Don

[Hunter 34]

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer with a 5.0L V-8 engine, that I use to tow a 21ft. Skeeter Bay Pro. The trailor has surge brakes that work well. I weighted the boat on a truck scale when it was fully loaded with gear and fuel, it weighted 4,500 lbs. (dry wieght is 1800 lbs.) The V-8 Explorer is rated to tow about 6000 to 6800<br />depending on rear axle gear ratio. How can I tell what the gear ratio on this truck is. Also anyone else out there that tows with an Explorer please let me know how you like the truck as a tow vechile. <br /> Thanks Very Much

 

[Bondo]

Re: Don

How can I tell what the gear ratio on this truck is.

It should be on a sticker on the Driver's Door Frame..........

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Don

Not sure about Ford, but most manufacturers have an "as built" sticker that has a bunch of codes on it. Those codes can be translated by the dealer. You might also look at the bolts on the differential. Sometimes there's a soft metal tag on one of the bolts that identifies the axle ratio. Otherwise, jack up both wheels. Put a mark on the drive shaft and another on one of the wheels. Count the number of driveshaft revs it takes to turn the wheels one revolution. If the drive shaft turns 3.50 times to make the wheels turn one rev you have a 3.5:1 axle ratio. Otherwise, remove the rear differential cover. Count the teeth on the pinion gear and those ont he ring gear. Divide the ring gear tooth count by pinion tooth count. 36/10=3.6 or 3.6:1 axle ratio.