What is the gear ratio for a 2017 Ford Ranger?
The exact gear ratio for a 2017 Ford Ranger isn’t a single number; it depends on market, engine and drivetrain. In practice, owners should expect final-drive figures in the mid-3s to low-4s, with multiple transmission options that each have their own internal gear sets. This means there isn’t one universal figure for all 2017 Rangers.
What determines the Ranger's gearing?
Gear ratio is a combination of the final-drive axle ratio (the rear end) and the transmission’s internal gear steps. Because Ford offered different axles and two main transmissions in 2017 across various markets, the exact numbers vary by vehicle specification. This is why two 2017 Rangers in different regions can have different performance characteristics even if they share the same model name.
The following configurations reflect common setups seen in 2017 Rangers across markets, offering a sense of what you might encounter.
- Most 4x4 and many 4x2 variants used a final-drive around the mid-3s (commonly cited around 3.73:1) to balance payload and highway efficiency; this is a frequent baseline in several regional specifications.
- Some diesel or economy-focused trims from particular markets used a slightly taller final-drive (roughly in the 3.5:1 to 3.55:1 range) to improve highway cruising fuel economy.
- There were also heavy-duty or off-road-oriented versions that employed a steeper final-drive (around 4.10:1) to maximize low-speed torque for off-road or towing tasks.
These ranges illustrate that there wasn’t a single gearing figure for all 2017 Rangers. To know your exact gear ratio, you should consult the factory specifications for your specific truck—via the door placard, VIN/build sheet, or a Ford dealer.
How to identify your exact gear ratio
Use these steps to determine the precise ratio for your vehicle:
- Check the driver’s side door jamb placard for the axle ratio and transmission details—the quickest on-vehicle source.
- Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with Ford’s official decoder or a dealer’s service portal to pull the original build sheet or window sticker.
- Inspect the rear differential housing for a ratio stamp (many Ford diffs show a stamp like “Ratio 3.73”).
- Consult the owner’s or service manual for your market, as regional specs can differ even within the same model year.
With the exact gear ratio in hand, you can more accurately interpret torque delivery, fuel economy expectations, and speed calculations for your Ranger’s intended use.
Summary
The 2017 Ford Ranger does not have a universal gear ratio. Its gearing varies by engine, transmission, drivetrain (4x2 vs 4x4) and regional market. Typical final-drive figures cluster in the mid-3s to low-4s, with common values around 3.73:1, 3.55:1, or 4.10:1 depending on specification. To obtain your precise ratio, refer to the vehicle’s door placard, VIN/build sheet, or consult Ford/your dealer. This exact figure matters for understanding performance, towing, and fuel efficiency for your specific Ranger.
