…about the Locking Center Differential, I should warn you all, I’m confused as hell.

Okay, long story short … I own a 2001 Expedition 4x2, good vehicle, love it to death, I just wish I had gotten 4x4. Looking at buying a newer (not brand-new) used Expedition from say 2005 or 2006 range, or maybe a 2007 with the new body style, but either way, definitely this time with 4x4.

Out of curiosity I looked up some of the Expies competition, one being the Toyota Sequoia. In the comparison box, Toyota says the 4x4 Expedition does not have a Locking Center Differential. But some other sites say it does. I always assumed 4x4 Expeditions came standard with a Locking Center Differential with a Limited Slip Rear Differential as optional. So does the Expedition have a LCD, who is right?

Does anyone here own a 4x4 Expedition with LCD? Do newer 2007 and up Expedition have LCD?

 

My 99 has a limited slip differential. This was an option in 99. Lockers are ok and I have had them on trucks in the past, but I think over all I prefer the LSD.

 

Well, I was kind of asking about the center diff not the rear diff, but thank you for replying, I didn’t know a limited slip rear end was optional on first generation Expes, I just learnd something new My 4x2 just has a open rear diff. I’m kind of new to the whole 4x4 thing, still learning.

Newer Expeditions don’t have limited slip rear differentials anymore (according to Ford) instead they have electronic traction control (apparently does the same thing as a mechanical LSD)

But I can’t find info on the Locking Center Differential (the thing that is supposed to lock the front and rear driveshafts to make them turn at the same speed) For every site I visit that says it has one, I find another site that says it doesn’t. I tried calling our local ford dealer but noone would give me a straight answer (what a surprise) At this point I don’t really care if it has a LCD or not. The discrepancy of information has made me determined to find an answer.

 

These big Expy SUVs don't have a center differential. They use a transfer case with elctronically controlled clutches. When the selector switch is in Auto 4-wheel drive the transfer case clutches are released and it operates like a 2-wheel drive. As soon as the PCM detects wheel slippage by reading the wheel speed sensors, the PCM will automatically engage the transfer case clutches, thus transfering power to the front wheels. The PCM will automatically release the clutches when it detects no wheel slippage.

When the selector switch is in 4-HI or 4-Lo, the PCM engages the transfer clutches, thus transmitting power to the front wheels continually, until the selector switch is changed. There is no differential action, so it is recommended that this not be used if the vehicle is operated on hard surfaces as the drive line will bind if the vehicle is driven other than in a perfectly straight line.

Some model years have a selctor switch that also indicates 2-wheel drive. In this position the PCM will not engage the transfer case clutches.