2023 Electronic limited slip axle question

[JasonH]

I’m guessing you have not read many of the posts. All that has been covered. My code is 3L. NOTHING in the tow guide for the 2023 Expedition says 3L exists. Screenshots of all that information are posted in this thread.

You're correct. I went back and read the thread. I'm not surprised that Ford would sow confusion and the dealership will likely be no help. The guide says 2E for LSD, so perhaps Ford made a running configuration change after the guide was printed.

 

[Calidad]

Just when I think this issue cannot get any more perplexing, and I think we have exhausted all avenues to understand what makes no sense….

A friend of mine has a 2023 Timberline. I know it comes standard as AWD, and it comes standard with 3.73 with ELS. I was able to look at it this morning and yes, it even has the manual ELS control on the dash, which mine does not. And guess what the axle code is? Yep, 3L, same as mine.

Awd is not 4x4 the Timber line is 4x4 with transfer case. My understanding is that All 4x4 models with transfer case hi/low will also have the 3.73 rear end.

COVID shortages did result in some strange equipment combos. Also marketing/ Packaging it makes sense to offer a button in higher priced models especially the most capable 4x4 model.

 

[Mr Big]

You're correct. I went back and read the thread. I'm not surprised that Ford would sow confusion and the dealership will likely be no help. The guide says 2E for LSD, so perhaps Ford made a running configuration change after the guide was printed.

I think confusion might be the 2 guides. You and I are reading the heavy duty tow package specs, where it shoew 2e66 for LSD, WHERE maybe the OP is reading the standard tow package specs.

 

[JasonH]

I think confusion might be the 2 guides. You and I are reading the heavy duty tow package specs, where it shoew 2e66 for LSD, WHERE maybe the OP is reading the standard tow package specs.

Ford has two guides, which I've linked below. They cover all the Expedition configurations and neither one references 3L for the 2023 models. The most likely answer is that Ford just screwed up. As usual.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide_r3_Feb21.pdf

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_Expedition_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

 

[Mr Big]

Ford has two guides, which I've linked below. They cover all the Expedition configurations and neither one references 3L for the 2023 models. The most likely answer is that Ford just screwed up. As usual.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide_r3_Feb21.pdf

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_Expedition_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

I don't think Ford screwed up, from what I've found.
I was able to find a document, (Identify Your Ford Truck Axle From The Door Sticker), showing the 3L was the standard Super Duty Limited Slip Axle, used in certain models for many years.

Ford changed the axle or changed the code, from 3L to 2E* in 2023. I referenced these guides on or about page 47:
2023 Towing Guide > 2022 Towing Guide > 2021 Towing Guide > 2020 Towing Guide > 2019 Towing Guide >

You can see earlier, than 2018, 2018 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, Ford used 3L for the Limited-Slip Axle code.
In 2023 they changed to 2E*.
The 3L code referenced the Super Duty line of Axles for many years prior to 2023. Ford may have changed the codes to avoid confusion, which obviously led to confusion.

If the OP has a 2E axle, it's limited slip. If the OP has a 3L axle, it's limited slip. It's possible first run manufactured Expeditions, with the heavy duty tow package, had 3L axles in them and Ford changed to 2E axles mid-year.

 

[jjscsix]

I think confusion might be the 2 guides. You and I are reading the heavy duty tow package specs, where it shoew 2e66 for LSD, WHERE maybe the OP is reading the standard tow package specs.

No. I’ve been reading for the HD Tow package. I’ve posted sceeen shots of everything. I’ve been a gearhead since the 60s. Took two years of auto mechanics in high school. At 70 years old I still work on my vehicles myself. I’m very knowledgeable.

I would be elated if someone would show me where it shows a 3L axle for a 2023 Expedition, and explain it to me.

 

[jjscsix]

Awd is not 4x4 the Timber line is 4x4 with transfer case. My understanding is that All 4x4 models with transfer case hi/low will also have the 3.73 rear end.

COVID shortages did result in some strange equipment combos. Also marketing/ Packaging it makes sense to offer a button in higher priced models especially the most capable 4x4 model.

Im aware of that. To me the terms can be used interchangeably. ButI know that you are correct in how they are used, so I should not have called it AWD. My bad.

