Ford Bronco Gear Ratio Chart by Year and Trim 2021 to 2026
The Ford Bronco gear ratio chart covers four factory axle ratios across the 2021 to 2026 full-size Bronco: 3.73:1, 4.27:1, 4.46:1, and 4.70:1. The correct ratio depends on model year, trim, transmission, and equipment such as the Sasquatch Package. Ford’s 2025 and 2026 lineups use 3.73, 4.46, and 4.70; the 4.27 option belongs to earlier years.
Start with the factory chart below, then check the AXLE code on your driver’s door-jamb label. A used Bronco may have been re-geared, so the factory specification and the gears currently inside its axles are not always the same.
FordMasterX / Factory Spec Reference
Ford Bronco Gear Ratio Chart
2021–2026 US full-size Bronco · Factory final-drive axle ratios, not transmission or transfer-case ratios
Standard automatic
Base, Big Bend and Outer Banks in 2025–26
Historical option
Select 2021–24 builds; not a 2025–26 factory option
Standard manual / auto
Base and Big Bend manuals; Badlands auto in 2025–26
Off-road gearing
Factory Sasquatch, Badlands manual and Raptor examples
2025–2026 Quick Trim Lookup
Standard axle ratios shown by transmission; package-specific differences are noted separately.
| Trim | Manual | Automatic | Package detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 4.46 | 3.73 | Eligible Sasquatch: 4.70 |
| Big Bend | 4.46 | 3.73 | Black Diamond package required for 4.70 Sasquatch |
| Outer Banks | Not offered | 3.73 | Eligible Sasquatch: 4.70 |
| Badlands | 4.70 | 4.46 | Eligible Sasquatch automatic: 4.70 |
| Heritage Edition | 4.70 | 4.70 | Sasquatch standard |
| Stroppe Edition | Not offered | 4.70 | Sasquatch standard |
| Raptor | Not offered | 4.70 | Raptor-specific hardware, not Sasquatch |
Door-Jamb AXLE Code Decoder
Factory rear-axle codes; “locking” means electronic locking differential.
Factory reference: Ford Bronco order guides and towing specifications, 2021–2026. This chart covers original US-market full-size Bronco configurations, not Bronco Sport or aftermarket re-gearing. The door-jamb label describes factory equipment, not necessarily gears changed by a previous owner.
Ford Bronco Gear Ratio Chart by Year and Trim
These tables cover the US-market, two- and four-door 2021 to 2026 Bronco, not Bronco Sport. “Standard” describes the listed transmission and non-Sasquatch configuration. “Available” means Ford offered the ratio through an eligible option or package; availability is not universal across engines, body styles, or build dates.
2021 to 2024 Factory Axle Ratio Chart
| Year | Bronco Trim | Standard Factory Ratio | Other Factory Configurations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Base | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.70 with eligible Sasquatch automatic |
| 2021 | Big Bend | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.27 auto rear locker; 4.46 manual rear locker; 4.70 Sasquatch auto |
| 2021 | Black Diamond | 4.46 manual or auto, rear locker | 4.70 with Sasquatch automatic |
| 2021 | Outer Banks | Auto 3.73 | 4.27 rear locker; 4.70 Sasquatch auto |
| 2021 | Badlands | Manual 4.70; auto 4.46 | 4.70 automatic with Sasquatch |
| 2021 | Wildtrak | Auto 4.70 | Standard Sasquatch equipment |
| 2021 | First Edition | Auto 4.70 | Standard Sasquatch equipment |
| 2022 | Base | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.70 Sasquatch with eligible manual or auto |
| 2022 | Big Bend | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.27 auto rear locker; 4.46 manual rear locker; 4.70 Sasquatch |
| 2022 | Black Diamond | 4.46 manual or auto, rear locker | 4.70 with Sasquatch |
| 2022 | Outer Banks | Auto 3.73 | 4.27 with eligible rear-locker or 4×4 configuration; 4.70 Sasquatch |
| 2022 | Badlands | Manual 4.70; auto 4.46 | 4.70 automatic with Sasquatch |
| 2022 | Wildtrak, Everglades, Raptor | Auto 4.70 | Factory off-road configurations |
