Just saw this in one of my news feeds. Depending on the cost, this could become a popular option for longer wheelbase F-150s.

Why You'll Want Rear-Wheel Steering on Your Next Truck » AutoGuide.com News

 

I had a '03 Sierra Denali with Quadrasteer. Total impulse buy, but they'd discontinued Quadrasteer with the next MY and GM was pushing the '03s out the door. While the truck was a POS and in the shop monthly (literally), the Quadrasteer was reliable for the 2.5 years I owned the truck.

Quadrasteer is awesome for two scenarios and horrible for a third. It rocks at low speed turns. I could park that truck anywhere. It was also amazing when changing lanes on the highway. At higher speeds the rear wheels turn the same direction as the front, so the truck slides instead of turns. Where Quadrasteer sucks is at high speed turns, when you're turning but not changing lanes. In that scenario you need the nose of the truck to turn, but the rear wheels turning the same direction slightly counteract the turn. The end result is more body roll and the truck feels like you're exceeding it's cornering capability. When I knew some big turns were coming up in the road, I'd turn the system off or have to slow down.

So would I buy it again? If I remember correctly, it was a $3,000-$4,000 option on the high end GMCs. Rumor was the 2nd gen system was going to be in the $1,500 range, but GM decided to not offer it. I might be willing to pay $500-$1,000 only once it's proven reliable.

 

They talked about the GM system in one of the articles that I read about the ZF system. Their argument is that now that steering has gone electric, that it could be better controlled and less expensive.

 

I'd buy a truck with 4 wheel steering, even if it was full time. Would make parking a lot easier, no idea on trailers though. GM discounted it so much after a while is it was a huge cost increase ($4000+) and they did not sell many with that option. I mean with a Duramax, it would be about $10,000 extra. Long as it's not excessively expensive for the electronic rack and pinion, I would not mind having it. Though those who do alignments will not be your friend.

 

Late 80's Dodge Stealth and Mitsubishi 3000's had it. You'd think they could do it better...now that we are 30 years later.

 

When GM came out with that system, I was at a rodeo where they demonstrated in the arena. With a trailer hooked up they backed it in a couple of figure 8s. Pretty impressive. And like stated above, a $4k option that hardly anyone bought.

 

Ya and Honda had it as well on the Prelude way back then.
Wait long enough and everything old is new again like push button starters from the 40's.

 

It's a big thing alright. A big initial cost, and a big cost to align all 4 wheels when wear, damage or accident take it out of spec.

Thanks, but imo it's an answer to a question few, if any, ask.

 

I dunno. As a $4,000 option it would not be an option for me. But if it was reliable, and could be added for $1,000 or $1,500, I might be interested.

 

In the $1-1.5k range, I could see it being very useful for longer wheelbase trucks. For that money, if it was trouble free, I'd opt for it.

 

It sounds like an interesting concept, and would make a great option for city-drivers.

It especially sounds like a great product for city buses. Imagine how easy it would be to make a tight corner in a dense city with an enormous bus. Better yet: if the rear wheels could be set to turn parallel with the front, it would make pulling up to a curbside bus stop between sets of parked cars a lot easier!

 

The one thing about that article and forgot to say something on my original post is, I would hate to see it only as a King Ranch or Platnium only option...or what they said was that more people are willing to buy a $65,000 truck more readily now than back then. I'd totally buy that steering setup for no more than $2000 on a XLT. I doubt construction or landscaping crews would option a truck with it, but you never know.

 

New tech options always show up on bigh end vehicle first. When they become more reliable and the cost comes down those options they filter into the the lower packages.

 

I remember reading about the Quadrasteer GM trucks fifteen years ago thinking it was a neat concept. I was finishing high school at the time, and they were obviously out of my price range.

Was curious what parts go for them. Searched "Quadrasteer" on eBay, and this is the first thing that came up.

NEW Quadrasteer motor rear steering actuator 26087437 GM GMC Chevrolet

Flop of an idea means parts are rare and extremely pricey. NOPE!

 

Wow! No wonder the few of those trucks that are still on the road are so cheap.