What is the gear ratio for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
The gear ratio of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is 3.73:1. This means that for every single rotation of the vehicle's driveline, the wheels will rotate 3.73 times. The gear ratio is an important specification that affects the vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity.
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 wheels. It is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the ring gear (in the differential) by the number of teeth on the pinion gear.
A higher gear ratio, such as 3.73:1, indicates that the wheels will rotate more times for each rotation of the engine. This provides more torque to the wheels, which is beneficial for towing, hauling heavy loads, or driving in off-road conditions. However, a higher gear ratio also results in lower fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
Conversely, a lower gear ratio, such as 2.73:1, means the wheels will rotate fewer times for each engine rotation. This is better suited for highway driving, as it allows the engine to operate at a lower rpm, resulting in improved fuel economy. However, a lower gear ratio sacrifices some low-end torque and towing capacity.
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
The 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a mid-size pickup truck variant of the popular Ford Explorer SUV. It was designed to offer the utility of a truck bed combined with the comfort and amenities of an SUV.
The 3.73:1 gear ratio in the 2002 Explorer Sport Trac was well-suited for its intended use as a versatile, capable vehicle. This ratio provided a good balance of power, towing capacity, and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for both work and leisure activities.
Factors Affecting Gear Ratio Selection
- Vehicle weight and load capacity: Heavier vehicles or those that need to tow or haul large loads typically require a higher gear ratio for more torque.
- Engine power and performance: Vehicles with more powerful engines can often benefit from a lower gear ratio to take advantage of the engine's higher rpm range.
- Driving conditions: Off-road or towing applications may call for a higher gear ratio, while highway driving is better suited for a lower gear ratio.
- Fuel efficiency: Lower gear ratios generally result in better fuel economy, as the engine can operate at lower rpm at a given speed.
Manufacturers carefully consider all these factors when selecting the appropriate gear ratio for a particular vehicle model and its intended use.
How do I find my transmission gear ratio?
Here's the formula for calculating gear ratio: (RPM x Tire Diameter Inches) / (Final Drive Ratio x Transmission Gear Ratio x 336) = Actual numerical gear ratio to the ground from every revolution of the engine.
What year did Ford use a 8.8 rear end?
Ford first used the 8.8 axle in 1983 model year trucks and is still in production for the Ford Ranger and Ford F-Series. It was also used in the Ford SUVs until Independent suspension replaced the solid axle.
What is a 3.73 rear axle ratio?
If a truck has an axle ratio of 3:73:1, for example, the driveshaft turns 3.73 times for each full wheel spin. In terms of how an axle ratio should be structured, 3.73 and 3:73:1 are technically both correct and mean the same thing.
How do I find out what gear ratio my Ford has?
To determine the axle ratio of your vehicle, locate the two-digit axle code first, then use your vehicle's towing guide to find the axle ratio that corresponds to that code. If your vehicle has a limited-slip differential, it will be noted as Limited Slip.
How to check gear ratio by VIN?
Manufacturers sometimes embed the gear ratio information within a subset of the VIN or provide it in accompanying documentation. If online tools don't suffice, contacting a dealership with the VIN can help. Dealerships have comprehensive databases and can provide precise gear ratio details based on the VIN.
What ratio is the Ford 8.8 rear end ratio?
The 8.8 was built with the following ratios: 2.26, 2.47, 2.73, 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.55, 3.73 and 4.10:1. Only the 2.73, 3.08, 3.27, and 3.55:1 ratios were available with Traction-Lok. If you decide to upgrade to a Traction-Lok differential, you're limited to the ratios offered at the factory.
What is the gear ratio for the rear differential on a 2002 Ford Explorer?
This Rear diff can be configured with either a 3.55 or 3.73 gear ratios and has an open differential to match the stock configuration of your Explorer SUV.
How can I tell what gear ratio I have without pulling cover?
I have my buddy holding the other Tire. I start spinning this and I'm watching the other. One. That's one full rotation right there.
What Fords use the 8.8 rear end?
Common Applications
1983-2014 Ford F-150. 1983-1996 Ford Bronco. 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. 1991-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0L models.
What Ford Explorer has 8.8 rear end?
Word to the wise: Most '91-'01 Ford Explorers came equipped with 31-spline 8.8s. The 8.8 is a C-clip rearend, which is another major weakness—if you break an axleshaft, it can come out of the housing, and you'll lose the wheel and probably your quarter-panel along with it.
