My wife wants a new Expedition and we just want a 4 X 2. Im looking at all the options and can anyone tell me what the advnce trac w/non-limited slip axle & message center is. Sorry for my ignorance.

 

From the Ford website -

AdvanceTrac™ electronic stability enhancement system monitors traction at all wheels and automatically maintains stability while cornering on slippery surfaces.

 

Thanks Laser for the info. I wonder if it just monitors the back wheels for 2 WD? It sounds like something for 4WD but is listed as an option on the 2003. Thanks again.

 

The AdvanceTrac is only available on 4X4 models. The ControlTrac will control wheel slip through the transfer case from front to rear. The AdvanceTrac will also control wheel slip from right to left on both front and rear axles. A true 4X4!

You can not get a limited slip axle with AdvanceTrac because there are wheel speed sensors at each wheel to sense wheel slip. Once wheel slip is detected, the AdvanceTrac controller allows the differential to transfer power to the side that isn't slipping. AdvanceTrac does have a locking transfer case.

The AdvanceTrac system can also sense and control oversteer and understeer in slippery and rough road conditions. This system is also tied in with the throttle and braking systems. The system can be shut off if desired.

Hope this give you an idea of how it works, but it is only available on 4X4 models.

 

I didnt know if you could get advance trac on a 4 X 2 or just a 4X4. If you go to fordvehicles.com Expedition site you can build your own and they list it on the 4 X 2 as an option. Is that just another mistake of what?

 

After further investigation, I found out that I was wrong about Advance Trac on 4X4's only. It is also available on the 4X2. The misinformation come from my dealer.

The thing that still throws me off is that the Ford '03 brochure states that you get a locking transfer case when Advance Trac is installed. Has anyone seen a transfer case on a 4X2? Yet the pricing is the same between the 4X4 and the 4X2 for the Advance Trac $795.

It looks like you would get half of an Advance Trac on a 4X2.
Any Ideas?

 

Please tell me if I got this wrong but it is my understanding that the 'advancetrac' system uses the same wheel sensors that the anti-lock brake system uses, when slip is dectected it then applies brake to the 'slipping' wheel thus transfering torque to the one(s) that aren't slipping

 

Petrol is correct. AdvanceTrack is a stability control system and does not have anything to do with AWD or 4WD. It uses throttle control and braking to keep a vehicle from going out of control. The main feature is to avoid skids and rollovers by not allowing the vehicle to lose steering and braking control. It is very similar to the Electronic Stability programs on Mercedes, BMW etc. I am not an engineer, but perhaps a search on C&D or MotorTrend would be more descriptive.

 

I won't disagree with you that AdvanceTrac is a stability control system. But please explain to me why this option changes the standard transfer case to a locking transfer case. This information is printed directly from Ford.

The non-limited slip axles make sense if the brakes are used to transfer power from right to left or visa-versa.

I'm just trying to find out what my dealer has made up and what is true.

 

Something else to consider, I understand the 2004's are to have the three valve 5.4 that develops over 300 HP, 315, I think I read. Right now I'm seriously considering trading my 99 for the 04, in a year or so.

 

AdvanceTrac eliminates the Limited Slip it does not add a locking differential. Instead of mecahnically controlling where torque is applied (like a limited slip does) or simply loking the wheels together (like a locker or posi) AdvanceTrac usues inputs from the ABS system to monitor wheel speed and apply Braking or acceleration inputs to help control the vehicle.

 

Yea baby, yea baby, yea baby yea.

I like the 'fold flat' third row seat, I wouldn't want mine to be power fold though

 

Petrol

I really didnt care if the third row seats were power but here in Houston its so hot I have to have those climate controlled seats and to get them you have to have the powered seats. Also want the power moonroof se ford says you have to have the safety canopy for the 1st & 2nd rows. Go fiqure
Thanks to all who took the time to xplain the advance trac
Now I just wonder when they will start showing up at the dealers here in Tx.

 

What kind of interest rate will you be getting on your 03? Are there any incentives on this new of a vehicle? I am wanting to sell my 99 4x2 Expedition and get a 03 4x2 with a 5.4L. If the new ones are as good as my 99 they will be worth every penny. Thanks for any help.

 

Yes, it sometimes seems that you have to buy the whole cow to get the ribeye. I think it's just cheaper to manufacture if they limit the possible option combinations to more managable 'packages'

BTW, I won't ask about the heat & humidity in Houston, I lived there for 11 years and know it all to well (for 6 of those years I managed a small warehouse that like my car had no Air Conditioning, oh to even have Thought that some day you could actually have climate controlled seats in your ride, people would have called you nuts) We went back last summer for my wife's HS reunion, Picked up my 99 Expy from a friend who is a broker, took a side trip to San Antonio then Dallas-Ft.Worth before heading back to Virginia. We had a great time and miss Texas. Don't forget to put a 'Don't Mess with Texas' sticker on the '03 (I just like those things)