Skid Steering
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 294
Likes: 3
From: Northern New Mexico
Skid Steering
As I negotiated my F-250 with its long wheel base through a crowded parking lot again I wondered if it would be feasible for Ford to invent a modification for the ABS that allowed the driver to lock one rear wheel to assist in making tight turns at very low speeds. Instead of skid steer pedals, it could be controlled electronically via a pair of button on the steering wheel.
There are times when it could be really helpful. Any thoughts?
There are times when it could be really helpful. Any thoughts?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
It wouldn't be hard to do this kind of thing yourself, but I don't see the point.
If you lock one rear wheel, the other wheel will keep tracking like it should and your truck will act exactly as it does without one wheel locked, with the exception of removing lots of expensive rubber from the offending wheel. The front end would have to slide sideways in order for your idea to work, which would NOT happen in this scenario.
The only way a skid-steer type of setup could work would be if the front and rear wheels could slide across the ground at the same time. For example, if you locked the front and rear wheel on one side and applied power with the other two wheels. The problem here is that it would only work on an extremely short wheelbase vehicle, much like the skid steer loaders currently out there. It would NOT work on a pickup truck, especially something as heavy as an SD.
This is also the type of thing that would destroy your driveline. Ever wonder why you're not supposed to use 4x4 on dry pavement? To prevent the driveline from forcing the wheels to skid. You'd trash your driveline and suspension by even trying something like this.
If you lock one rear wheel, the other wheel will keep tracking like it should and your truck will act exactly as it does without one wheel locked, with the exception of removing lots of expensive rubber from the offending wheel. The front end would have to slide sideways in order for your idea to work, which would NOT happen in this scenario.
The only way a skid-steer type of setup could work would be if the front and rear wheels could slide across the ground at the same time. For example, if you locked the front and rear wheel on one side and applied power with the other two wheels. The problem here is that it would only work on an extremely short wheelbase vehicle, much like the skid steer loaders currently out there. It would NOT work on a pickup truck, especially something as heavy as an SD.
This is also the type of thing that would destroy your driveline. Ever wonder why you're not supposed to use 4x4 on dry pavement? To prevent the driveline from forcing the wheels to skid. You'd trash your driveline and suspension by even trying something like this.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 13
From: Mid Atlantic
The skid steer method would wear your tires out very quickly (I just put new tires on my CAT skidsteer again!)
What would be best is what GM offered as their Quadrasteer option where in tight spaces at low speeds the rear axle actually turned in the opposite direction to the front tires. Worked very well from what I understand but I'm not sure if they are still offering it.
What would be best is what GM offered as their Quadrasteer option where in tight spaces at low speeds the rear axle actually turned in the opposite direction to the front tires. Worked very well from what I understand but I'm not sure if they are still offering it.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Oskaloosa IA
They are not still offering the Quadrasteer. It was just too expensive, and not available on the trucks that could use it most (long bed crew cabs, heavy duty 2500 and 3500). It was too light duty, and if I recall, even reduced the towing and payload capacity of the 1/2 ton trucks.