 

[jjscsix]

I don't think Ford screwed up, from what I've found.
I was able to find a document, (Identify Your Ford Truck Axle From The Door Sticker), showing the 3L was the standard Super Duty Limited Slip Axle, used in certain models for many years.

Ford changed the axle or changed the code, from 3L to 2E* in 2023. I referenced these guides on or about page 47:
2023 Towing Guide > 2022 Towing Guide > 2021 Towing Guide > 2020 Towing Guide > 2019 Towing Guide >

You can see earlier, than 2018, 2018 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, Ford used 3L for the Limited-Slip Axle code.
In 2023 they changed to 2E*.
The 3L code referenced the Super Duty line of Axles for many years prior to 2023. Ford may have changed the codes to avoid confusion, which obviously led to confusion.

If the OP has a 2E axle, it's limited slip. If the OP has a 3L axle, it's limited slip. It's possible first run manufactured Expeditions, with the heavy duty tow package, had 3L axles in them and Ford changed to 2E axles mid-year.

Crazy isn’t it? I’ve Spent so much time trying to figure it out that I want to know just for the sake of knowledge. As I said in an earlier post, I did not buy it thinking it had limited slip, but it would be nice. I’m just obsessed with knowing!

Thanks to everyone who is responding.

 

[jjscsix]

Ford has two guides, which I've linked below. They cover all the Expedition configurations and neither one references 3L for the 2023 models. The most likely answer is that Ford just screwed up. As usual.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide_r3_Feb21.pdf

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/cpo/pdf/2023_Ford_Expedition_Towing_Info_Dec16.pdf

But the question is, what is their screw up. Does it actually have a LSD that it should not have, or is the 3Lon my door sticker wrong.

Best case is that it has a traditional non-electronic LSD, worst case is that I got exactly what I thought I had. I feel quite certain it is not the electronic locker, but maybe an outside chance it is the old fashion LSD that shows on the F250. Realistically I think I’m dreaming!

 

[AJ82]

But the question is, what is their screw up. Does it actually have a LSD that it should not have, or is the 3Lon my door sticker wrong.

Best case is that it has a traditional non-electronic LSD, worst case is that I got exactly what I thought I had. I feel quite certain it is not the electronic locker, but maybe an outside chance it is the old fashion LSD that shows on the F250. Realistically I think I’m dreaming!

To my knowledge the 4th gen Expy has not had a mechanical LSD. It is either the electronic LSD one or nothing.

 

[Mr Big]

But the question is, what is their screw up. Does it actually have a LSD that it should not have, or is the 3Lon my door sticker wrong.

Best case is that it has a traditional non-electronic LSD, worst case is that I got exactly what I thought I had. I feel quite certain it is not the electronic locker, but maybe an outside chance it is the old fashion LSD that shows on the F250. Realistically I think I’m dreaming!

If your sticker shows 3L, then you more than likely have the super duty 3L LSD, and my hypothesis may be correct, which is Ford started with 3L axles and changed mid-year to the 2E. I just found in my 2019 tow brochure that the 3L is an Electronic Limited Slip Differential, (3L(1)(1) Electronic Limited Slip axle.).
My question is what is the difference between the 2 axles? Out of pure curiosity and knowledge learning, I'm going to call ford and ask them.

 

[JasonH]

Maybe this would help check for a mechanical LSD?

How to check if your car has an LSD in less than 1 minute

In this video I'll show you guys a quick method to see if a car has a limited slip diff installed. (btw, long will it take before we will see LSD jokes in th...

www.youtube.com

Not sure if a certain amount of friction has to be detected before the gears will bind. Interestingly enough, I recall observing this with my RC cars when I was young. If it's an electronic LSD, there will be some sort of electronic actuator connected to the differential case.

 

[rd618]

If your sticker shows 3L, then you more than likely have the super duty 3L LSD, and my hypothesis may be correct, which is Ford started with 3L axles and changed mid-year to the 2E. I just found in my 2019 tow brochure that the 3L is an Electronic Limited Slip Differential, (3L(1)(1) Electronic Limited Slip axle.).
My question is what is the difference between the 2 axles? Out of pure curiosity and knowledge learning, I'm going to call ford and ask them.

