I have a 2003 Explorer XLT 4.0l V6. Way back when I was shopping, I specifically looked for a locking rear diiferential for the traction advantages it provides, I found it in Ford's "TOW Package", and I've been exremely happy with the performance of my AWD/4wd system in this truck. I have owned/driven 4wd SUVs for over 15 yrs, and my '03 Explorer has the best performance for my needs.

Now I'm looking to "upgrade" to a new SUV, so I began my search with Ford, and now apparently the "locking rear differential" is not available in the Explorer even with the "tow package." Traction control is standard on open differentials with no options for a locking differential.

Does this work? I don't know how traction control works specifically, but in the reading I've done, my understanding is that if a wheel spins then the vehicle will stop or slow down the spinning wheel and direct power to the wheel with traction. Kind of accomplishing the same goal as a locking diff (power still gets to wheels even when one slips).

Is my assumption right? That this is basically a new way to accomplish the same goal. (This sounds too simple to be right)

 

Your '03 doesn't have a true "locking" rear end; it's limited slip with clutches.

Traction control uses some common ABS components, plus it's tied into the drive-by-wire throttle control to back off the throttle if you romp on the accelerator hard enough to break the tires loose.

Steve

 

your 03 does not have a locker. i have a 2002 and it has 3 buttons, 4 HI, 4 lo and auto. when in auto, the rear wheels drive and the front kick in if the difference in speed between the wheels is more than a few percent. i believe it does use the ABS speed sensor. the system seems to work well. you have 4 x 4 when needed, but you just leave it in AUTO and let it do the work. I can pull off the side of the road, crank the wheels as hard as you can, then try to do a slow U turn. the inside wheel in the front is turning much slower than the back outside wheel, and you can "feel" the tires grab the blacktop and try to "pull" the car around the corner. Climbing the hill out by the corn field aint much of a challenge either. This works pretty good.

 

Traction control uses the brakes and cuts the throttle to control wheelspin. Sort of like the individual brake pedals on the old Ford tractor... (also handy for sharp turns)

In severe situations, it will overheat the brakes, but for on-road and most light duty off road situations, it works like a champ.

 

Thanks everyone, but does the traction control work as well as the limited slip? My concern is mostly in heavy snow. My system works great and as I said I sought out a model with the limited slip rear after having bad experiences with 4wd SUVs with open differentials. I wish Ford still offered the limited slip rear.

One of my biggest concerns is that Jeep (a brand I wouldn't purchase) which stakes their reputation on off road ability uses limited slip differentials in their top of the line 4wd system. That fact would make me think that the limited slip makes for a more capable system.

Does anyone have any experience in low traction situations driving the Explorers with traction control? I think it came out around '06, and definitely all of the newest body style models have it.

 

Not an Exploder, but have had an Olds minivan, Audi A4, Lexus LS430 with traction control. Works like a champ. When you switch it off, you realize how much it works, especially in FWD vehicles.

But, for a LOT of rough off-roading, selectable lockers are better. The price is horrifying, but the results are great.

 

you got to compare apples to apples. My 2001 F150 has LS rear end, and your right, it will climb a tree, straight up. I have never put the 2002 EXP in some areas the F150 has gone, but again, i have been very happy with the EXP n winter driving, snow, mud, ect. Again, your 2003 did not have a locker. New EXP should be just as good as the 2003.

 

i can speak from experience, i have had a 2002 and 2 05's with advancetrac. the system is absolutely amazing in what it can do. as far as heavy conditions i lived in colorado and california and took it everywhere and couldnt overheat the system...

the plus to this is if you lift a wheel off the ground in a LSD which is what you have now you loose traction...this is where advancetrac kicks braking that spinning wheel and redirecting power...

to give you an idea the system was clever enough to drive me up a dry dirt hill with at least 2 wheels in the air the entire time while my buddy with a jeep sat there scratching his head....all the lift in the world wont matter unless you can get the power to the ground. there is a dedicated t/c program for when you are in low range too. there was no difference in performance between those 3 years but i did work for ford in 2006/7 and the newer ones seemed to be a little better than the first generation(traction control braking).