2022 Toyota Tundra Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2022 Toyota Tundra exclusively features one transmission option across all its trims: the 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

Available axle ratios

The 2022 Tundra offers a few different axle ratios, primarily depending on the drivetrain (2WD or 4WD) and the specific engine configuration. The standard engine is a i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6, and there's also an available i-FORCE MAX 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid.

Note: The TRD Pro model, being 4WD and exclusively equipped with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, comes standard with the 3.44 axle ratio.

How to identify your axle ratio

Identifying your 2022 Toyota Tundra's axle ratio is relatively straightforward. Unlike some manufacturers, Toyota typically provides this information on a sticker. Look for a white sticker on the driver's side door jamb. This sticker will contain various vehicle specifications, including the "A/TM" code. The "A" part of this code refers to the axle. For example, an A01A code would indicate a 3.31 ratio for a 2WD model. You can then cross-reference this code with a Toyota dealer or an online VIN decoder to confirm the exact ratio.

For older Toyota models, an axle tag might be present on the differential housing itself, but for modern Tundras like the 2022, the door jamb sticker is the primary and most reliable method.

Towing vs MPG impact

The axle ratio plays a significant role in how your 2022 Toyota Tundra performs in terms of towing capability and fuel economy. Generally, a numerically lower axle ratio (e.g., 3.31) means the engine operates at lower RPMs at a given speed. This translates to better fuel efficiency on the highway. However, it also means less mechanical advantage for accelerating or pulling heavy loads. Your Tundra will have to work harder, potentially leading to increased strain and reduced towing capacity.

Conversely, a numerically higher axle ratio (e.g., 3.44) means the engine operates at higher RPMs at the same speed. This provides greater torque multiplication, which is beneficial for towing heavy trailers, hauling substantial payloads, or driving in off-road conditions. The trade-off is often a slight decrease in fuel economy, especially at highway speeds, as the engine is working harder to maintain speed. Toyota has carefully matched the axle ratios to the Tundra's powerful i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX powertrains to offer a good balance for their intended purposes.

Common issues

The 2022 Toyota Tundra is a relatively new model, and as such, widespread common issues specifically related to the transmission or axle ratios are not yet widely documented. However, general issues that can affect any differential over time include:

• Ring and Pinion Whine: This can manifest as a howling or whining noise that changes with vehicle speed and throttle input. It often indicates wear or improper setup of the ring and pinion gears within the differential.
• Carrier Bearing Wear: The carrier bearings support the differential carrier. Worn bearings can lead to noise (often a rumble or growl), vibration, and eventually differential failure if not addressed.
• Limited-Slip Clutch Wear (if equipped): Some differentials, particularly those designed for enhanced traction, may feature a limited-slip mechanism with clutches. Over time, these clutches can wear out, leading to reduced traction performance and potentially chattering noises during turns.

Regular maintenance, including differential fluid changes, can help mitigate these potential issues and extend the lifespan of your Tundra's driveline components.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.