| 2023 | Base | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.70 with eligible Sasquatch package |
| 2023 | Big Bend | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.27 auto rear locker; 4.46 manual rear locker; 4.70 Sasquatch |
| 2023 | Black Diamond | 4.46 manual or auto, rear locker | 4.70 with Sasquatch |
| 2023 | Outer Banks | Auto 3.73 or 4.27 by 4×4 configuration | 4.70 with Sasquatch |
| 2023 | Badlands | Manual 4.70; auto 4.46 | 4.70 automatic with Sasquatch |
| 2023 | Wildtrak, Everglades, Raptor | Auto 4.70 | Factory off-road configurations |
| 2023 | Heritage, Heritage Limited | 4.70 | Factory Sasquatch-equipped configurations |
| 2024 | Big Bend | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.27 auto rear locker; 4.70 Sasquatch |
| 2024 | Black Diamond | 4.46 manual or auto, rear locker | 4.70 Sasquatch |
| 2024 | Outer Banks | Auto 3.73 | 4.27 rear locker; 4.70 Sasquatch |
| 2024 | Badlands | Manual 4.70; auto 4.46 | 4.70 automatic with Sasquatch |
| 2024 | Wildtrak, Everglades, Raptor | Auto 4.70 | Factory off-road configurations |
| 2024 | Heritage, Heritage Limited | 4.70 | Factory Sasquatch-equipped configurations |
The 2021 and 2024 configurations are documented in the Ford-issued 2021 Bronco order guide and 2024 Bronco order guide. The 2022 and 2023 entries were checked against their respective Ford order-guide axle-availability tables as well.
Year-specific exceptions: The Bronco Raptor and Everglades began in 2022; Heritage editions arrived for 2023. The Base trim was absent from the 2024 lineup, while First Edition was exclusive to the 2021 launch. Ford added manual-transmission Sasquatch availability for 2022, so do not assume a 2021 manual came with that factory package.
2025 and 2026 Factory Axle Ratio Chart
| Year | Bronco Trim | Standard Factory Ratio | Optional or Package Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | Base | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.70 Sasquatch, manual or auto |
| 2025–2026 | Big Bend | Manual 4.46; auto 3.73 | 4.46 rear locker with Black Diamond Package; 4.70 Sasquatch with required Black Diamond Package |
| 2025–2026 | Outer Banks | Auto 3.73 | 4.70 Sasquatch |
| 2025–2026 | Badlands | Manual 4.70; auto 4.46 | 4.70 Sasquatch with eligible automatic |
| 2025–2026 | Heritage Edition | 4.70, manual or auto | Sasquatch standard |
| 2025–2026 | Stroppe Edition | Auto 4.70 | Sasquatch standard |
| 2025–2026 | Raptor | Auto 4.70 | Raptor-specific factory hardware, not Sasquatch |
Ford’s 2025 Bronco order guide and 2026 Bronco order guide list these configurations in their Axle Availability tables. Both years dropped Black Diamond, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Heritage Limited as standalone trims. Black Diamond became an equipment package available on Big Bend instead.
A trim name alone is therefore insufficient. For example, a 2026 Badlands with the 7-speed manual has standard 4.70 gearing, while a non-Sasquatch Badlands with the 10-speed automatic has standard 4.46 gearing.
Which Bronco Gear Ratios Changed From 2021 to 2024
The major historical difference is 4.27:1. Earlier order guides offered it for select automatic Big Bend and Outer Banks configurations, typically with a rear electronic-locking differential. Ford’s 2024 order guide still lists 4.27; the 2025 and 2026 axle-availability tables do not.
The 4.27 option was not the same as 4.46. A 4.27 rear-locking axle used code 2L in the earlier Ford axle-code tables, while a 4.46 electronic-locking axle uses 4L. These codes identify different ring-and-pinion ratios despite their similar names.
Other changes affect which trims owners should look for. The 2021 First Edition used 4.70 gearing, while later Heritage versions also came with 4.70. From 2022 through 2024, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Raptor were additional factory 4.70 examples. None of these trims should appear as an available 2026 Wildtrak or Everglades configuration.
