2013 ford F150 Raptor 4WD functionality (ON ROAD)

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DanMan3395

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My question here is really about how the Torsen front axle and the Locking Rear Diff work for ON ROAD applications. The vehicle doesn't have a 4wd Auto selection I notice and I want to know what my ON ROAD options are for mildly bad roads. I live up north so I occasionally like to have 4wd auto so i can get the grip in spots where the road sucks but not blow an axle or diff if it suddenly grips.

So since a Torsen Diff is not a LSD, if I am in 4wd HIGH and on road with perfect traction, will I damage the vehicle? Rear diff unlocked of course. I know an LSD would get jacked doing that and that most trucks have open front diffs party for that reason, but with a torsen diff I am not clear when and where the power goes when I turn the wheel and apply the gas in 4WDH considering that the turning angle will of course require different rotation speeds from both front wheels.

Any way, TLDR version.... Can I drive this thing in 4wd High ON ROAD or not?
 

blood

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short answer yes but i would keep it limited to wet or snowy conditions.
extra wear is what your trying to reduce.common sense when using 4wd is all that is needed.
 

Maxx2893

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No definitely don't run 4HI on road. The ONLY time i would is if it's icy, mildly bad conditions, just drive good lol.

Oh and the Torsen is an LSD
 

whtrapta

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The torsion makes no difference on dry pavement. The truck still does not have a center diff. Its either locked in 4wd or in unlocked 2wd. if the road is not COVERED in ice/snow, dont run in 4WD.
 
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DanMan3395

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This is what I assumed. However, this being the case, does anyone know why this truck had the 4wd AUTO setting removed? On a regular F150 it clutches in the 4wd as needed to meet road conditions so you can still use the 4wd in medium conditions.

---------- Post added at 03:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------

short answer yes but i would keep it limited to wet or snowy conditions.
extra wear is what your trying to reduce.common sense when using 4wd is all that is needed.

This is actually what the Ford salesman told me but I was hoping for a more technical explanation here as to WHY driving in 4wd high wouldn't just immediately cause damage.

I used to own a Z71 suburban and it said right in the manual to absolutely not use 4wd high on road at all and instead use 4wd auto.

Also, a Torsen is not the same as a standard LSD. A Torsen is the diff that is in the HMMV and when a wheel is completely loose will in fact spin requiring breaking to transfer torque to the gripping wheel. I would say the Torsen is the greatest gift given to the raptor ever. However, the HMMV can drive on road in 4wd and not hop around or blow axles... This is why I ask.
 

SterlingE55

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I think the issue arises between the front and rear wheels and not between the two front wheels. The torsen front diff will allow the front wheels to turn at different rates without issue, however, one of those wheels may have an issue with the driven rear wheel (assuming in open diff state).

The torsen diff is used in audi quatros and there was one in my WS6 so having that engaged all the time shouldn't be an issue, just the lack of center diff to split the torque application front and rear due to the different distances they have to travel while turning?

How far off am I?
 
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