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What is the gear ratio for the 01 Explorer?

The gear ratio for the 2001 Ford Explorer is 3.73:1. This means that for every single rotation of the engine, the rear wheels will rotate 3.73 times. The gear ratio is an important specification that determines the vehicle's acceleration, top speed, and fuel efficiency.


Understanding Gear Ratios


The gear ratio is a numerical value that represents the relationship between the rotational speed of the engine and the rotational speed of the vehicle's wheels. A higher gear ratio, such as 3.73:1, indicates that the wheels will rotate more times than the engine for a single revolution. This provides more torque and acceleration, but at the expense of top speed and fuel efficiency.


Gear ratios are typically expressed as a colon, such as 3.73:1. The first number represents the number of times the engine rotates, while the second number represents the number of times the wheels rotate. So a gear ratio of 3.73:1 means the engine rotates 3.73 times for every single rotation of the wheels.


Gear Ratio and Vehicle Performance



  • Acceleration: A higher gear ratio, like 3.73:1, provides more torque and acceleration from a stop or at low speeds.

  • Top Speed: A lower gear ratio, like 2.73:1, allows for a higher top speed but less torque and acceleration.

  • Fuel Efficiency: Lower gear ratios are generally more fuel-efficient at highway speeds, as the engine doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a given speed.


Vehicle manufacturers carefully select gear ratios to balance performance, fuel economy, and other factors based on the intended use of the vehicle.

What is the gear ratio for a 2000 Ford Explorer?


Gear ratio 4.10. With 8.8 Ring Gear.



How do you tell if you have 3.73 or 4.10 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)

  1. Jack up the vehicle: Safely lift the rear of your vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Ensure the wheels are off the ground. 
  2. Mark the driveshaft and a tire: Place a mark on one of the rear tires and a corresponding mark on the driveshaft. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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 
  1. 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. 
  2. 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 
  1. Locate the ring gear: This requires removing the differential cover to get a clear view of the ring gear.
  2. Find the numbers: Look for two numbers stamped on the teeth of the ring gear, such as "41" and "11". 
  3. 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 is the gear ratio for a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?


3.73
Gear ratio 3.73. With 8.8 Ring Gear.



What is the rear diff ratio of the Ford Explorer?


This rear diff can be configured with either a 3.55, 3.73, or 4.10 gear ratios, depending on the stock configuration of your Explorer SUV.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.