Trail Turn Assist in Action

ramv · Apr 22, 2026

MrFancypants said:
Not sure how what you are describing is any different than 2HI. The way to get 2LO is to put it in 4LO and disable the front auto hubs. That gives you a shorter gear ratio RWD.

Correct. But you use the “2 low”
modification to trick the computer into letting you use the trail assist in 2WD high range and there by not binding on high traction surfaces. You could also use it on 2 low that way. The factory software only allows for Trail Turn assist in 4wd.

shermanator2 · Apr 23, 2026

Velvet Elvis said:
I don't think if want to use the trail turn assist feature without the front end to pull the truck around.

That would be a lot of stress in 2wd on the rear, and the physics don't quite work, that is unless you're just trying to initiate a drift, which id argue a hydraulic pedal locking both wheels would be a better solution.

I just forsee broken parts with 1 wheel driving and 1 locked, and no help from the front to pull out around if that's what you're describing.

The physics basically works, and with a conventional open differential like our Tremors with electronic lock off, it should not hurt the differential much.

I am the care taker of a 1953 John Deere Model 60 (2WD) that has "Trail Turn Assist". It has separate left and right rear only brakes. You press one rear brake pedal, turn the wheel hard over, engage the clutch and it will pivot around the inside wheel. No fancy computer controls to get in the way. The wheel does turn much sharper than a Super Duty though. With the Super Duty not turning front wheels far enough, there will need to be some tire slip somewhere.

Velvet Elvis · Apr 23, 2026

shermanator2 said:
The physics basically works, and with a conventional open differential like our Tremors with electronic lock off, it should not hurt the differential much.

I am the care taker of a 1953 John Deere Model 60 (2WD) that has "Trail Turn Assist". It has separate left and right rear only brakes. You press one rear brake pedal, turn the wheel hard over, engage the clutch and it will pivot around the inside wheel. No fancy computer controls to get in the way. The wheel does turn much sharper than a Super Duty though. With the Super Duty not turning front wheels far enough, there will need to be some tire slip somewhere.

I was member of an antique tractor club as a young teenager. Allis Chalmers were my favorite, my dad and I ran an ED450 in the pre 1955 modified class.

Sooo... i get it. I've performed the manuver you're describing many times, beforei was even a licensed driver.

Your own explanation partially shows why that works on a tractor, but would not work on a 1 ton, extended cab truck in 2wd. In addition to the sharper, almosy 90 degree maximum steerng angle those old works of iron art art have, they also have a very short wheelbase, which makes the task a breeze. You're not taking into account the sheer length of our trucks.

In the truck, with 4wd engaged, the feature kind of works because the front end is actively pulling itself around, and only because the front wheels are turning.
If course there will be tire slippage, that's a given.

Now imagine the same truck trying to PUSH the front end around, usingonly the rear outside tire, literally requiring the front tires, to slide sideways without the benefit of being under power.

I must disagree, the physics simply don't work.

As for parts stresd, and possible breakage, i wasn't talking about the diff.

Trying this manuvre in 2wd would be a very bad idea. Its just gonna want to walk the outside rear tire under Tha frame.

I don't see a situation where the capability of 2wd tail turn assist would be a benefit at all.

I don't dispute that 2 low is awesome. i miss 2 low from the old "get out and lock em in" days.

Valving the front axle actuator's vacuum line is a great idea, but I'd pass on locking a rear wheel in 2wd.

Sorry for poor grammar, I'm at work. Gotta run.