Maverick Tremor offroading limits found again -- broke rear drive shaft

[Chapystick]

So I’ve heard. I think if it wasn’t for the hitch their it would fair better in a rear end

My guess would be simply that it has no frame giving it strength like a normal roof to the rear axle area. Like if it had those bed support beams like the Chevy Avalanche, it would probably be stronger but there’s still nothing above.
That would also be my guess as to why they could never make a single cab version with the unibody frame, not enough of an overarching cage to give it the proper rigidity. You’d probably have to treat it like a convertible and beef up the underside heavily to compensate.

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[colinl]

Okay I at least know for a fact the RS PTU has no clutches, it’s only a gear linkage. The rear diff is overdriven and there’s a clutch between each rear axle. That’s how it torque vectors and sends more torque to the rear diff, it increases clamping on either side’s axle clutch.
The Tremor diff is the same basic design concept, but I don’t know if it’s overdriven. The Lobo would have to also do the same thing to behave like an RS, but we know it has a PTU coupling, so I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s rear diff is also overdriven.

? huh, no way. the PTU/center differential/transfer case in a Focus RS most definitely has clutches. the only thing I've ever seen without clutches and only gears is torsen, which is useless in infinite slip.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2016-ford-focus-rs-gets-the-worlds-most-advanced-awd-system/

here's some pics of the RDU and PTU for comparison. we're getting a bit off the Tremor subject, though.

 

[Chapystick]

? huh, no way. the PTU/center differential/transfer case in a Focus RS most definitely has clutches. the only thing I've ever seen without clutches and only gears is torsen, which is useless in infinite slip.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2016-ford-focus-rs-gets-the-worlds-most-advanced-awd-system/

here's some pics of the RDU and PTU for comparison. we're getting a bit off the Tremor subject, though.

The pictures you’ve sent are of the rear differentials. You can see the rear axle CV cups going into the diff on either side and that it’s attached to a rear subframe in the photo.

Check out the Engineering Explained video on YouTube if you want a detailed breakdown of how all those FWD based sports car torque vectoring systems work.

 

[colinl]

The pictures you’ve sent are of the rear differentials. You can see the rear axle CV cups going into the diff on either side and that it’s attached to a rear subframe in the photo.

Check out the Engineering Explained video on YouTube if you want a detailed breakdown of how all those FWD based sports car torque vectoring systems work.

the first one is a RDU. the second is most definitely the PTU. I would not have included the first if it was just going to confuse you.

You didn't read the article I linked. It says:
"When the clutches are completely open, the rear of the vehicle is receiving zero torque,"

Huh. Wonder why it said rear and not left or right axle?

Here's an article by the PTU and RDU manufacturer, GKN:
http://www.newmaker.com/news-1457-GKN-supplies-innovative-AWD-system-to-Ford-Focus-RS.html

"The Ford Focus RS uses a GKN AWD system with a PTU and an RDM utilizing the Twinster twin clutch system. GKN's Twinster technology can apply torque to one or both wheels independently, enabling the vehicle's dynamic torque vectoring functions across its entire speed range.

The latest version of the Twinster in the Focus RS uses new gearing ratios that deliver more torque to the rear wheels than previous applications. When AWD is engaged, the Twinster drives the rear wheels faster than the front. "

Besides the pics, it's hopefully obvious they are talking about a 'twinster' PTU and RDU both.

 

[Chapystick]

the first one is a RDU. the second is most definitely the PTU. I would not have included the first if it was just going to confuse you.

You didn't read the article I linked. It says:
"When the clutches are completely open, the rear of the vehicle is receiving zero torque,"

Huh. Wonder why it said rear and not left or right axle?

Here's an article by the PTU and RDU manufacturer, GKN:
http://www.newmaker.com/news-1457-GKN-supplies-innovative-AWD-system-to-Ford-Focus-RS.html

"The Ford Focus RS uses a GKN AWD system with a PTU and an RDM utilizing the Twinster twin clutch system. GKN's Twinster technology can apply torque to one or both wheels independently, enabling the vehicle's dynamic torque vectoring functions across its entire speed range.

