundreds of thousands of miles:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: Heavy hauling creates immense heat and pressure on the gear teeth. If the gear oil isn't changed at regular intervals, the mesh between the ring and pinion wears out, resulting in a pronounced whine during acceleration or deceleration.
• Carrier Bearing / U-Joint Failure: Due to the long wheelbases of many MV chassis (especially 26-foot box trucks), they feature multi-piece driveshafts. The carrier (center) bearings and U-joints are common wear items. Vibrations felt through the floor or seat are early warning signs.
• Wheel Seal and Pinion Leaks: Commercial axles hold a lot of gear oil. Pinion seals and wheel hub seals can degrade over time, leading to fluid leaks that can coat the rear brakes or starve the differential of lubrication.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius

Maintaining a commercial truck requires specialized tools, heavy-duty lifts, and expert knowledge. Whether you need a simple gear oil change, a carrier bearing replacement, or a complete differential rebuild with a new ratio, don't trust your rig to just anyone. Find a driveline shop on Repairius to get your 2019 International MV back on the road and earning money.