The Ford F-Series could eventually offer all-wheel steering, if a patent filing from the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker is any indication.
The patent is for a rear steering system with an Ackermann steering linkage, and while the patent itself makes no mention of the Ford F-Series, the vehicle pictured in the example illustrations is an F-Series Super Duty. The patent also pertains specifically to a rear-wheel steering system for vehicles with a solid rear axle. More on that below.
As the patent explains, “Ackermann steering geometry enables mechanically linked steerable wheels to move together simultaneously during turning and steering movements,” and prevents unwanted slip on the tires. However, certain space constraints of a vehicle’s suspension “can prevent desired Ackermann geometry between steering components,” the patent states, “thereby resulting in less than desired Ackermann (e.g., negative Ackermann) and reducing vehicle maneuverability, handling and/or performance.” In short, Ackermann suspension helps ensure the front and rear wheels turn around the same axis.
A Ford F-Series with all-wheel steering would experience such a problem, as “solid axles with rear wheel steering capability often generate negative rear wheel Ackermann due to various components (e.g., driveshaft package, brake package, etc.) that interfere with a desired mounting location of rear wheel steering components.” So, this patent is for a rear-wheel steering system for a vehicle with a solid rear axle, along with an Ackermann suspension design that reduces tire slip and allows for the rear wheel steering components to be mounted in their desired locations.
General Motors is no stranger to all-wheel steering on its trucks. Many readers of this site will be familiar with Quadrasteer, which was available as an option on GM’s full-size pickup trucks and SUVs for the 2002-2005 model years. With Quadrasteer, the rear-axle was controlled via steer-by-wire system, which could be turned on and off with a button on the dash. The front and rear wheels turned opposite of each other at low speed, giving the vehicle greater manoeuvrability, and turned in unison with each other at speeds over 45 mph for increased stability and control. We imagine the system Ford is looking at would work in a similar fashion.
You can view the patent in full at this link if you want a more in-depth explanation of the system before it potentially appears on a future Ford F-Series.
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Source: Ford Authority
Comments
Been there and done that.
The two major issues on the Chevy one was the deduction in payload it caused and the added cost. It was not cheap.
I like how they drove and handled but for the added cost it was not worth the price unless you got a deal on it.
It started as a $4995 option and was either $1995 or $2995 by the last year, can’t remember.
They cut the price to unload the unsold axles before they killed the option.
I owned a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive suburban with quadrasteer for 14 years. My favorite vehicle I’ve owned. I think GM should have focused on the maneuverability and handling instead trailer towing in their marketing. People questioned why I spent the extra money until they rode with me and saw how I could get in and out of parking spaces and that it handled more like a Honda Accord than a 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive suburban. As soon as Ford announces that 4 wheel steering is available, I will be first in line at the dealership to order a new truck.
Drove a quadrasteer Suburban back in 2003 as a GM employee. Remember picking up my 10 year old at the bus stop and doing a u-turn on a normal neighborhood street. The jaw drops from the other parent were priceless….
I bought a new 2002 quadsteer Chevy it has 3468 miles best truck i ever owned
GM is behind the curve again