The latest version of the Twinster in the Focus RS uses new gearing ratios that deliver more torque to the rear wheels than previous applications. When AWD is engaged, the Twinster drives the rear wheels faster than the front. "

Besides the pics, it's hopefully obvious they are talking about a 'twinster' PTU and RDU both.

Let me apologize, I did not read “RDU” properly and think “Rear Differential Unit.”
That being said, you also didn’t realize apparently that both photos are literally the same rear differential unit…

Please refer to these photos and the explanation. It outlines it thoroughly and it’s clear there is no disconnect in the RS PTU, only in the RDU.

When the two independent clutches on both rear axles are open, there is *realistically* no torque being sent to the rear. That’s why the PTU disconnect in the Maverick seems redundant, but I imagine they found it had a reliability benefit otherwise they probably wouldn’t have added it.

 

[Cherokee]

Jrc full body skid plate coming soon

Send me a link please.
? Would that full body skip plate deaden road noise,
Lower C G just enough to count ?
How much does it weigh ?
I like the sound of that because a few times a month I’m on some pretty barley, grrrrrrrr, friggen spell check.
Pretty N A R L E Y gravel roads.
Lots of up to grape fruit sized pebbles. Even more baseball size chips.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

My guess would be simply that it has no frame giving it strength like a normal roof to the rear axle area. Like if it had those bed support beams like the Chevy Avalanche, it would probably be stronger but there’s still nothing above.
That would also be my guess as to why they could never make a single cab version with the unibody frame, not enough of an overarching cage to give it the proper rigidity. You’d probably have to treat it like a convertible and beef up the underside heavily to compensate.

I read somewhere when the Ranchero was loaded up with a lot of weight, the doors could pop open because the B-pillar had flexed so the door catch wasn't where it should be... !!!!

https://www.motortrend.com/features/ford-small-pickup-truck-history/

 

[rad32]

(edit) the thing that differentiates the Tremor and now Lobo PTU from the rest is just coolant lines, but they're important. That's why they have a locked mode and other models don't - because without the liquid cooling, under heavy use the PTU will overheat and the clutches are off. It probably still can overheat on a liquid cooled unit, I just haven't seen anyone complain of that, yet.

This is great info and something I've been wondering about my Maverick! I've taken previous vehicles out on to beaches but those have been 4wd transfer cases. The PTU overheating would be my biggest concern.

 

[XL Hybrid Cactus Gray]

Damage list to date:
2 tie rods
1 cv axle
1 stearing rack and pinion
1 rear drive shaft

 

[SouthbayTremor]

Damage list to date:
2 tie rods
1 cv axle
1 stearing rack and pinion
1 rear drive shaft

Tell me about it

 

[thev8man]

Took the tremor out to king of the hammers this past weekend. It handled great. Crawled all the way up the spectators area at chocolate thunder. Lots of comments and people impressed with the maverick. The little tremor actually doesn’t do half bad on small whoops and higher speeds on trails. Just careful with the underbody.

On the last night I was going about 40 mph on a a trail and hit a rock right on the rear drive shaft. Drive shaft broke right where it connects to the RDU. Found out something pretty cool. You can completely lose your rear end and drive home fine. I was worried about it being awd the ptu not liking not having a rear driveshaft but it didn’t mind just a clunky noise below 20. Also I can hear exactly when it engages and disengages which is kinda cool. The rear driveshaft shaft is always engaged from 0-17 mph when accelerating and when your slowing down the rear driveshaft engages when you pass 13 mph.

So I had a lot of fun this weekend. Unfortunately I can’t help but to drive this thing like a side by side. So I’ll keep testing so you guys don’t have to. Truck getting fixed now. Picking up my go fast camper in a couple weeks!