If I’m not mistaken the super duty rear axle is larger, and likely does not fit the expedition’s F-150 platform. Suspension setup and tow ratings are also different.
I have a 2022, with eLSD and my sticker shows 3L. I have HD tow but I had to specifically order eLSD in addition. I do also have a wire connected to a solenoid on my rear axle.
Only thing I can think of is as they transitioned or had supply shortages they did use the same 3L physical axles as 2022 but removed the solenoid and swapped the gear pans. Technically it would operate the same, but internal parts might be slightly different considering the clutch plates. The miss matched axle code would indicate unique handling.

 

[LokiWolf]

It is simple as @rd618 alluded to.

1) There is no mechanical LSD/Locker in the Expedition since 2018. Period.
2) If you have wiring going to the Rear Diff, you have the ELSD. Done.

Trying to figure out Ford's screwed up codes will break you.

 

[Old Dog]

I have a 2022 4x4 Platinum Max with HEAVY-DUTY TRAILER TOW PKG $795. Also CONTROLTRAC WITH 3.73 EDLS $1500. Info from window sticker. I’ve been following this thread and to be honest I have been a little confused but learning a few things.

 

[Mr Big]

If I’m not mistaken the super duty rear axle is larger, and likely does not fit the expedition’s F-150 platform. Suspension setup and tow ratings are also different.
I have a 2022, with eLSD and my sticker shows 3L. I have HD tow but I had to specifically order eLSD in addition. I do also have a wire connected to a solenoid on my rear axle.
Only thing I can think of is as they transitioned or had supply shortages they did use the same 3L physical axles as 2022 but removed the solenoid and swapped the gear pans. Technically it would operate the same, but internal parts might be slightly different considering the clutch plates. The miss matched axle code would indicate unique handling.

True but we are referring to the rear differential gears, hence the 3.73 ratio rear end. The axles may be smaller than a designated super duty vehicle, but the pumpkin, (rear differential housing), is big enough to accommodate the 3L. The 3L was used all the way up through 2022, then changed to 2E. It may be the same and definition changed to stop confusion or modified for improvement. The 3L diff has a tendency to make weird noises from time to time, especially when backing up.
From Ford:
The Ford Super Duty axle code 3l, (aka Sterling 10.5 axle), is a Limited slip axle witH3.73 gears. Locate the axle identification tag on the rear axle on the differential cover bolt in the 12 o'clock position. The number in the lower left-hand corner is the gear ratio, for example, "3.73." If the number has an "L" in it, for example, "3L08," it is a limited-slip axle. You can also find it located on the front door on the driver's side.

 

[jjscsix]

True but we are referring to the rear differential gears, hence the 3.73 ratio rear end. The axles may be smaller than a designated super duty vehicle, but the pumpkin, (rear differential housing), is big enough to accommodate the 3L. The 3L was used all the way up through 2022, then changed to 2E. It may be the same and definition changed to stop confusion or modified for improvement. The 3L diff has a tendency to make weird noises from time to time, especially when backing up.
From Ford:
The Ford Super Duty axle code 3l, (aka Sterling 10.5 axle), is a Limited slip axle witH3.73 gears. Locate the axle identification tag on the rear axle on the differential cover bolt in the 12 o'clock position. The number in the lower left-hand corner is the gear ratio, for example, "3.73." If the number has an "L" in it, for example, "3L08," it is a limited-slip axle. You can also find it located on the front door on the driver's side.

Good info. Thanks for all of you input on this thread.

 

[m3olsen]

The ELSD is an option outside of the heavy duty tow package for the 22 and 23. You have to order both packages regardless of trim (62E is the ELSD). For earlier model years the ELSD was included with the tow package (and some other packages) but Ford changed that. If it isn't listed on your Monroney sticker you don't have it. I have a hard button near the gear shifter and mode selection for ELSD "lock" on my 22 with the smaller screen.

@jjscsix , here's what the button looks like if you have the option:

 

[Stsysar]

Just checked mine out of curiosity, 2023 max Limited 4x4, 3.73 elsd, HD Tow pkg, i have 3L. I have lock button in the centre console. Dec 2022 build date.

I am curios to know if there is a difference between 3L and 2E?

 

[jjscsix]

@jjscsix , here's what the button looks like if you have the option:

View attachment 78448

That has been covered. No, I don’t have that. The mystery is why my door label says 3L. It is the same code as a friends 2023 Timberline that I know has ELSD.