I have a 2000 Expedition XLT 4x4 with the 5.4L motor & supposedly the towing package. Can someone tell me what rear axle ratio I would have? The sticker on the door says "17". I haven't seen this code mentioned anywhere...

TIA!

- Vince

 

Here's a little primer on Expy axle codes:

17 = 3.31 non-limited slip
19 = 3.55 non-limited slip
H6 = 3.73 limited slip
H7 = 3.31 limited slip
H9 = 3.55 limited slip

With that said, I was under the impression that 3.31 was only available on two-wheel drive Expys.

Did you look under the word AXLE that is contained below the bar code on the vehicle certification label on the drivers door?

 

Actually, in 2000 the 3:31 was standard on 2 or 4 WD. 3:55 was less common but an option and 3:73 I think was only available with 4WD. I felt lucky to have found a 3:55 LS Expy when I bought mine.

3:73 is standard now since 2003. I don't even think there is any option any more. That's part of why the tow rating is higher in the new ones. Marketing??

 

Thanks!

17 is what is listed under the "axle" code on the door sticker on my Expy.

No wonder then that I've got such good gas mileage! The engine turns around 1500 rpm doing 60mph in O/D!

I will be pulling a 3500# (dry) 23' Airstream Safari about once a year on the ol' family vacation, so from the charts that I have seen, that should be more than do-able. Or is it relatively cheap to change rear end gears?

- Vince

 

I did 7500# with 3:55's (and a few mods) and did it well. 3:31's should be "ok" for 4000-4500#.

 

You should be OK unless you plan on towing in very hilly/mountainous country. It would be very cheap to change out the rear gears, but since you're a 4x4, you'd have to do the front too. I've priced the swap and it'll run anywhere from $1200 to $1500.