Axel Codes mixed up records.

[racprops]

OK I searched every where and keep coming up with a mixed numbers.

I have a 2002 Explorer XLT with the 4.0 V6 2WD, with a door sticker with axle code 45.

I have found conflicting numbers on this code a number of sites say it is 4.10 or 3.73

I also just got a 03 XLT 4.6 V8 4WD and a door code of D4, there all agree it IS Limited Slip 3.73.

The 02 runs at higher RPMS on the highway so I firmly think it is a 4.10.

Yet this site reports: 2002 Ford Explorer Powertrain - Ford-Trucks.com

A 3.27 axle ratio is standard for all automatic 4×2 XLS and XLT
models. A 3.55 axle ratio is standard on 4×4 manual XLS, 4×4 XLT,
Eddie Bauer and Limited models. A 3.73 axle ratio and limited slip
differential are standard with the Class III/IV towing package.

So are the 3.27 and 3.55 used at all??

And it does not list the 4.10 at all.

Can anyone confirm the 02 is running a 4.1??

Thanks.

Rich

 

[FROADER]

Axle Tag Codes for Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco II Axle Identification

Axle codes for Ford Explorer, Ranger and Bronco II. Axle identification Ford Explorer, Bronco II, Ranger.

www.explorerforum.com

According to that chart, and everything else I've found, the 45 code is open and 3.55s.
A previous owner could have swapped them at some point?

 

[racprops]

Axle Tag Codes for Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco II Axle Identification

Axle codes for Ford Explorer, Ranger and Bronco II. Axle identification Ford Explorer, Bronco II, Ranger.

www.explorerforum.com

According to that chart, and everything else I've found, the 45 code is open and 3.55s.
A previous owner could have swapped them at some point?

And now a third number...

Thanks.

Rich

 

[drdoom]

Can you chock it, in neutral jack it up, chalk the tire & driveshaft, and count the revolutions?

 

[410Fortune]

That is the best way to check gear ratio!! Count the revolutions then you know for sure

 

[racprops]

Or read the tag. Just was not going to jack her up.

 

[mountaineer2004]

^ Tag may not be correct. I had a Mercury Grand Marquis years ago and changed the RAR from 2.73 to 3.73 but the tag stayed the same.
You now have the info for a definitive check to answer your question...count the revolutions.

 

[racprops]

Fun.

Two things, one owner truck, no mods well kept.

And I can get a good idea from running the Tire size, speed and RPMs though Gearing Calculator | RPM and Tire Diameter to km/h - mph with Shift Tracer

The odd thing is it seems both my trucks have 3.73s yet it also seems the 03 V8 runs lower RPMs and the same Speed.

Rich

 

[drdoom]

Different ratios there too, dog.

 

[TechGuru]

45 is 3.55 Open.
D3 is 3.73 LS.

Those are really the only two I've come across on 3rd gen explorers.

46 is 3.73 Open. Never seen one though when I was looking for a new diff at salvage yards.

 

[drdoom]

45 is 3.55 Open.
D3 is 3.73 LS.

Those are really the only two I've come across on 3rd gen explorers.

46 is 3.73 Open. Never seen one though when I was looking for a new diff at salvage yards.

46 I believe is what's in my 2005 V8 Eddie.

 

[410Fortune]

So many variables
Tire rolling diameter manufacture to manufacture
Tire pressure
Tachometer accuracy ( stock tachs are not always spot on)
Wind
Brake drag
Etc

If there is ever a question of axle gear ratio there are two ways to know for sure, remove diff cover and count teeth or jack up axle and count rotations. I can tell you exactly what gears you have with a floor jack and spinning tires/pinions

 

[Josh P]

Or read the tag. Just was not going to jack her up.

I wouldn't rely on the tag, I swapped the ring gear in an aerostar van from 3.73 to 4.10 and put the tag back on after it was closed up.