AbleGuy
Officious Intermeddler
Ford finally has a new patent that describes a much anticipated four-wheel steering system for its F-Series trucks. This idea was so wildly popular with the GMC/Chevy trucks 20 years ago, that it’s sure to be a super big hit with new Fords too (if it’s ever actually adopted). (Sarcasm)
www.autoblog.com
So, hold on a minute......it still looks like we’re going to have to wait a while to see if this four wheel steering will ever actually find its way into the build of any of the Ford trucks, because there’s been no slick marketing announcements yet that this technology will be appearing in any of next year’s models. Maybe this is “much adieu about nada” (to badly mix up languages a bit).
If it did show up soon on the new trucks though, this might actually be a really great addition for enhanced very low speed, off paved road maneuverability (for example, see the Rivian Electric Truck tank turn discussion here on the forum). Or maybe it’ll be mostly used just for parking ease for city slickers trying to parallel park their 21’ long, $70,000, crew cab, long bed, 4x4 Montana Cadillacs?
At any rate, if you ever get the chance to own one of these Ford 4 wheel steerers, you‘ll be happy to note that you’ll be in a very exclusive class of chi chi owner that includes owners of Porsche's 911, Lamborghini's Huracan Evo and Aventador SVJ, Bentley's Continental GT and Flying Spur, and Bugatti's Chiron! Cheers Mate ? That’s a sad, far cry away from the traditional PBR/PBR truck drivin crowd.
So, back to business......According to theDrive.com (link below), the new design consists “of a new electronic steering system mounted on the rear axle’s differential cover, which then actuates an extra set of tie rods and transfer links to control the degree to which the rear wheels can turn.” This may present a bit of a ground clearance issue though...we’ll have to see.
One cool feature.....The patented four-wheel steering design “incorporates Ackerman steering geometry....(which) allows the inside and outside wheels to trace different paths and thereby reduces tire scrub and wear.” (Who’s Ackerman, and what’s he got against tire scubbing anyway ?)
Here’s a sneak peek of the some of the schematics:

(For you engineering types, there are more illustrations on the mechanics at the Patent Swarm link)
>also:
*https://www.thedrive.com/news/31711/ford-patents-f-series-four-wheel-steering-report

Ford F-Series trucks with four-wheel steering? It's being looked at
A new patent application indicates that Ford, America's leader in fullsize pickup truck sales, is considering the possibility of four-wheel steering for its F-Series pickup trucks.

So, hold on a minute......it still looks like we’re going to have to wait a while to see if this four wheel steering will ever actually find its way into the build of any of the Ford trucks, because there’s been no slick marketing announcements yet that this technology will be appearing in any of next year’s models. Maybe this is “much adieu about nada” (to badly mix up languages a bit).
If it did show up soon on the new trucks though, this might actually be a really great addition for enhanced very low speed, off paved road maneuverability (for example, see the Rivian Electric Truck tank turn discussion here on the forum). Or maybe it’ll be mostly used just for parking ease for city slickers trying to parallel park their 21’ long, $70,000, crew cab, long bed, 4x4 Montana Cadillacs?
At any rate, if you ever get the chance to own one of these Ford 4 wheel steerers, you‘ll be happy to note that you’ll be in a very exclusive class of chi chi owner that includes owners of Porsche's 911, Lamborghini's Huracan Evo and Aventador SVJ, Bentley's Continental GT and Flying Spur, and Bugatti's Chiron! Cheers Mate ? That’s a sad, far cry away from the traditional PBR/PBR truck drivin crowd.
So, back to business......According to theDrive.com (link below), the new design consists “of a new electronic steering system mounted on the rear axle’s differential cover, which then actuates an extra set of tie rods and transfer links to control the degree to which the rear wheels can turn.” This may present a bit of a ground clearance issue though...we’ll have to see.
One cool feature.....The patented four-wheel steering design “incorporates Ackerman steering geometry....(which) allows the inside and outside wheels to trace different paths and thereby reduces tire scrub and wear.” (Who’s Ackerman, and what’s he got against tire scubbing anyway ?)
Here’s a sneak peek of the some of the schematics:

(For you engineering types, there are more illustrations on the mechanics at the Patent Swarm link)
>also:
*https://www.thedrive.com/news/31711/ford-patents-f-series-four-wheel-steering-report
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