2023 Electronic limited slip axle question

[sldwys]

I have 3L axle. Non option elsd, XLT with tow package, 302a.

 

[Mr Big]

I have 3L axle. Non option elsd, XLT with tow package, 302a.

According to Ford the 2023 Expedition models will either have the 2L with no ELS feature or the 2E model with ELS feature. So, if you have the 3L, then either the sticker is wrong, and if you climb under the vehicle to identify he markings on the pumpkin it will show what you actually have, or you do have the 3L which Ford claims there is only 1 model with ELS. My Platinum has the HD tow package with the 3.73 ELSD feature. However, I have no lock button.

 

[Mr Big]

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.

The pumpkin should have more information stamped on it. Out of curiosity I've searched for the difference between the 3L and the 2E units with no luck so far.
The only thing I found is 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 towing guides all show 2L (3.73 with no ELSD) and 3L (3.73 with ELSD). The 2023 brochure shows 2L (3.73 with no ELSD) and 2E (3.73 with ELSD). I also read from Ford that later model Expeditions with heavy duty tow package and 3L 3.73 axle have the automatic ELSD option. The button is an added feature usually found on 4wd Expeditions for manually locking the differential in harsh conditions. It will automatically disengage after a certain speed.

 

[jjscsix]

The pumpkin should have more information stamped on it. Out of curiosity I've searched for the difference between the 3L and the 2E units with no luck so far.

I’ve been meaning to crawl back under it and look at the stamping. Will try to remember to do that soon.

 

[Stsysar]

The pumpkin should have more information stamped on it. Out of curiosity I've searched for the difference between the 3L and the 2E units with no luck so far.

I tried searching as well with no luck.

 

[sldwys]

I looked on the pumpkin at the stamping. Not sure what I should be looking for?

 

[LokiWolf]

Stop looking at the stamping...again, just a code. What matters is the Solenoid and wiring. If you don't have it, you don't have the ELSD. Again, simple look.

 

[jjscsix]

Stop looking at the stamping...again, just a code. What matters is the Solenoid and wiring. If you don't have it, you don't have the ELSD. Again, simple look.

Yes, we get that. But we really don’t know for sure what it really is. That is where the stamping on the pumpkin would confirm. We are all, myself included, pretty sure it is a 3.73 non locking differential. But no harm trying to confirm. Like I said in an earlier post, right now I’m just continuing my search for absolute confirmation just for fun.

Please stop telling us not to look at the stamping. I’ll look at it if I damn well please . I’m quite sure that is more reliable than the sticker that shows a code that does not exist in Fords tow guide except on an F250.

 

[jjscsix]

Yes, we get that. But we really don’t know for sure what it really is. That is where the stamping on the pumpkin would confirm. We are all, myself included, pretty sure it is a 3.73 non locking differential. But no harm trying to confirm. Like I said in an earlier post, right now I’m just continuing my search for absolute confirmation just for fun.

ooopps delete

 

[wakeboarder]

This post has a picture of the hydraulic pump for the ELSD.
Post in thread '2021 - Limited Slip axle or no?'
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/2021-limited-slip-axle-or-no.50876/post-468135

 

[LokiWolf]

Yes, we get that. But we really don’t know for sure what it really is. That is where the stamping on the pumpkin would confirm. We are all, myself included, pretty sure it is a 3.73 non locking differential. But no harm trying to confirm. Like I said in an earlier post, right now I’m just continuing my search for absolute confirmation just for fun.

Please stop telling us not to look at the stamping. I’ll look at it if I damn well please . I’m quite sure that is more reliable than the sticker that shows a code that does not exist in Fords tow guide except on an F250.

My point is that it doesn’t matter. The function does. If you have the Solenoid and the wiring, you have the ELSD. Sure, the stamping will give you the axle number, but again, yay, you have a number.

Looking for the wiring is far easier, and answers the ELSD or not question.

