What Happens When 4Wheel Auto is Engaged

[Terry]

What happens when I engage 4 wheel auto? I can feel the front hubs lock into position but what else changes? Does the transmission change algorithms such as keeping it in lower gears longer? I tried this mode yesterday in the rain and it felt like more was happening than just locking the front hubs but I couldn't quite tell what all had changed.

Winter is coming and I'd like to know the details.

 

[4rdFan]

Find all the details in this great write-up: https://www.fordraptorforum.com/thr...odes-handling-characteristics-and-more.64484/

 

[smurfslayer]

What happens when I engage 4 wheel auto? I can feel the front hubs lock into position but what else changes? Does the transmission change algorithms such as keeping it in lower gears longer? I tried this mode yesterday in the rain and it felt like more was happening than just locking the front hubs but I couldn't quite tell what all had changed.

Winter is coming and I'd like to know the details.

If you get some good rain again, switch your dash display to the traction display and it will put up a graphic of what wheels are doing what. The Rap 4a function is front on demand, rear primary drive. you can easily get sideways if you’re ham ****** enough with the throttle in 4a, but it’s substantially more difficult than in 2h. I’ve done some testing and the truck is pretty aggressive at involving the front wheels, and will start pulling you out of a sideways event most of the time.

HTH

 

[Badgertits]

If I’m driving w/ any kind of urgency & it’s raining or the roads are slick from a recent rain I’m running the truck in 4A

That being said- NO other 4Wd truck small, 1/2 ton, or HD has a 4A feature that mimics true AWD like the gen2 raptor. In my GM trucks w/ 4A you still had to be weary of leaving it on in dry conditions particularly when doing fully locked turning/parking situations. You don’t have to be concerned w/ binding on the raptor system. This R&R article is a pretty good description

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ro...ture/amp12463441/ford-raptor-has-awd-and-4wd/

 

[Terry]

Glad I posted this - I've learned a lot in a very short time. Thanks to all!

 

[BroncoAZ]

What happens when I engage 4 wheel auto? I can feel the front hubs lock into position but what else changes? Does the transmission change algorithms such as keeping it in lower gears longer? I tried this mode yesterday in the rain and it felt like more was happening than just locking the front hubs but I couldn't quite tell what all had changed.

Winter is coming and I'd like to know the details.

FYI, Raptors use unit bearings, not locking hubs, you aren’t hearing hubs lock into position. Unit bearings allow for shift on the fly 4wd systems in most modern trucks because the front end components are always spinning. There are some pictures here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/how-tos/a/ford-f150-how-to-replace-your-wheel-hub-and-bearings-355595

I converted my Cummins truck back to locking hubs, the kit cost about $1800. There was a slight fuel economy benefit and I can use 2 low for backing up trailers into tight spots.