3.73 ELECTRONIC LOCKING AXLE RATIO WITH TOW HAUL-MAX TOW

[cjm83]

Good morning all,

Im hoping someone can provide a little clarity on the 3.73 ELECTRONIC LOCKING AXLE RATIO WITH TOW HAUL-MAX TOW option for an additional $395 on a 157" WB, Platinum, SuperCrew, PB, 4x4 F150...

What does this option add to the truck opposed to the Standard 3.73 ELAR?

So if comparing the 3.73 with Tow Haul-Max Tow and the 3.73 without..... What is the exact differences between the two?


Thanks so much in advance!

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[EL5_Zero]

I believe the MAX TOW Package adds a larger transmission cooler. Maybe larger radiator and engine oil cooler but I'm not 100% sure on those.

 

[Buyer2021]

I believe the MAX TOW Package adds a larger transmission cooler. Maybe larger radiator and engine oil cooler but I'm not 100% sure on those.

FWIW, none of those things came with the Max Tow axle for model years 2021-2023 (based on review of the detailed the e-Sourcebook specifications). The 2021-2023 Max Tow axle did bring ...

• 3/4-float axle design (vs semi-floating for all other axles), which is the subject of a recall (failing axle-shaft end-bolts) with no final remedy yet identified.
• Larger diameter and thicker rear brake rotors (this is found in the e-Sourcebook specifications)

For 2024-2025 Ford is being very closed-mouth about the details of Max Tow axles (option codes XL5 and XL7).

• The 2024 Towing Guide makes no mention of the Max Tow Axle, provides no data on the allegedly increased towing capacity it offers. IMO this is a very conspicuous omission.
• The 2024 Towing Guide shows very generous towing capacities with only Tow/Haul Package 53T (absent mention of the Max Tow axle option).
• Tow Haul Package 53T includes the Semi-floating (long-proven robust) e-locker axle.

Personally, if I were buying / ordering a 2024-2025 F150 I would look for the Tow/Haul package 53T without Max Tow option codes XL5/XL7.

 

[cjm83]

FWIW, none of those things came with the Max Tow axle for model years 2021-2023 (based on review of the detailed the e-Sourcebook specifications). The 2021-2023 Max Tow axle did bring ...

• 3/4-float axle design (vs semi-floating for all other axles), which is the subject of a recall (failing axle-shaft end-bolts) with no final remedy yet identified.
• Larger diameter and thicker rear brake rotors (this is found in the e-Sourcebook specifications)

For 2024-2025 Ford is being very closed-mouth about the details of Max Tow axles (option codes XL5 and XL7).

• The 2024 Towing Guide makes no mention of the Max Tow Axle, provides no data on the allegedly increased towing capacity it offers. IMO this is a very conspicuous omission.
• The 2024 Towing Guide shows very generous towing capacities with only Tow/Haul Package 53T (absent mention of the Max Tow axle option).
• Tow Haul Package 53T includes the Semi-floating (long-proven robust) e-locker axle.

Personally, if I were buying / ordering a 2024-2025 F150 I would look for the Tow/Haul package 53T without Max Tow option codes XL5/XL7.

Thats excellent insight. Thanks!
Its increasingly sounding like opting FOR the Max Tow option might be a bad idea.. It sounds like thats the one with the recall issues? And without it, the recall problems are not there?

I was concerned that if I went WITHOUT the Max Tow option, then i'd lose the Trailer break controller.. But that does not sound like that is true..

 

[hotrodmex]

It sounds like thats the one with the recall issues

Yes, but, if you believe Ford the issue is fixed finally, and thus new production would not have any issues.

Or, possible but less likely, they have gone back to the 35 spline axles from the ≤Gen13 Max-Tow.

And without it, the recall problems are not there?

Correct. You would get the standard axle assembly that's been around since forever.

 

[Buyer2021]

I was concerned that if I went WITHOUT the Max Tow option, then i'd lose the Trailer break controller.. But that does not sound like that is true..