For a used 2021 to 2024 Bronco, the year matters as much as the badge. Check the axle code before ordering differential parts or estimating road-speed RPM.
What Gear Ratios Come on 2025 and 2026 Broncos
The 2025 and 2026 Bronco order guides list three factory final-drive options: 3.73, 4.46, and 4.70. These are not interchangeable defaults. The transmission and equipment package determine which one applies.
The Base and Big Bend have 4.46 with the standard manual or 3.73 with the standard automatic. Outer Banks starts with the 3.73 automatic. Big Bend’s Black Diamond Package can add a 4.46 rear locker; its Sasquatch option requires that package and adds 4.70 gearing.
Badlands is different. The 2.3L manual has standard 4.70 with locking front and rear differentials, while the automatic starts at 4.46 with lockers. Eligible Sasquatch-equipped automatics receive 4.70. Heritage Edition and Stroppe Edition use 4.70 as standard Sasquatch-equipped configurations. Raptor also uses 4.70, but has its own performance-oriented drivetrain specification.
These details explain why two similarly named Broncos can show different numbers on their door labels.
How the Sasquatch Package Changes Bronco Axle Gearing
The factory Sasquatch Package specifies 4.70:1 final-drive gearing with electronic-locking front and rear differentials. It also adds larger factory off-road tires and other suspension and 4×4 equipment. That is why a Sasquatch-equipped Base or Outer Banks can have a different axle ratio from a non-Sasquatch version of the same trim.
Availability changed over time. In 2021, do not assume Sasquatch was offered with the manual transmission. Ford added that combination for 2022. For 2025 and 2026 Big Bend, the Sasquatch Package requires the Black Diamond Package. On 2025 and 2026 Heritage Edition and Stroppe Edition, Sasquatch equipment is standard.
Raptor uses a 4.70 ratio too, but the Raptor is not simply a standard Bronco with an optional Sasquatch Package. For equipment differences beyond gearing, see our Ford Bronco package comparison chart.
How to Decode Ford Bronco Axle Ratio Codes
The driver-side Safety Compliance Certification Label is the quickest factory identification check. Open the driver’s door and locate the label on the door-latch pillar. Find AXLE below the barcode, then match its code to the Bronco table for the correct model year.
| AXLE Code | Factory Ratio | Differential Type | Model-Year Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 3.73:1 | Non-limited-slip | Current and earlier models |
| 46 | 4.46:1 | Non-limited-slip | Current and earlier models |
| 4L | 4.46:1 | Electronic locking | Current and earlier models |
| 7L | 4.70:1 | Electronic locking | Current and earlier models |
| 2L | 4.27:1 | Electronic locking | Earlier models, including 2024; not in 2025–2026 tables |
The code describes the original rear axle specification; it does not establish whether a previous owner replaced the ring-and-pinion gears. Ford can also reuse code combinations on different vehicle lines, so do not decode a Bronco using an F-150 or Super Duty table.
Our separate Ford axle code identification guide explains the complete label-reading process and model-specific code differences.
What 3.73 vs 4.46 vs 4.70 Means for Driving
A 3.73:1 axle ratio means the driveshaft turns about 3.73 times for one axle-shaft revolution. The numerical ratio increases to 4.46 or 4.70 as the gearing becomes shorter, multiplying torque more at the axle for the same transmission gear.
With identical tires, road speed, and transmission ratio, a 4.70 final drive turns the engine about 26% faster than a 3.73 final drive. This is a mathematical comparison: 4.70 ÷ 3.73 = 1.260. It does not mean a Bronco with 4.70 gears accelerates 26% faster or consumes 26% more fuel.
A 4.46 setup falls between the two. The automatic transmission’s own gear ratios, engine choice, tire diameter, vehicle load, and driving conditions affect the result. The higher numerical axle ratio helps offset the mechanical disadvantage of a larger tire, but no single ratio is automatically best for every driver.
The transfer-case low range is a separate number. Ford lists 2.72:1 for the standard part-time 4×4 transfer case and 3.06:1 for the advanced 4×4 unit in its 2026 technical specifications. Do not mistake either number, or a transmission’s crawler gear, for the axle ratio on the door label.
