What ratio is the diff on a 3.2 Ranger?

Typically, the final-drive (diff) ratio on a Ford Ranger 3.2 is 3.73:1, but the exact figure can vary by model year, transmission, and whether the truck is 2WD or 4WD.

Understanding the diff ratio is important for towing, cruising efficiency, and gear selection. The 3.2-liter Ranger diesel, widely sold in markets such as Australia and parts of Europe and Asia, shares its platform with several drivetrain configurations, and Ford offered different rear axles to suit market needs and options. To be certain of your specific vehicle, you should verify the axle code through the differential, build sheet, or official documentation.

Common diff ratios for the 3.2 Ranger

Before listing typical values, note that exact numbers can differ by year, trim level, and drivetrain. Use the methods in the next section to confirm your own vehicle.

• 3.73:1 is the most commonly cited final-drive ratio for 4x4 Ranger 3.2 models, particularly in markets where 4WD capability is standard or optional with diesel powertrains.


• 3.55:1 or near 3.5:1 appears on some 2WD variants or earlier production runs, depending on market and transmission pairing.


• Other ratios (less common) such as around 3.27:1 have shown up on specific regional or optioned builds; these are not universal across all 3.2 Rangers.

Because the Ranger line has had multiple generations and market-specific options, the exact ratio you have may differ from these general patterns. Always verify with a direct source from your vehicle’s identification data.

How to verify your exact ratio

Before relying on a rough figure, you should confirm the precise number for your specific truck using one or more reliable checks.

• Check the differential tag or stamping on the axle housing for a code or number that corresponds to a gear ratio (e.g., 3.73, 3.55).


• Count teeth to calculate the ratio: number of ring-gear teeth divided by pinion-gear teeth.


• Consult the vehicle’s build sheet, window sticker, or VIN-based documentation (Ford OASIS/official service portals) to find the axle specification.


• Inspect the owner’s manual or the service/parts manual for the exact final-drive ratio listed for your model year and drivetrain.


• If in doubt, ask a Ford dealer or a qualified mechanic with your VIN to decode the axle specification for your exact vehicle.

With the above methods, you can accurately determine the diff ratio rather than relying on approximate figures.

Notes by market and generation

Regional differences and generation changes mean that a 3.2 Ranger from one market might not use the same final-drive as another. Always cross-check with your specific vehicle’s data plate, build sheet, or VIN-decoded information to ensure you have the correct ratio for maintenance, gearing calculations, or aftermarket parts compatibility.

In practice, if you own a typical Australian-delivered 3.2 Ranger 4x4, expect a 3.73:1 rear axle. If you own a 2WD version or a different market variant, the ratio could be 3.55:1 or another nearby value. Verification is essential for accurate maintenance and performance planning.

Summary

The diff ratio on a Ford Ranger 3.2 commonly sits around 3.73:1 for 4x4 configurations, with other ratios like 3.55:1 or near 3.5:1 appearing on some 2WD models or specific markets. Because the Ranger has seen multiple generations and regional options, the surest way to know yours is to read the axle code on the differential, consult the build sheet or VIN documentation, or count gear teeth. Verify for your exact truck to ensure correct maintenance, gear calculations, and compatibility with upgrades.

How do I know what rear differential is in my Ford Ranger?

The most accurate differential identification is provided by the bottom line of the tag number or axle tube stamp. Differential tags can easily be used to identify Dana and Ford differentials.

What's better, 2.0 or 3.2 Ranger?

What the figures don't show is how much more relaxed the 2.0-litre is over the 3.2 – the smaller-engined version gets on with the job with less fuss. Put simply, while the 3.2 remains a great engine for towing, the Ford Ranger's tech-laden 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo is better at it.

Is a 3.73 ratio good for towing?

Yes, 3.73 gears are good for towing because their higher numerical ratio provides more torque, which improves performance when pulling heavy loads. While they offer better towing power and low-end acceleration, they result in higher engine RPMs, lower top speed, and poorer fuel economy compared to lower gear ratios like 3.55. 
This video explains the benefits of 3.73 gears for towing: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Jun 1, 2024
Advantages for towing

• More torque: The higher gear ratio gives the vehicle a mechanical advantage, translating more engine torque to the wheels for pulling heavy loads. 
• Better performance: They provide better performance for towing, especially for heavy loads and stop-and-go traffic, and are an upgrade for trucks with lower gears like 3.15 or 3.55. 
• Improved acceleration: They can improve off-the-line performance and acceleration, which is helpful when getting a heavy trailer moving. 

Disadvantages for towing

• Higher RPMs: The engine will operate at a higher RPM while cruising, which can lead to a less comfortable ride and worse fuel economy. 
• Lower top speed: The overall top speed is reduced. 
• Fuel consumption: Fuel economy is generally lower, especially on the highway, compared to a truck with a lower gear ratio. 

You can watch this video to see the effect of gearing on RPMs while towing: 58sGreat Lakes PowerstrokeFX4YouTube · Mar 14, 2025
When 3.73 gears may not be ideal 

• If you have a vehicle with a high-revving engine, like some V10s, 3.73 gears may keep the engine out of its optimal powerband, leading to a miserable towing experience, as detailed on Quora. 
• If your primary use is highway cruising and you rarely tow, lower gears like 3.55 are better for fuel economy and a quieter ride. 

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)

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