2016 Toyota Tundra Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2016 Toyota Tundra is a powerhouse in the full-size truck segment, known for its incredible reliability and robust V8 engine lineup. Whether you have the 4.6L V8 or the legendary 5.7L V8, the powertrain is matched to heavy-duty transmissions and beefy rear differentials designed to haul, tow, and commute with confidence.

Understanding your truck's gearing is essential when you are calculating towing capacities, planning for larger aftermarket tires, or trying to optimize fuel economy. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the 2016 Toyota Tundra transmission and axle gear ratios.

Transmission gear ratios

For the 2016 model year, Toyota equipped the Tundra exclusively with six-speed automatic transmissions. However, the specific transmission you have depends on your engine choice.

The 5.7L V8 uses the heavy-duty AB60E (2WD) or AB60F (4WD) transmission, which is geared specifically to handle the high torque output and 10,000+ lb towing capacity of the larger engine.

AB60E / AB60F (5.7L V8)

The 4.6L V8 models are equipped with the A760E (2WD) or A760F (4WD) six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission features a slightly steeper first gear to help the smaller V8 get off the line smoothly.

A760E / A760F (4.6L V8)

Available axle ratios

Toyota keeps things relatively simple compared to domestic truck manufacturers, but there are still a few different rear differential ratios depending on the engine and towing packages selected. The 5.7L models, especially those with the Tow Package, overwhelmingly feature an aggressive 4.30 axle ratio, which gives the Tundra its famous off-the-line grunt.

(Note: Toyota axle codes can vary; the codes above are representative of common Toyota truck decoding formats. Always verify via VIN.)

How to identify your axle ratio

If you aren't sure which engine or towing package your truck has, you can identify your exact axle ratio by checking the truck's certification labels or running a VIN check.

1. The Door-Jamb Sticker: Open the driver's side door and locate the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label. Look at the bottom of the sticker for the "C/TR/A/TM" line. The "A" stands for Axle. You will see a multi-digit code (such as A04A or B04A). The first letter denotes the ring gear size, the middle two digits signify the ratio, and the final letter indicates if it is an open diff or has a limited-slip feature.
2. Axle Tag: Crawl underneath the rear of the truck and look for a metal tag bolted to the differential cover or a sticker wrapped around the axle tube. If it hasn't rusted or worn off, this tag will have the ratio stamped on it (e.g., "4.30").
3. VIN Decoder: The easiest and most foolproof method is to use a free online VIN decoder or call your local Toyota dealership's parts department. Provide them with your 17-digit VIN, and they can pull up the exact build sheet for your Tundra, including the factory-installed differential gear.

Towing vs MPG impact

The rear axle ratio is a crucial multiplier in your truck's drivetrain. It determines how many times the driveshaft must rotate to turn the wheels one full revolution.

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.91): These are considered "tall" gears. They allow the engine to run at lower RPMs at highway speeds. This translates to better fuel economy (MPG) and less engine noise during long highway commutes, but it reduces off-the-line pulling power, making heavy towing more sluggish.
• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 4.30): These are "short" or "steep" gears. A 4.30 ratio provides massive low-end torque multiplication. This is excellent for getting heavy trailers moving, driving up steep inclines, or turning large aftermarket off-road tires. The trade-off is that your engine will spin at a higher RPM on the highway, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

Common issues

The 10.5-inch rear axle used in the 5.7L Tundra is massively overbuilt and known for its durability, but no mechanical component is entirely bulletproof. When evaluating a high-mileage 2016 Tundra, be on the lookout for:

• Ring & Pinion Whine: If the truck was frequently used for heavy towing beyond its limits without regular fluid changes, the ring and pinion gears can wear prematurely. This usually manifests as a high-pitched whine that changes pitch depending on whether you are accelerating or decelerating.
• Pinion Seal Leaks: A weeping pinion seal is relatively common on aging Tundras. If left unchecked, the fluid level can drop dangerously low, destroying the differential internals.
• Carrier Bearing Failure: A low hum or rumble from the rear end, especially noticeable between 30 and 50 mph, often points to a worn carrier bearing inside the differential housing.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius to tackle any of your differential, gear swapping, or transmission needs. Keep your Tundra pulling strong for hundreds of thousands of miles!