Daily Driving in Lobo Mode

[Chops]

Ford recommends I change my oil every 10,000 miles & only use Lobo Mode at the track.

I know the effects of a 10,000 mile OCI, but what are the effects of driving in Lobo Mode off the track? I do not plan on taking my Lobo to the track. But my daily driving has twisty turnys & a world class canyon road 10mins away.

Pros:

One - The much tighter steering is a wonderful daily driving feature. I paid extra for that & only turns on in Lobo Mode

Two - Auto Start/Stop is disabled, although also true in my previous default Sport Mode.

Three - The torque vectoring RDU is also only activated in Lobo Mode. I also paid extra for that - and it improves cornering so much better than my vaunted strut tower brace.

Four - AI engine noise is a bit louder & a bit more helpful in determining shift points when paddle shifting (I drive in “M”).

Five - My mpg’s are at 22mpg instead of 21mpg in Sport Mode.

Cons:

One - Engine revs higher. In Sport Mode, 4th gear is a good steady state high gear for my daily driving. Lobo revs higher in 4th & I have to shift to 5th sometimes.

Two - When slowing to a stop, Lobo Mode does not automatically downshift as smooth as Sport Mode. I do not downshift while coming to a stop - I let computer do that for me.

Three - Braking dynamics are different too. I think they are better - but need to acclimate myself.

Any other pros & cons I’m missing? There might be ABS and Traction Control changes I need to consider. Also think the suspension changes - although I’m not sure about that….
Edit - no change in suspension per MavStangVa input

Sponsored

 

[Chops]

How would the suspension change? Not a smart*ss question. No way for different springs, struts, etc. to be used based on mode. Just curious how it could work.

You are right MavStangVa - no change in the suspension tuning based on mode.

edit - correction based on MSV’s input

 

[matmondro]

If you're a safety minded person, I think the big thing from using Lobo Mode while daily driving is less ABS and TC help. This is why Ford says "Track Use Only" with it. Well, really it's Ford's lawyers who make them put that statement in there...

Honestly, if it were me I'd drive it in Lobo Mode with no qualms! You'll get a much more responsive and peppy driving experience. Let 'er eat!

 

[Maverick123]

How would the suspension change? Not a smart*ss question. No way for different springs, struts, etc. to be used based on mode. Just curious how it could work.

Lots of cars & trucks have that, via electronically adjustable shocks and some even have adjustable air springs too. But Mavericks don't.

If torque vectoring is only enabled in Lobo mode, that's a huge fail from Ford. Our MDX has it permanently active in all modes and it makes a giant difference in handling. We had to drive it without the rear driveshaft for a few days while waiting for a part, and the truck is perfectly usable without it since it's a FWD-based like the Maverick. But without torque vectoring from the rear diff the handling is COMPLETELY different. My GF, who isn't a 'car person' at all, even pulled over and called me after taking a few curves to ask if there was something broken in the steering. She said the truck felt like it didn't want to take turns . It's THAT noticeable, even in everyday use

 

[colinl]

I'm about 95% certain that you're wrong about the torque vectoring rdu only being active in lobo mode. that would be crazy because that rdu has been in the tremor since MY23 which lacks lobo mode (obviously) and the rdu definitely is active.

 

[Chops]

I'm about 95% certain that you're wrong about the torque vectoring rdu only being active in lobo mode. that would be crazy because that rdu has been in the tremor since MY23 which lacks lobo mode (obviously) and the rdu definitely is active.

Does the torque vectoring RDU in the Tremor function the same in all its modes?

In Lobo mode, I’m 95% sure the torque vectoring RDU changes the way the Maverick corners. The tighter steering is clearly obvious in Lobo Mode - the torque vectoring change in cornering too.

 

[Escapologist]

I would anticipate increased wear on the diffs and PTU and servicing should be adjusted to reflect that.

 

[colinl]

Does the torque vectoring RDU in the Tremor function the same in all its modes?

In Lobo mode, I’m 95% sure the torque vectoring RDU changes the way the Maverick corners. The tighter steering is clearly obvious in Lobo Mode - the torque vectoring change in cornering too.

so now you're saying something different.

yes, I'm certain lobo mode behaves differently than sport or normal drive modes and you can feel it. that's what it is designed to do. the rdu is very active and attempts to make the truck turn better.

but this doesn't mean the rdu isn't doing anything in normal or sport modes. it certainly does. however, it's very possible that the difference between lobo and normal mode is so great that you +think+ it's not operating in normal mode. I'm sure it is.

 

[Chops]

I would anticipate increased wear on the diffs and PTU and servicing should be adjusted to reflect that.

Good advice.

The PTU is not affected by Lobo Mode I believe. 50% of torque is still the max that is transferred to the RDU.

The RDU can transfer 100% percent of that 50% to one wheel in Lobo Mode - Max Torque Vectoring. That would probably increase wear? One side at a time…

 

[Chops]

so now you're saying something different.

yes, I'm certain lobo mode behaves differently than sport or normal drive modes and you can feel it. that's what it is designed to do. the rdu is very active and attempts to make the truck turn better.

but this doesn't mean the rdu isn't doing anything in normal or sport modes. it certainly does. however, it's very possible that the difference between lobo and normal mode is so great that you +think+ it's not operating in normal mode. I'm sure it is.

I was unclear if not wrong in my OP. The RDU is identical in all modes - only the electronic signals based on multiple sensors are changed.

The main difference is that Lobo Mode can send 100% of the rear torque to one wheel while cornering:

 

[Escapologist]

It's not hyperactive? The PTU. Compared to trundling round in basically FWD most of the time.

 

[Chops]

It's not hyperactive? The PTU. Compared to trundling round in basically FWD most of the time.

But I don’t want to trundle (said in a whiny high pitched voice)

 

[colinl]

It's not hyperactive? The PTU. Compared to trundling round in basically FWD most of the time.

sport mode already dials up a lot of ptu, but the lobo can do it longer because the ptu is liquid cooled, same as the tremor.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

sport mode already dials up a lot of ptu, but the lobo can do it longer because the ptu is liquid cooled, same as the tremor.

So the Lariat Tremor I got is the top of the line? Sweet!

 

[Cancunbadlands]

#BTW I always drive my 2023 BS BL in sport mode
I'm missing it in my 2024 Lariat Tremor, wich I drive in Normal mode

Sponsored