Per the 2024 & 2025 Order Guides, the Integrated TBC is included with Tow/Haul Package 53T completely independent of the added optional Max Tow Axle:

TOW/HAUL PACKAGE (53T)​

Availability:​

• Opt. on XL, STX (200A/201A), XLT, Lariat, Tremor® (401A)​

• Incl. Tremor® (402A)​

• Standard on King Ranch®, Platinum​

Not available with:​

• 2.7L Engine​

Includes:​

XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum and Tremor®:​

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller​

• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear-axle (requires 3.5L V6 EcoBoost® engine (998))​

• 3.73 Electronic-locking rear-axle (requires 5.0L V8 engine (995) engine; std on 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine (99D))​

Optional Equipment:​

Max Tow Axle required for maximum trailer tow capability​

3.55 Max Tow Electronic-locking rear-axle (XL5) (NA on XL, 300A, 17” Wheels, 18” Chrome-like PVD or 22” Wheels)​

3.73 Max Tow Electronic-locking rear-axle (XL7) (NA on XL, 300A, 17” Wheels, 18” Chrome-like PVD or 22” Wheels)​

 

[cjm83]

Thanks you two! Thats great information. I feel like sticking with the tried and true axle that has been around forever by going with out the Max Tow is the way to go... I do not foresee myself needing the capability of towing the absolute max.. Its just nice to have the option incase an unforeseen situation arises..

Do either of you know how much the tow capacity even increases WITH the Max Tow???

I feel like the real concern when starting to tow that amount of weight would be the Payload.. Its my understanding a person usually hits that threshold before the maximum towing ability is reached.

 

[FORDTEXAS]

Thanks you two! Thats great information. I feel like sticking with the tried and true axle that has been around forever by going with out the Max Tow is the way to go... I do not foresee myself needing the capability of towing the absolute max.. Its just nice to have the option incase an unforeseen situation arises..

Do either of you know how much the tow capacity even increases WITH the Max Tow???

I feel like the real concern when starting to tow that amount of weight would be the Payload.. Its my understanding a person usually hits that threshold before the maximum towing ability is reached.

max tow has extra leaf spring

 

[md2000]

Yup, payload is often an overlooked variable.

On my 24’ STX 5.0, I purposefully went 53T….IBC installed and confirmed 3.73 e-lock axle code not just on window sticker but on driver door info sheet. Also, the “upgraded hitch” the Ford marketing packets mention is rarely seen, if ever. Probably b/c max axle is in limbo. But my class IV is 11,600 capacity, so almost 1,000lbs over the guide’s rating on 4wd SC 5.0 w/3.73s….

I’ve towed a few times with this rig and it’s plenty solid for a loaded 28ft travel trailer with slide outs. The oem 4wd rear shocks on the other hand…..

good luck on your research and purchase.

 

[Buyer2021]

Do either of you know how much the tow capacity even increases WITH the Max Tow???

See previous post:

The 2024 Towing Guide makes no mention of the Max Tow Axle, provides no data on the allegedly increased towing capacity it offers. IMO this is a very conspicuous omission.

Maybe eventually Ford will publish an 'honest' 2025 Towing Guide, that's where the answer to your question should be found.

FWIW, per the applicable Towing Guide for my 2022 145"WB SuperCab 4x4 with 3.5EB (note these values change based on engine, WB, 2 / 4 WD, and cab configuration; this comparison uses the same ratio for all axles) ....

Conventional Towing Max Loaded Trailer Weight

11.100# without Max Tow​

12,300# with Max Tow​

5th-Wheel / Gooseneck Towing Max Loaded Trailer Weight

10,700# without Max Tow​

10,700# with Max Tow (same as without)​

​

All are crazy more than I will ever actually tow.

 

[cjm83]

See previous post:

Maybe eventually Ford will publish an 'honest' 2025 Towing Guide, that's where the answer to your question should be found.

FWIW, per the applicable Towing Guide for my 2022 145"WB SuperCab 4x4 with 3.5EB (note these values change based on engine, WB, 2 / 4 WD, and cab configuration; this comparison uses the same ratio for all axles) ....

Conventional Towing Max Loaded Trailer Weight

11.100# without Max Tow​

12,300# with Max Tow​

5th-Wheel / Gooseneck Towing Max Loaded Trailer Weight

10,700# without Max Tow​

10,700# with Max Tow (same as without)​

​

All are crazy more than I will ever actually tow.

Thanks, appreciate your info.

 

[Samson16]

Good morning all,

Im hoping someone can provide a little clarity on the 3.73 ELECTRONIC LOCKING AXLE RATIO WITH TOW HAUL-MAX TOW option for an additional $395 on a 157" WB, Platinum, SuperCrew, PB, 4x4 F150...

What does this option add to the truck opposed to the Standard 3.73 ELAR?

So if comparing the 3.73 with Tow Haul-Max Tow and the 3.73 without..... What is the exact differences between the two?


Thanks so much in advance!

Sheared axle bolts!!

 

[Samson16]

If you’re towing more than my grown man 9.75” 3.73 can handle on the regular with an F-150 you bought the wrong truck.

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