New member and new truck questions, 2023 MAX Limited

[GTE-CUP]

Hello all,
Just purchased a new to me 2023 Exp Max limited with 30K miles and would like to get some perspective becuase I dont think I'm getting straight answers from my dealership. Appologies for the novel, Im just trying to sort everything out that I found after the buying process and before my return period is over.

1. What is everyone's experience with the truck, smooth as silk or a bit rough? In mine idle vibrations and shutter are worse than I expected in park and drive at stop throughout the cabin. I also feel vibration through the steering wheel and seat even on smooth pavement while cruising. Its not horrible but noticeably worse than my 16 year old truck with a 6.2L pushrod V8 and it'll be the kind of thing that'll get the wife agitated. Is there anything I can look for, any intel on if motor/tranny mounts or ingnition system goes bad early, or something I can do to smooth out this V6? I have a bi-directional scanner and its not picking up misfires or DTCs related to fuel, spark, air.

2. I know the 10sp in the Ford's run hotter by design compared to the 10L80. I do have the 3.73 rear, HD tow and Class IV hitch package. Is there any mods or actions I can take to prolong the life of the transmission outside of more frequent TX changes? I see the aluminum deeper pans however I dont want that to be used against me if i need to pursue a warranty claim.

3. Gas octane, Cant get a straight answer. I know the limited has a bit more power than the XLT so i went premimum. Manual states 87 minimum. What do yall use?

4. Catch cans. I see debates that its not necessary on the 2nd gen because of the addition of port injection however that was never a deciding factor in my experience on older trucks before direct injection. Is it a good idea, not needed, or a potential pain due to forced induction? Additionally any other good idea mods or changes for engine life?

5. Ending with everyone's favorite topic ANC. My window sticker states I have Active Noise Control however I find the cabin to be really noisy even with brand new tires. Based on my search here I dont see the microphone features and locations as shown in photos and diagrams. Has the location changed for 2023 or trim levels? How can I verify that this option is working and installed? Does ANC really help with making the cabin quieter and does the radio need to be on to work?

Thanks for any input or experiences. Looking forward to any advice.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

#3: Even with my '011, I use premium 93 gas, and it gets better mpg with it as opposed to the so-called "minimum" of 87

#5: I did not know that any Expy's featured ANC, but AFAIK, that is a term that usually associated with the sound system/speakers, so perhaps the radio does need to be on for it to work.

However, I do not really see how it could be employed to actually reduce cabin noise. If your vehicle is noisy, it is noisy, whether it is from tire/wheel/suspension noise/chassis vibrations etc, and no amount of electronic trickery is gonna change that fact....

But what do I know, I am certainly not an audio/sound/acoustic engineer, so I could be completely wrong about it

 

[DieselMonk]

if you have CCD your ride is plush. A non CCD truck with a sport package like mine with hd trailer tow, the ride is harsh, specially with 22” rims.

Gas? Driving in hot weather, up in the mountains or tow a trailer, always Supreme. Not different on any other truck / sports car with power. I can’t get 93, even if I wanted to. Stuck on 91. In the winter I just go 87, as it dumps raw gas in the cold anyway and short trips.

 

[GTE-CUP]

My last SUV had similar sized wheels and active dampers however I feel like the Ford's ride is nicer over large bumps. My concern is more targeted to vibration which I realize now is engine related. Sitting in the Expedition idling or even coasting off power on fresh tarmac there is a lot more vibration in the steering wheel, seat, and floor than I am used to in a long wheel base SUV. Mechanically there doesnt seem to be anything obviously wrong with it like a misfire. Just trying to find out if anyone else has a similar experience and if there is anything I can do about it.

 

[ZigZagFred]

We love our 2019 Limited. It is always smooth as silk. If you have vibrations, you should investigate. It could be something as simple as rotating and balancing your tires. As for gas, I've done a lot of research. I strongly recommend Tier One gas if available. I also recommend 93 octane, which is what I use. With twin turbochargers, detonation is a real concern. You can use 87 octane, but you'll be happier with higher octane.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

If you have vibrations, you should investigate. It could be something as simple as rotating and balancing your tires....

True dat, but it could also be wheel hubs/bearings, which should not be wore out at only 30K miles, but you never know what the previous owner may have done/not done to it, so it may be worth checking if/when you have the rotate & balance done