What is the rear axle ratio of a Toyota Tundra?
There is no single rear axle ratio for the Toyota Tundra—the ratio varies by model year, trim, and options, so each truck may have a different number.
In practice, Toyota has offered several axle gear options across recent Tundra models. The exact ratio for a given vehicle can be found on the original window sticker or by decoding the VIN/build sheet, and it changes with configurations such as four-wheel drive and towing packages.
Why the rear axle ratio matters
The rear axle ratio affects how the engine’s power is translated into wheel speed. A higher numerical ratio (for example, a 4.30:1) generally provides more torque at the wheels for pulling or hill climbing, but can reduce highway fuel efficiency. A lower numerical ratio (for example, a 3.73:1) typically improves highway fuel economy and quieter cruising, but may reduce low-speed torque. For towing-heavy setups, the ratio is often chosen to balance pulling power with drivability.
Common axle gear options seen on modern Tundras
Below are axle ratios that have appeared across various Tundra configurations in recent years. Exact availability depends on year, trim, drivetrain, and whether a towing package or locking differential is selected.
- 3.58
- 3.73
- 4.10
- 4.30
Note: Not every combination includes all of these. The precise ratio for a specific vehicle must be confirmed through official documentation or VIN decoding.
How to verify the rear axle ratio on your Tundra
To confirm the exact axle ratio for your own pickup, use one or more of these verification methods.
- Check the window sticker (Monroney) or the build sheet that accompanies the vehicle at the time of sale; the axle ratio is listed in the drivetrain/options section.
- Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using Toyota’s official resources or a trusted VIN decoder; the axle option is encoded in the VIN/build data for many models.
- Consult the owner’s manual or a service/warranty manual for your trim; these documents typically specify drivetrain specifications.
- Ask a Toyota dealership’s service department to look up the exact ratio using your VIN for a precise, vehicle-specific answer.
Confirming the axle ratio is important for towing, performance planning, and maintenance; relying on generic assumptions can lead to mismatches in tires, gear setups, or towing configuration.
Window sticker details
The window sticker lists the axle ratio as part of the vehicle’s standard and optional equipment. If you still have the sticker, it’s the quickest way to read off the exact number tied to your build.
VIN decoding resources
VIN-based tools (official or reputable third-party) can reveal the factory axle choice. Some VIN decoders provide a section for drivetrain gear ratios, which helps confirm the exact figure without pulling service records.
Dealer verification
A Toyota dealer can pull up the exact axle ratio using your VIN and the vehicle’s build history, ensuring you have the correct figure for maintenance, upgrades, or resale documentation.
Summary
The Toyota Tundra does not have a universal rear axle ratio. It varies by year, trim, drivetrain, and options, with common observed values in recent models ranging from the low to mid-3s up to the low-4s. To know your truck’s precise ratio, check the window sticker or build sheet, decode the VIN, consult the owner’s manual, or contact a Toyota dealer. Knowing this value helps with towing planning, tire and gear selection, and accurate maintenance records.
