2021 - Limited Slip axle or no?

[Rob6805]

On my 21's window sticker it clearly states:

"HEAVY-DUTY TRAILER TOW PKG NO CHARGE .3.73 NON-LMTED SLIP REAR AXLE"

However, on my cert sticker I have a 3L for the axle code which indicates it does have limited slip. What's up?

 

[LazSlate]

That does seem weird. Does your window sticker list in the functional section "Controltrac with ELSD"? I know the timberline has electronic locking 2022 maybe your 2021 has it also. Either way a lot of threads on how the Non Limited Slip works way better than Limited Slip. The Advancetrac really keeps things going straight. https://www.expeditionforum.com/thr...ifferential-whats-the-impact-on-towing.49647/

 

[Rob6805]

That does seem weird. Does your window sticker list in the functional section "Controltrac with ELSD"? I know the timberline has electronic locking 2022 maybe your 2021 has it also. Either way a lot of threads on how the Non Limited Slip works way better than Limited Slip. The Advancetrac really keeps things going straight. https://www.expeditionforum.com/thr...ifferential-whats-the-impact-on-towing.49647/

Hey. No, the window sticker does not indicate the controltrac w/elsd and I do not have the locker button either. And yes, I have read that the non elsd is better because elsd is not a true limited slip diff and it can overheat and cause issues.

I am just wondering if maybe it's a true LSD because of the 3L code.

 

[Tribe21]

My 2021 is also the same way with sticker, axle code and no locker button

 

[Rob6805]

My 2021 is also the same way with sticker, axle code and no locker button

Hmm, I knew mine could not be the only one. I wonder why the conflicting info.

 

[wakeboarder]

If you look at the rear differential from the drivers side, does it have the actuator assembly on top of it?

 

[duneslider]

From what I have seen, Ford reuses the axle codes. I have seen 3L associated with other vehicles as being 4.10 gears and Limited slip, or other things. It appears they reuse the numbers in different years to mean different things. Where they made the change to not have the LS standard with the 3.73 gears I suspect there is a different code for the 3.73 and Limited slip.

 

[wakeboarder]

From what I have seen, Ford reuses the axle codes. I have seen 3L associated with other vehicles as being 4.10 gears and Limited slip, or other things. It appears they reuse the numbers in different years to mean different things. Where they made the change to not have the LS standard with the 3.73 gears I suspect there is a different code for the 3.73 and Limited slip.

According to the 2021 Expedition towing guide there is a 2L axle code for non-limited slip 3.73. It still lists the 3L as a 3.73 ELSD.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/21Towing_Ford_Expedition_Dec3.pdf

 

[Rob6805]

According to the 2021 Expedition towing guide there is a 2L axle code for non-limited slip 3.73. It still lists the 3L as a 3.73 ELSD.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/21Towing_Ford_Expedition_Dec3.pdf

View attachment 73581

Wow!! This could be yet another big screw up by Ford. The Safety Compliance Certifications Label is a Federal requirement. If it is wrong I would think there could be a fine.

 

[wakeboarder]

Wow!! This could be yet another big screw up by Ford. The Safety Compliance Certifications Label is a Federal requirement. If it is wrong I would think there could be a fine.

What if the label is correct and you do have an ELSD? Have you had the chance to look at your rear differential?

 

[kjtully]

I think I'd take wakeboarder's suggestion and actually look for the actuator on the differential. If it's there, then the code is correct and they probably hard set the actuator. How many times have companies installed upgraded widgets in their products because they were out of standard widgets just to keep the assembly lines running. Costs them more but maybe not as much as shutting down the line. They just don't enable the upgraded pieces so they act just like standard pieces.

 

[Rob6805]

What if the label is correct and you do have an ELSD? Have you had the chance to look at your rear differential?

Yes, I will check the rear axle. I'm out of town now so it will have to wait until I get back. I definitely do not have the locker button.

 

[Rob6805]

My 2021 is also the same way with sticker, axle code and no locker button

Can you check your rear axle to see if the actuator is there like in the pic that was posted?

 

[Tribe21]

Can you check your rear axle to see if the actuator is there like in the pic that was posted?

No actuator on my rear axle, like the picture shows

 

[kjtully]

Don't most car rear axles have tags with things like part and serial numbers as well as differential info? What about getting the info off the rear axle tag and looking that up?

 

[Rob6805]

No actuator on my rear axle, like the picture shows

Well then, the cert sticker is dead wrong. Nice going Ford.

 

[duneslider]

Well then, the cert sticker is dead wrong. Nice going Ford.

This makes me think they had to make changes based on parts availability. I think its dumb they even took that option off at all, it was nice it was just part of the tow package.

 

[LazSlate]

Well then, the cert sticker is dead wrong. Nice going Ford.

Does your sticker list Control Trac with ELSD.

The actuator is for Non-Limited Slip axels to allow electronic locking. From what I gather there are 3 types

Non-Limited Slip
Non-Limited Slip w/Control Trac Electronic Limited Slip Diff
Limited-Slip (normal clutch type posi)

 

[duneslider]

Does your sticker list Control Trac with ELSD.

The actuator is for Non-Limited Slip axels to allow electronic locking. From what I gather there are 3 types

Non-Limited Slip
Non-Limited Slip w/Control Trac Electronic Limited Slip Diff
Limited-Slip (normal clutch type posi)

I have not seen a true LS offered on the Gen 4 Expedition, only the electronic model. If there was a true LSD that would be news to me.

 

[wakeboarder]

The picture that I posted was of an ELSD. I was incorrect on calling it an actuator as I believe it is a hydraulic oil pump.