Max Tow brake components for a LIGHTNING are the same as non-Max Tow

[HI Zeus]

I've tried to find a DEFINITIVE answer to the question: "Is there any difference in the Max Tow rear axle from non-Max Tow."

I THOUGHT the answer was "NO," the ONLY difference is the second cooling unit. end of discussion, and I moved on...

BUT I keep seeing things like certain size wheels won't fit if you have the Max Tow package and other contradictory statements, leaving me VERY confused and frustrated.

So, I went "parts shopping." I could not find any parts for a Ford Lightning that are different between the Max Tow option or not.

Right...?... If I've missed any parts that differ that are NOT related to cooling the motors/batteries, please someone share them with me.

(I suspect the confusion is that the ICE F-150 does have a very different rear axle set up, and folks aren't paying enough attention...?...)

Thanks

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[TaxmanHog]

As far as I know, it's only how the battery is cooled that is a distinction, the electric motor & axles are the same on all trims of the Lightning.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

No difference. Just an extra compressor in the cooling loop that isolates the cabin HVAC from the rest of the cooling loop.

I had Max Tow on my Pro, don't have it on my XLT. Don't notice a difference at all.

 

[3rdgenfan]

Going forward for '25 it appears the only difference now would be those without Max Tow don't have the e-locker in the rear motor/diff.

 

[HI Zeus]

Thanks for the assurances that my first conclusion was correct (cooling is the only) difference.

While I'd like that component, it seems to be a $5000 - $7000 difference in the used Lightnings I'm looking at. No more heavy towing than I think I'll be doing that seems like too much of a price difference if there isn't a safety (brakes/suspension) difference.

 

[Maineiac12]

The Lightning doesn’t even have a rear axle, it has fully independent rear suspension. The only difference is the cooling from everything we’ve seen.

 

[Heliian]

certain size wheels won't fit if you have the Max

The brakes are bigger than a standard ice f150 but same throughout the lightning range.

While I'd like that component, it seems to be a $5000 - $7000 difference in the used Lightnings

It's an $1100 option new. The difference is all the other packages and options. The used market is going to vary wildly, good luck.

 

[Legacy23]

The Lightning doesn’t even have a rear axle, it has fully independent rear suspension. The only difference is the cooling from everything we’ve seen.

It actually has 2 rear axles...

 

[TaxmanHog]

The Lightning doesn’t even have a rear axle, it has fully independent rear suspension. The only difference is the cooling from everything we’ve seen.

Symantec's............... The service manual refers to both axles & half shafts

 

[MountainAlive]

I haven’t had any issue with ICE F150 wheels fitting on my Max Tow Lightning. I got these ICE Lariat wheels for winter. I don’t think there’s any difference in axle/shaft or wheel fit across the various Lightnings.

 

[Grumpy2]

No more heavy towing than I think I'll be doing that seems like too much of a price difference if there isn't a safety (brakes/suspension) difference.

No brakes/suspension difference.
You are probably right with that decision, but in extremely hot areas like some areas of Arizona, the added cooling during summer months may be of some help during charging, or even towing moderate loads.

Heat is understood to be a problem for our batteries in order to maintain their max range for the longest possible time.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

Thanks for the assurances that my first conclusion was correct (cooling is the only) difference.

While I'd like that component, it seems to be a $5000 - $7000 difference in the used Lightnings I'm looking at. No more heavy towing than I think I'll be doing that seems like too much of a price difference if there isn't a safety (brakes/suspension) difference.

IIRC there was an interview early on that confirmed this too.

 

[topher10]

No brakes/suspension difference.
You are probably right with that decision, but in extremely hot areas like some areas of Arizona, the added cooling during summer months may be of some help during charging, or even towing moderate loads.

Heat is understood to be a problem for our batteries in order to maintain their max range for the longest possible time.

I don’t plan to tow, but specifically got max tow because I live in Louisiana and hoped the added cooling would be beneficial in summer. I guess we will see.

 

[DoyouLightning]

I thought the max tow package also includes on board scales / smart hitch, reverse trailer control knob, and trailer break adjustmemt squeeze lever? Unless I'm confused my self?

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I thought the max tow package also includes on board scales / smart hitch, reverse trailer control knob, and trailer break adjustmemt squeeze lever? Unless I'm confused my self?

You are thinking of Tow Tech Package. Thats different.

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