Help deciphering axle ratio
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 118
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From: N. Illinois
Help deciphering axle ratio
We are considering a new tow vehicle, an older Ford Expedition. The VIN gives somewhat confusing information regarding the axle ratio, which helps determine towing capacity. Here is what the VIN decoder says:Axle Ratio (:1) - Front3.73 3.31 min 3.73 maxAxle Ratio (:1) - Rear3.73 3.31 min 3.73 max
So is it 3.73 or 3.31? It makes quite a bit of difference to towing capacity,
So is it 3.73 or 3.31? It makes quite a bit of difference to towing capacity,
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2015
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I've been attempting to figure this out myself. I have a 2011 Navigator. On the vehicle identification placard on the door jamb, drivers door area, there is an area that has axle. Underneath it there is a code. Mine is 16. My understanding is that means that the ratio is 3.73. Other way to do it is jack up rear of vehicle and rotate rear wheel 2 revolutions and see how many revolutions the drive shaft rotates. 3 and 3/4 revolutions is the 3.73. That's what I had and that's what I discovered when I did the rotation test. Good luck
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: N. Illinois
Wow, really? Why is it so complicated? I mean, we haven't even seen the car yet. Just trying to figure out if it's adequate for our needs. Seems like it should be something easily researched.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
It is, find out what the axle code is on the drivers door pillar calibration decal and you can look it up online.
Freshman User
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Looking on your door jamb won't tell you a whole lot, in my opinion. I think most of these came with the 3.73 but I can't guarantee that. I have looked at replacement ring and pinion gears and they lost 2 ratios, 3.73 and 3.55. The spin test is infallible but axle code 16 has 2 different ratios on the vin decoder websites that I've looked at. Try this one for giggles.
Identify Your Ford Truck Axle From The Door Sticker ? Blue Oval Trucks
Identify Your Ford Truck Axle From The Door Sticker ? Blue Oval Trucks
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
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From: very South Texas
Tire load tag... = 1498 pounds.. so not a lot of carry capacity.. and limited Tow ability....
2 people, fuel (gas), inside the truck luggage,, plus trailer tongue weight must not pass 1490 pounds ..
my F250 tire load tag = 3,600 pounds....
2 people, fuel (gas), inside the truck luggage,, plus trailer tongue weight must not pass 1490 pounds ..
my F250 tire load tag = 3,600 pounds....
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: N. Illinois
Okay, but that is with factory tires, right? Which can be upgraded? I'm more concerned with max towing capacity limited by engine and axle type.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Burleson, Tx
https://www.google.com/search?q=ford...hrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-...-door-sticker/
Axle: 3.31
Doesn't matter what tires you have you're limited to the payload listed on the door jamb.
And fuel does not count against your payload, that is part of the truck weight.
https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-...-door-sticker/
Axle: 3.31
Doesn't matter what tires you have you're limited to the payload listed on the door jamb.
And fuel does not count against your payload, that is part of the truck weight.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 118
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From: N. Illinois
No, I don't think we're replacing the Ex. My husband was talking about that, but I don't like that idea.
This would be a second vehicle that would also double as a tow vehicle. Most often to tow the boat, but in a pinch to tow our hybrid which weighs around 4500 lb dry.
This would be a second vehicle that would also double as a tow vehicle. Most often to tow the boat, but in a pinch to tow our hybrid which weighs around 4500 lb dry.
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