First drive experience
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,775
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From: Lewisberry, Penn
It mostly affects high speed ratios. At low speed it allows for a more nimble and sensitive steering. Like I said, I didn't really like it, but I could tell it made the slalom course much safer and easier to control.
It's a pretty simple concept. There is the output gear around the steering shaft, and then the ring gear on the wheel. A computer controlled variable gear adjust the ratio between the two. Keeping it all the the wheel means it's not exposed to road dirt and stuff, so I think that's pretty smart.
Basically in the slalom, on the Ford I was able to just turn the wheel and go through, with the Chevy I was spinning the wheel rapidly to change the steering.
They had a computer model that showed with and without drive lines, and in most cases it increased steering sensitivity, however, at high speeds with tow/haul it decreased it. It's impressive stuff, just not in line with my model TT mentality on what vehicles should have (-=
It's a pretty simple concept. There is the output gear around the steering shaft, and then the ring gear on the wheel. A computer controlled variable gear adjust the ratio between the two. Keeping it all the the wheel means it's not exposed to road dirt and stuff, so I think that's pretty smart.
Basically in the slalom, on the Ford I was able to just turn the wheel and go through, with the Chevy I was spinning the wheel rapidly to change the steering.
They had a computer model that showed with and without drive lines, and in most cases it increased steering sensitivity, however, at high speeds with tow/haul it decreased it. It's impressive stuff, just not in line with my model TT mentality on what vehicles should have (-=
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 183
The adaptive steering allows the ratio of the steering wheel to automatically adjust based on speed and even load. It makes the lock to lock a lower number or higher number based on conditions and gives better control of the vehicle. The SD is and will continue to be mechanical power steering for the foreseeable future due to the work loads. The adaptive steering module Ford has is entirely inside the steering wheel behind the airbag.
As for the functionality of the automatic, it's just better. I hate that, but it is. That being said, I wouldn't buy automatic on anything I didn't have to. My '15 Fiesta has a manual transmission and crank windows. I'm not rich, but I certainly could have afforded an SE automatic, I just don't like it, so why pay more? In a truck, automatic with a torque converter allows for much smoother transitions and makes plowing a breeze. While distracted driving is bad, lets face it, in a work truck there are plenty of other things one is often doing, so freeing up a hand and foot makes it safer and more functional. I love my manual F550, but I would have an awful time arguing that it's more practical. Todays autos are quite robust and get excellent fuel economy. More drivers can use them, and they have a higher resale value.
As for the functionality of the automatic, it's just better. I hate that, but it is. That being said, I wouldn't buy automatic on anything I didn't have to. My '15 Fiesta has a manual transmission and crank windows. I'm not rich, but I certainly could have afforded an SE automatic, I just don't like it, so why pay more? In a truck, automatic with a torque converter allows for much smoother transitions and makes plowing a breeze. While distracted driving is bad, lets face it, in a work truck there are plenty of other things one is often doing, so freeing up a hand and foot makes it safer and more functional. I love my manual F550, but I would have an awful time arguing that it's more practical. Todays autos are quite robust and get excellent fuel economy. More drivers can use them, and they have a higher resale value.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 183
My 05 SD had bump steer and the death wobble bad from day one, my 15 SD didn't have the death wobble but had bump steer. I was hoping that the adaptive steering would feel the road imperfections but "block" them
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,458
Likes: 722
From: Calgary Canada
Thanks for the input Frantz. Just be nice to have a few of these sitting on dealer lots available to purchase and test drive. At that point, we'll hear all about how folks prefer the "old" styling for about six months, and then we can go back to all loving the current generation.
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Freshman User
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Not sure why you think "every solid axle truck" will have bump steer, which is shouldn't if suspension geometry is correct
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,105
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From: NH
Yet I can drive down sone pretty bad dirt roads and my steering wheel doesnt move, nor did my 13 ram, or any of my Jeeps (coil sprung with a track bar)
Not sure why you think "every solid axle truck" will have bump steer, which is shouldn't if suspension geometry is correct
Not sure why you think "every solid axle truck" will have bump steer, which is shouldn't if suspension geometry is correct
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 183
Yet I can drive down sone pretty bad dirt roads and my steering wheel doesnt move, nor did my 13 ram, or any of my Jeeps (coil sprung with a track bar)
Not sure why you think "every solid axle truck" will have bump steer, which is shouldn't if suspension geometry is correct
Not sure why you think "every solid axle truck" will have bump steer, which is shouldn't if suspension geometry is correct
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