2017 Toyota Tundra — Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

When configuring or modifying a 2017 Toyota Tundra, understanding its powertrain specifications is crucial to getting the performance you expect. Whether you are towing a heavy camper across the country, building an off-road overland rig, or just optimizing for daily highway driving, the transmission and axle gear ratios play a massive role in how your truck puts power to the ground.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the transmission and differential specifications for the 2017 Toyota Tundra, how to identify what hardware your truck left the factory with, and how these ratios impact your real-world performance.

Transmission gear ratios

For the 2017 model year, Toyota kept things simple and robust. Both available engines—the 4.6-liter i-FORCE V8 and the legendary 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8—are mated to a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The 4.6L is paired with the A760E (2WD) or A760F (4WD), while the 5.7L gets the heavier-duty AB60E (2WD) or AB60F (4WD).

Despite the different transmission models to handle the torque differences between the engines, the internal gear ratios are nearly identical across the board, providing a deep first gear for getting loads moving and dual overdrive gears for highway cruising.

6-Speed Automatic (A760E/F and AB60E/F)

Available axle ratios

The final drive ratio (axle ratio) is what dictates the balance between off-the-line torque multiplication and highway cruising RPM. The 2017 Tundra offered specific axle ratios depending on the engine choice and tow package configuration.

Note: The 5.7L Tundra with the Tow Package heavily relies on the 4.30 rear differential to achieve its massive 10,000+ lb towing capacity. The massive 10.5-inch ring gear used in the 5.7L rear axles is legendary for its durability.

How to identify your axle ratio

If you bought your 2017 Tundra used, it is always a good idea to verify the axle ratio, as previous owners may have modified the truck or you may not have the original window sticker.

1. The Door-Jamb Sticker (B/TM Code) The easiest way to find your axle ratio on a Toyota is by checking the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) certification label located on the driver's side door jamb. Look at the bottom of the sticker for a line that reads "C/TR/A/TM" (Color/Trim/Axle/Transmission). The code under "A" is your axle code. For example, a code like A04A or B04A indicates the 4.30 ratio, while A01A generally indicates the 3.91.

2. The Axle Tag or Housing Stamp While GM uses RPO codes in the glovebox and Ford uses a metal tag bolted to the differential cover, Toyota differentials often have a sticker or a stamped code on the housing itself. However, these stickers can fade or wash off over time, making the door jamb sticker the more reliable visual method.

3. VIN Decoder or Dealership Inquiry If the stickers are missing, you can run your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through a trusted VIN decoder online, or call your local Toyota dealership parts department. By giving them your VIN, they can pull the exact build sheet for your Tundra.

Towing vs MPG impact

Gear ratios are a game of mechanical leverage, meaning you have to compromise between raw pulling power and fuel efficiency.

Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.91): A numerically lower ratio (often referred to as a "taller" gear) means the driveshaft spins fewer times for every rotation of the tires. This keeps engine RPMs lower at highway speeds, which generally translates to better fuel economy (MPG). However, it takes more engine effort to get a heavy load moving, making it less ideal for heavy towing.

Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 4.30): A numerically higher ratio (a "shorter" gear) gives the engine more mechanical leverage over the wheels. The 4.30 ratio in the 5.7L Tundra is a big reason why the truck feels so fast off the line and tows incredibly well without struggling on inclines. The tradeoff is that the engine operates at a higher RPM on the highway, negatively impacting the Tundra's fuel efficiency.

Common issues

The driveline on the 2017 Toyota Tundra is generally considered bulletproof, largely due to the massive 10.5-inch rear differential used on the 5.7L models. However, high-mileage or heavily abused trucks can develop some common issues:

• Carrier Bearing Wear: The center support bearing (carrier bearing) on the two-piece driveshaft can wear out over time, especially if the truck is lifted or frequently used for heavy towing. This usually presents as a shudder or vibration when accelerating from a stop.
• Ring and Pinion Whine: While rare in the Tundra, a noticeable whine from the rear end under acceleration or deceleration can indicate improper gear mesh, worn pinion bearings, or low differential fluid.
• Auto LSD / Traction Control Limitations: The 2017 Tundra uses an "Auto LSD" system, which uses the ABS brakes to mimic a mechanical limited-slip differential. If you are doing heavy off-roading, you may overheat the brakes as the system works to send power to the wheel with traction. Some owners upgrade to true mechanical lockers or aftermarket limited-slip differentials for dedicated trail rigs.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius

Whether you need a simple differential fluid flush, a replacement carrier bearing, or a complete re-gear to accommodate 35-inch mud tires on your Tundra, you need a trusted mechanic. Improperly set up ring and pinion gears will fail quickly and loudly. Find a vetted, top-rated driveline shop on Repairius to ensure your Toyota Tundra stays on the road for hundreds of thousands of miles to come.