What is the gear ratio for a 2013 Toyota Tundra?
On the 2013 Toyota Tundra, there isn’t a single universal gear ratio. The exact gearing depends on the drivetrain configuration (axle ratio) and transmission, which varied by trim and options. In practical terms, most 2013 Tundras fall within a roughly 3.7:1 to 4.3:1 final-drive range, with the transmission contributing its own gear spread. To know the precise number for a specific truck, you should check the axle tag, VIN, or original window sticker.
Understanding gearing on the 2013 Tundra
Gear ratio generally describes two related but distinct things on a pickup: the axle (final-drive) ratio, which affects towing and cruising stability, and the transmission gear ratios, which determine how quickly the engine revs through each gear. For the Tundra, both sets of numbers vary by engine, drivetrain, and trim. The most impactful for day-to-day use is the final-drive ratio on the rear axle, which works with the transmission to set overall gearing in each gear of drive.
Common final-drive options for 2013 Tundra models
Below is a representative list of axle ratios that appeared in the 2013 Tundra lineup. The exact ratio you have depends on your specific vehicle's configuration. If your truck is not one of these, the ratio will still fall within this general range.
- 3.73:1
- 3.90:1 (approximately)
- 4.10:1
- 4.30:1
In practice, the final-drive ratio is chosen to balance towing capacity, fuel economy, and acceleration characteristics for the intended use of the truck. HeavierPayload and towing-oriented builds often lean toward the lower numerical values (4.30:1 or 4.10:1), while lighter-duty configurations may use higher numerical values (3.73:1 or 3.90:1) for better highway efficiency.
How to find your exact gear ratio
Determining the precise gear ratio for your particular 2013 Tundra requires checking a few sources. The steps below will guide you to the exact number for your vehicle.
- Check the axle tag on the differential housing for a stamped ratio (e.g., “RATIO 4.30”).
- Look at the driver’s door jamb or glovebox sticker, which may list axle details depending on the vehicle’s spec sheet.
- Read the owner’s manual or original window sticker (MSRP/Build Sheet) for the listed axle ratio.
- Decode the VIN using Toyota’s official service portal or a reputable VIN decoder to reveal the axle configuration.
If you’re planning modifications or towing, having the exact ratio is important for calculating engine load, fuel economy, and proper gear selection. When in doubt, consult a Toyota dealer or a trusted mechanic who can confirm the ratio from the vehicle’s build documentation.
Why the gear ratio matters for a 2013 Tundra
The gear ratio influences how the engine delivers power at various speeds. A lower numerical final-drive ratio (like 3.73:1) typically improves highway fuel economy and steady cruising, while a higher numerical ratio (like 4.30:1) can enhance low-end torque for heavier loads and off-road work. Thus, the ratio you have can affect towing performance, acceleration response, and overall drivability in different settings.
Summary
In short, there is no single gear ratio for all 2013 Toyota Tundra models. The correct figure depends on the vehicle’s axle and transmission configuration. Most examples fall within a final-drive range of about 3.7:1 to 4.3:1, with the exact number accessible via the differential tag, VIN decode, or original documentation. Always verify your truck’s exact ratio when planning towing, gearing changes, or performance tweaks.
How do you tell if you have 373 or 410 gears?
You can tell if you have 3.73 or 4.10 gears by manually counting, checking the differential cover for a tag, or finding the ratio stamped on the ring gear. The most direct method is to lift the rear wheels, rotate one tire one full revolution, and count how many times the driveshaft turns; 3.75 turns indicates 3.73 gears, while slightly over 4 turns indicates 4.10 gears.
This video demonstrates how to check your gear ratio by counting the driveshaft turns: 48sBent Motorsports OffroadYouTube · Sep 22, 2023
Method 1: Manual count (with the vehicle jacked up)
- Jack up the vehicle: Safely lift the rear of your vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Ensure the wheels are off the ground.
- Mark the driveshaft and a tire: Place a mark on one of the rear tires and a corresponding mark on the driveshaft.
- Rotate the tire: Rotate the marked tire forward one full revolution. For an open differential, you may need to lift only one wheel and have someone hold the other stationary, or lift both wheels and rotate one tire twice while the other tire is on the ground. For a locked differential, lift both rear wheels and have one tire rotate once while the other rotates once in the opposite direction.
- Count the driveshaft turns: Count how many times the mark on the driveshaft has rotated.
- 3.73 gears: The driveshaft will turn approximately 3.753.753.75 times for one full tire revolution.
- 4.10 gears: The driveshaft will turn a little over 444 times for one full tire revolution.
Method 2: Check the differential cover tag
- Locate the tag: Look for a small metal tag that is usually bolted to the differential cover. It may be on one of the bolts.
- Read the ratio: If the tag is still present, the gear ratio will be stamped on it. It will likely be a number like "3.73" or "4.10".
You can watch this video to learn how to find the differential cover tag: 51sFlawed OffroadYouTube · Apr 18, 2022
Method 3: Read the ring gear stamps
- Locate the ring gear: This requires removing the differential cover to get a clear view of the ring gear.
- Find the numbers: Look for two numbers stamped on the teeth of the ring gear, such as "41" and "11".
- Divide the numbers: Divide the larger number (teeth on the ring gear) by the smaller number (teeth on the pinion gear).
- 41÷11≈3.7341 divided by 11 is approximately equal to 3.7341÷11≈3.73
- 41÷10=4.1041 divided by 10 equals 4.1041÷10=4.10
This video shows how to read the ring gear stamps to find the gear ratio: 46sJL LIFE OFFROADYouTube · Nov 18, 2022
What year was the worst year for Toyota Tundra?
The worst model years for the Toyota Tundra are generally considered to be 2007 and 2012, due to significant engine and transmission issues. The 2007 model has the highest number of total complaints, while the 2012 model is singled out for its expensive engine and transmission problems occurring at lower mileage. Other years to consider avoiding include the first-generation 2005 and 2008 models, and the newer 2022 and 2023 models, which have reliability concerns with their new twin-turbo engine.
Problem years to avoid
- 2007: This year has the highest number of overall complaints, with issues like air injection pump failure, piston slap, and engine problems.
- 2012: Labeled the "worst model year" by some sources, this year is notorious for expensive engine and premature transmission issues that can occur at lower mileage.
- 2005-2008: The entire first generation of the second model series has a high number of complaints, with 2005 and 2007 being the most problematic within that range.
- 2022 and 2023: The new generation's first model years have faced reliability issues with the new twin-turbo V6 engine, leading to engine failure recalls.
Specific issues in problem years
- 2007: Faulty air injection pump, engine knocking, and other engine-related complaints.
- 2012: Expensive engine issues (like a faulty air induction pump that can cost over $3,000 to fix) and premature transmission problems that can start around 9,000 miles.
- 2005: Problems with the drive system, including the CV joint and front differential.
- 2022-2023: Engine failures linked to the new twin-turbo V6 engine.
What is the gear ratio of a 5.7 Tundra?
Gear Ratio: 4.88. Pinion Splines: 34 (Front and Rear) Material: Heat-treated OEM-grade steel alloy. Differentials: Toyota 9.0″ IFS Front / 10.5″ Rear.
What is the specs of the 2013 Toyota Tundra?
A 4.0-liter V-6 (mated to a five-speed automatic) serves as the base engine and is rated at 270-hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The mid-level engine is a 310-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 and a 381-hp 5.7-liter eight-cylinder provides the most power among the bunch. Both V-8s are mated to six-speed automatics.
