2017 Nissan Frontier: Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2017 Nissan Frontier offered two transmission options: a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, and a 5-speed automatic.

5-speed Manual Transmission (FS5R90C)

6-speed Manual Transmission (FS6R31A)

5-speed Automatic Transmission (RE5R05A)

Available axle ratios

The 2017 Nissan Frontier had a few axle ratio options, depending on the engine, transmission, and trim level.

How to identify your axle ratio

Identifying your Frontier's axle ratio is crucial for proper maintenance and modifications. Unlike some domestic manufacturers, Nissan does not typically use a simple RPO code sticker on the door jamb that directly states the axle ratio.

VIN Decoder

The most reliable way to accurately determine your specific axle ratio is to use a Nissan VIN decoder. Websites specializing in Nissan VIN decoding or a Nissan dealership can provide a detailed build sheet for your vehicle, which will include the axle ratio.

Axle Tag

While not always present or easily legible on older vehicles, some Nissan Frontier models may have a small metal tag attached to one of the differential cover bolts. This tag might contain codes or numbers that, with some research, can reveal the axle ratio. However, relying solely on this can be unreliable due to corrosion or missing tags.

Counting Rotations (for verification)

If you're mechanically inclined and want to verify the ratio, you can do a manual rotation count (this is best for verification once you have an idea of your ratio, not for initial identification):

1. Safely lift the rear of the truck so both rear wheels are off the ground.
2. Place a mark on the driveshaft and one of the rear tires.
3. Rotate the tire exactly one full revolution while counting the number of driveshaft rotations.
4. The number of driveshaft rotations for one tire rotation, (approximately) will be your axle ratio.
   • Note: If you have a limited-slip differential, both wheels need to be spinning freely; if you have an open differential, you'll need to spin one wheel two full rotations while the other wheel is stationary, and count the driveshaft rotations. It's generally easier to have a helper for this method.

Towing vs MPG impact

The axle ratio has a significant impact on your truck's performance characteristics, specifically concerning towing capacity and fuel economy.

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.133): These ratios mean the engine has to turn fewer times to rotate the wheels a given distance. This generally results in better fuel economy on the highway as the engine operates at lower RPMs. However, the trade-off is reduced torque multiplication at the wheels, meaning lower towing capacity and slower acceleration, especially when loaded.

• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 3.692): Conversely, higher axle ratios mean the engine turns more times to rotate the wheels the same distance. This provides greater torque multiplication at the wheels, which is excellent for towing heavy loads, off-road driving, and quicker acceleration. The downside is that the engine will operate at higher RPMs at highway speeds, leading to poorer fuel economy.

When choosing a Nissan Frontier, or considering a gear ratio change, it's important to balance your primary needs. If you frequently tow heavy trailers, a numerically higher ratio is beneficial. If your driving consists mainly of highway commuting and light loads, a lower ratio will be more fuel-efficient.

Common issues

While the Nissan Frontier driveline components are generally robust, like any mechanical system, they can experience issues over time:

• Ring and Pinion Whine: A common symptom of a worn or improperly set up differential is a howling or whining noise that changes with vehicle speed and acceleration/deceleration. This can indicate worn gears, improper gear mesh, or worn bearings.
• Carrier Bearing Wear: The carrier bearings support the differential carrier within the axle housing. Wear in these bearings can lead to looseness, vibrations, and a humming or growling noise, often more pronounced during acceleration.
• Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) Clutch Wear: If your Frontier is equipped with an optional limited-slip differential, the clutch packs can wear out over time. Symptoms of worn LSD clutches include a chattering or clunking noise during tight turns, especially at low speeds, or a noticeable decrease in traction performance when one wheel loses grip.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.