 

[andyak]

This was a fun thread to read :0

OK - so I have a NO HD tow package 2019 expy 4x4 Titanium 6000lb max tow

What can/should I upgrade in regards to gear ratios - 3.73 ( both front and rear?)
are there upgraded axles in the HD tow package?

From here: https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-articles/guide-to-ford-truck-suv-axles/
looks like for NO heavy towing package:
(Ford 8.8-Inch Independent Front Suspension)
Specifications:

• 8.8-Inch Ring Gear
• 28 or 31-Spline Axles Using CV Joints

(Ford 8.8-Inch Independent Rear Suspension)
Specifications:

• 8.8-Inch Rear Gear
• 31-spline Axle Shafts Applications: 2003-2019 Expedition

For
heavy duty towing
(Ford 9.75-Inch IRS) Specifications:

• 9.75-Inch Ring Gear
• 34-Spline Shafts

Applications:

• 2003-2019 Ford Expedition (Heavy Towing Package)

So it looks like the rear is upgraded to 9.75 IRS front stays 8.8 - but both would get 3.73 gears.

Is it worth it to upgrade rear to 9.75 (with 3.73) and get new axles etc. and then change front 8.8 to 3.73 - to gain the most tow capability?


Do I need a different radiator/fans (and how to wire them in) if pulling in mountains?

So far I have just ordered the parts to put in ford trailer brake controller. I would like to be able to tow a TT around 6000lb -7000lb

What do the experts here recommend ?

Thanks in advance,

Andy

 

[hale]

So I have a 2023 timberline with that axel code and I do have the rear locker button directly under our shifter. mine is hd tow package as u have mentioned as well (break controller and all).

 

[LokiWolf]

This was a fun thread to read :0

OK - so I have a NO HD tow package 2019 expy 4x4 Titanium 6000lb max tow

What can/should I upgrade in regards to gear ratios - 3.73 ( both front and rear?)
are there upgraded axles in the HD tow package?

From here: https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-articles/guide-to-ford-truck-suv-axles/
looks like for NO heavy towing package:
(Ford 8.8-Inch Independent Front Suspension)
Specifications:

• 8.8-Inch Ring Gear
• 28 or 31-Spline Axles Using CV Joints

(Ford 8.8-Inch Independent Rear Suspension)
Specifications:

• 8.8-Inch Rear Gear
• 31-spline Axle Shafts Applications: 2003-2019 Expedition

For
heavy duty towing
(Ford 9.75-Inch IRS) Specifications:

• 9.75-Inch Ring Gear
• 34-Spline Shafts

Applications:

• 2003-2019 Ford Expedition (Heavy Towing Package)

So it looks like the rear is upgraded to 9.75 IRS front stays 8.8 - but both would get 3.73 gears.

Is it worth it to upgrade rear to 9.75 (with 3.73) and get new axles etc. and then change front 8.8 to 3.73 - to gain the most tow capability?


Do I need a different radiator/fans (and how to wire them in) if pulling in mountains?

So far I have just ordered the parts to put in ford trailer brake controller. I would like to be able to tow a TT around 6000lb -7000lb

What do the experts here recommend ?

Thanks in advance,

Andy

I am going to put this simply. NOT WORTH IT! Buy a 4th Gen with the Heavy Tow. It is easier. No matter what you upgrade, legally anything above 6000 will be illegal. I am always for airing on the side of capacity. Then you have Payload to consider. An XLT with heavy tow will be the best choice, because it will have the higher payload. Remember, Tongue weight should be factored in to Payload. It is not just about towing capacity.

Just realized this was from many months ago...oh well. Still good to be said.

 

[LokiWolf]

So I have a 2023 timberline with that axel code and I do have the rear locker button directly under our shifter. mine is hd tow package as u have mentioned as well (break controller and all).

Yes, ALL Timberlines have the ELSD with the simulated locker. They are designed for Off road, so that would be needed.

 

[VCFP153]

Yes, ALL Timberlines have the ELSD with the simulated locker. They are designed for Off road, so that would be needed.

As do 4WD SSVs.