Damage list to date:
2 tie rods
1 cv axle
1 stearing rack and pinion
1 rear drive shaft

Booyah
Slide plates are now a most.

 

[ripperAZ]

Took the tremor out to king of the hammers this past weekend. It handled great. Crawled all the way up the spectators area at chocolate thunder. Lots of comments and people impressed with the maverick. The little tremor actually doesn’t do half bad on small whoops and higher speeds on trails. Just careful with the underbody.

On the last night I was going about 40 mph on a a trail and hit a rock right on the rear drive shaft. Drive shaft broke right where it connects to the RDU. Found out something pretty cool. You can completely lose your rear end and drive home fine. I was worried about it being awd the ptu not liking not having a rear driveshaft but it didn’t mind just a clunky noise below 20. Also I can hear exactly when it engages and disengages which is kinda cool. The rear driveshaft shaft is always engaged from 0-17 mph when accelerating and when your slowing down the rear driveshaft engages when you pass 13 mph.

So I had a lot of fun this weekend. Unfortunately I can’t help but to drive this thing like a side by side. So I’ll keep testing so you guys don’t have to. Truck getting fixed now. Picking up my go fast camper in a couple weeks!

Damage list to date:
2 tie rods
1 cv axle
1 stearing rack and pinion
1 rear drive shaft

U da man

 

[Maverickman74]

That is the narrow part of the shaft others have pointed out. Guess ya found the weak spot. Glad to see ya womping on it though. When my sister comes to visit in a couple weeks we may take a trip up the mountain and have some fun.

 

[thev8man]

I’m sorry sir but you are incorrect. I witnessed it first hand and could hear the driveshaft engages and disengage at roughly 15 mph. @Ford Motor Company please feel free to comment but according to this diagram there is indeed a clutch in the PTU (not transfer case btw) which allows the rear drive shaft to engage and disengage which quite frankly seems like a much more robust system then engaging and disengaging via the RDU

Booyah

 

[ListedGuru]

Took the tremor out to king of the hammers this past weekend. It handled great. Crawled all the way up the spectators area at chocolate thunder. Lots of comments and people impressed with the maverick. The little tremor actually doesn’t do half bad on small whoops and higher speeds on trails. Just careful with the underbody.

On the last night I was going about 40 mph on a a trail and hit a rock right on the rear drive shaft. Drive shaft broke right where it connects to the RDU. Found out something pretty cool. You can completely lose your rear end and drive home fine. I was worried about it being awd the ptu not liking not having a rear driveshaft but it didn’t mind just a clunky noise below 20. Also I can hear exactly when it engages and disengages which is kinda cool. The rear driveshaft shaft is always engaged from 0-17 mph when accelerating and when your slowing down the rear driveshaft engages when you pass 13 mph.

So I had a lot of fun this weekend. Unfortunately I can’t help but to drive this thing like a side by side. So I’ll keep testing so you guys don’t have to. Truck getting fixed now. Picking up my go fast camper in a couple weeks!

Damage list to date:
2 tie rods
1 cv axle
1 stearing rack and pinion
1 rear drive shaft

From looking through your other posts I assume you got your Tremor driveshaft fixed. So just to confirm you no longer hear that thud or thunk noise as you are slowing down to around 13 mph? I have a 25 Hybrid AWD (so no locking rear diff like the Tremor) but myself and a number of others with AWD Mav's are getting the thud noise when slowing down and crossing the 13 mph threshold. It seems as though the noise is coming from the rear end (RDU?) as the AWD in engaging at around the 13 mph mark. I know for certain my truck didn't make the thud noise when I bought it brand new or for the first few months of ownership. I know of at least one Mav AWD owner who had their RDU replaced under warranty for the thud noise and it went away.

I have started a few thread on the matter including one with a poll you can take that have some good information about the issue in your interested at all:

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...the-rear-at-around-13-mph-when-braking.72905/

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...down-braking-at-around-the-13-mph-mark.72957/

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