How 33, 35 and 37 Inch Tires Affect Bronco Gearing
A larger tire covers more ground per wheel revolution. With the same axle gears and transmission gear, it lowers engine RPM at a given road speed while reducing the effective torque multiplication at the tire contact patch.
Use this estimate when comparing tire diameters:
Effective axle ratio = Existing axle ratio × Old tire diameter ÷ New tire diameter
For example, if a Bronco with 4.46 gears moves from an assumed 33-inch tire to a 35-inch tire, its effective gearing becomes approximately 4.20:1: 4.46 × 33 ÷ 35 = 4.205. A move from the same 33-inch reference to a 37-inch tire gives approximately 3.98:1. The gears inside the axle remain 4.46:1 in both cases.
These are illustrations using nominal tire diameters, not measured figures for a particular tire model. Actual tire diameter, rolling circumference, inflation, and load vary. A 35-inch tire may also need different clearance or wheel specifications depending on the Bronco configuration.
For factory fitments and measured tire-size context, check the Ford Bronco tire size chart. Tire and gear modifications can also change speedometer calibration and drivability; confirm the correct setup before purchasing parts.
How to Confirm Your Bronco’s Actual Factory Gear Ratio
Use four checks rather than relying on the trim badge alone:
- Identify the model year and transmission. A manual and automatic Badlands can have different standard gears.
- Confirm installed factory packages. Look for Sasquatch, Black Diamond, or other year-specific equipment that changes axle availability.
- Read the AXLE code. Match the door-jamb label to the correct Bronco model-year table, not to a generic Ford code list.
- Check for modifications. Service invoices, axle tags where fitted, or inspection by a qualified driveline shop may be needed if the vehicle was re-geared.
A factory axle ratio also is not a substitute for the exact towing rating. The rating depends on more than gearing, including the engine and equipped configuration. Consult the Ford Bronco towing capacity chart when planning trailer loads.
Which Ford Bronco Gear Ratio Should You Check First
Use the Ford Bronco gear ratio chart to narrow the answer by model year, trim, transmission, and package, then verify it from the AXLE code. The 2021 to 2024 lineup included 4.27 configurations that are absent from the 2025 and 2026 factory options, so an older Bronco should never be decoded using only a new-model chart.
For 2025 and 2026, 3.73 and 4.46 appear in standard non-Sasquatch configurations, while 4.70 is common to factory Sasquatch builds, manual Badlands, and Raptor. If your Bronco has larger aftermarket tires or has been re-geared, distinguish the factory specification from the hardware currently installed. That final check matters more than any generic trim-level estimate.
Common Ford Bronco Gear Ratio Questions
What Is the Standard Gear Ratio on a Ford Bronco?
There is no single standard gear ratio across all full-size Broncos. For 2025 and 2026, a Base with a manual uses 4.46 while the standard automatic uses 3.73; a manual Badlands uses 4.70. Match the model year, trim, transmission, and installed packages.
Does Every Sasquatch Bronco Have 4.70 Gears?
Ford’s factory Sasquatch Package specifies 4.70 axle gearing with electronic-locking front and rear differentials. Check whether the vehicle has the actual factory package rather than assuming that large aftermarket tires make it a Sasquatch build. Availability rules vary by year and trim.
Can a 2026 Ford Bronco Have Factory 4.27 Gears?
No 4.27 factory option appears in Ford’s 2026 Bronco axle-availability chart. Ford documented 4.27 on select earlier automatic configurations, including in 2024. A 2026 vehicle showing that ratio would warrant checking for an axle modification or an incorrect identification.
What Does Ford Bronco Axle Code 7L Mean?
Bronco rear axle code 7L identifies a 4.70:1 gear ratio with an electronic-locking differential in the applicable Ford factory tables. Match it to the model-year guide. A code on the compliance label identifies the original configuration, not proof that its gearing has never been altered.
Do Bigger Tires Change the Bronco’s Actual Axle Ratio?
No. Moving from 33-inch to 35-inch tires changes the effective overall gearing, but the installed ring-and-pinion ratio stays the same unless those gears are replaced. With 4.46 axle gears and nominal tire diameters, the effective ratio is about 4.20 after that tire-size increase.
