Don't forget that the steering is drive by wire. So you'd think Ford could compensate for the torsen with software. It's supposed to already do that for road camber & bump steer. It could b a design choice that they didn't, or just too difficult to do for one model.
Torsen
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The steering is not drive by wire. It is an electric power steering pump. Not the same thing. You still have a physical connection from the steering wheel to the front wheels. They pump can be controlled by the computer to add pressure to move the steering (ie Active park assist, trail backup assist, and lane keeping assist) but ultimately the steering wheel is connected to the front wheels by a steering shaft as it always has been.
True, I guess - it's close enough IMO to warrant the label. It's not a pump, but the motor is geared directly to the rack. My point though, regardless what we call it, is that the steering is able to compensate for road feedback, etc. already, so in theory it should be able to compensate for any feedback from the torsen/4a.
It's a minor point though.
---------- Post added at 09:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 AM ----------
That makes me curious as to how it works - that is, you'd expect 4a to only engage when needed, but maybe the philosophy is to disengage when required. You'd think there would be zero difference when the clutches aren't engaged, even though the 4a light is lit up.
Or what you're feeling could be a change in throttle mapping and steering assist. Certainly both those change in weather mode, but maybe they change even in 4a alone. Have you tried changing the steering assist level in 4a to see what sort of difference that makes?
It's a minor point though.
---------- Post added at 09:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 AM ----------
That makes me curious as to how it works - that is, you'd expect 4a to only engage when needed, but maybe the philosophy is to disengage when required. You'd think there would be zero difference when the clutches aren't engaged, even though the 4a light is lit up.
Or what you're feeling could be a change in throttle mapping and steering assist. Certainly both those change in weather mode, but maybe they change even in 4a alone. Have you tried changing the steering assist level in 4a to see what sort of difference that makes?
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foo.c
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Here's what I know about a similar system in GM trucks. (I'm pretty sure our setup is them same, but don't shoot me if it isn't.)
There's an axle disconnect in the front diff that is disconnected in 2H.
When you put in 4A it connects the axle which increases the drag in the front diff which you can feel. You can kind of equate it to the old days when you would have to get out and lock your hubs. 2H unlocked, 4anything locked.
4A is not just reactive, it's always trying to put some power to the front. Put the Power Distribution screen on and watch.
There's an axle disconnect in the front diff that is disconnected in 2H.
When you put in 4A it connects the axle which increases the drag in the front diff which you can feel. You can kind of equate it to the old days when you would have to get out and lock your hubs. 2H unlocked, 4anything locked.
4A is not just reactive, it's always trying to put some power to the front. Put the Power Distribution screen on and watch.
HankTheTank
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Whaching my power distribution screen in 4A it sends 100% of the power to the rear on dry roads except when accelerating hard; which took me by surprise when I was testing it out and took a spirited right hand turn and had to wrestle with the steering wheel a bit.
In slippery conditions it sends power all around as needed. It's not perfect though. If you go through a low traction zone then quickly to a high traction zone there's a bit of a delay before it unlocks.
Anyway... if you think you don't like the Torsen go watch the video on YouTube on how it works. You won't notice it unless you have wheel slip. What you're blaming the Torsen for is the transfer case locking up. Like someone else on here said, if your front axle was truly locked turning the wheel would be veeeeeery difficult.
In slippery conditions it sends power all around as needed. It's not perfect though. If you go through a low traction zone then quickly to a high traction zone there's a bit of a delay before it unlocks.
Anyway... if you think you don't like the Torsen go watch the video on YouTube on how it works. You won't notice it unless you have wheel slip. What you're blaming the Torsen for is the transfer case locking up. Like someone else on here said, if your front axle was truly locked turning the wheel would be veeeeeery difficult.
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foo.c
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Mine definitely comes on all the time on dry perfect roads at nowhere near hard acceleration. So either yours is broke, or mine is.
I know what the GM system is like without the Torsen, and it doesn't fight turning. To me this has to be the Torsen given that it tries to send power to the slower wheel.
Frank N
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FatBuoy
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Who in the HELL thought of that? Pretty cool stuff, but I sure am glad I got the extended warranty. Can't imagine what that bad boy would cost to replace...
I typically shy away from warranties, but will all the moving pieces this modern marvel has, no brainer for me.
Ok, ok, ok. Not intending to turn this into another "should I get the warranty: thread.
hkguns
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I love the Torsen, although I doubt I've actually needed it yet. 4A doesn't always send lower to the front and it does a pretty decent job of figuring out when you need it.
Try spinning your rears in the wet a few times and you'll appreciate 4A.
Amazing that there seems to be only one person in this thread who understands how this works.
Try spinning your rears in the wet a few times and you'll appreciate 4A.
Amazing that there seems to be only one person in this thread who understands how this works.
kandewinn
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My truck does not walk the front wheels at all in 4A, rain or no rain. Does not sound like yours is functioning properly to me. My front will walk in 4wd, but not 4A.
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