Is there an off-road traction control system for 4x4LOW?

Hey all, I am new here. I had an R51 Pathfinder that doubled as an overlander/daily driver, but it was recently totalled (non-fault) and I want to get a pickup truck instead. I am interested in the RAM (2014-2018 RAM Outdoorsman or something like that) because it has a shorter wheelbase (Crew Cab) than other full sized trucks.

I was researching the traction system to see if there is one like ATRAC (Toyota), ABLS (Nissan) or Ford's equivalent that only turns itself on in 4x4LOW to assist in locking spinning wheels with the brakes. I'm having a lot of trouble finding out what it is or demos of how it works. Not talking about lockers, the models in my budget likely won't have a rear locker, and with all the other mods like lift, bed rails, skid plates, etc... it's not a priority.

I came across a series of YouTube vids by this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=273&v=PrecWjs6fXQ&feature=youtu.be

And this guy is just sitting there spinning the wheels complaining about open diffs. I have a feeling based on the fast wheelspin that he is in 4x4 High or 4x4 Auto, and if he were in 4x4 low the regular traction control system would disable and the off-road one would kick in and be strong enough to brake the spinning wheels.

Just for example here is the ABLS system in a Nissan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6PJhADKdZ4&t=6s and here is ATRAC in a Toyota: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErfjozWqzOA
I did stumble across this channel in Germany where they offroad a bunch of lifted Rams: https://youtu.be/dfcDJpnBGPE?t=15 and at 22 seconds in you can clearly see one the front-right wheel gets braked by a traction control system to give the front-left some power to climb out. But I don't know anything about the system, if it only comes on certain trims or anything like that...

If anyone could share some info on the system or confirm that it exists, it would be appreciated!

BLD (break locking differential) is part of the ram traction control system. Not sure if it’s limited to 4wd low. Also some models came with factory limited slip. My 2017 4x4 express model came with limited slip. Do not buy a truck with 4auto if you plan on doing overlanding or any actual off-roading. It is the weaker of the 2 transfer cases for that aspect. I have not gotten my truck stuck yet and I’ve been in some wet situations for south Florida. Granted I have gone around some nasty holes as I do have limits since it’s my daily driver as well.

Screampuff
It sounds like you've done your homework. I can't add to it but can share how the Ram system works. See att.

Thank you for providing that document John Jensen. The section at the bottom where it describes functionality in 4WD Low leads me to believe there is such a system:

ESC Full Off – 4WD LOW
This mode is intended for off-road use when ESC stability features and torque reduction could
inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered WHEN THE VEHICLE
IS STOPPED, the engine is running, in neutral and by pressing and holding the “Traction Control”
switch for five seconds . After five seconds, the “ESC Off” message will appear in the odometer.
ESC. TCS and Torque Reduction features are turned off until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph.
At 40 mph the system returns to “Partial Off” mode. The “limited slip” feature is not turned off.

Click to expand...

This sounds similar to the one Nissan has, when you enter 4x4 low it automatically disables VDC (their version of electronic stability control and power cutting) to allow the traction control system to be much more aggressive, looks like the RAM just requires an extra step of holding that button in for 5 seconds. And based on the documentation it only works in 4WD Low, in 2WD or 4WD High you can only get partial functionality.

I will also keep that in mind about the transfer case, I have read the one with the clutches and 4wd auto is not that great because it can disengage in tricky maneuvers.

Brandon-W makes a clutch lockout a switch which makes the 44-44 act like a 44-45. I have one, it works great.

Here's a thread about the tranny and the switch

I'm not sure exactly when BLD started making its way to RAM trucks. For sure 3rd gen RAM's didn't have it, i could almost bet e-money that all 4th gen RAM trucks come equipped with it since 2009, and it's also present of course on all 5th gen as well, though the documentation on this is pretty much non existant. Not sure why RAM doesn't advertise BLD on the RAM's. I think i remember reading out of some sort of RAM 1500 feature ad years ago that made a mention of the new traction control system on the RAM but i don't think it was specific to brake locking diff. Jeep has been using BLD since 2007 in all Wranglers as factory option.

OP, BLD works better than Atrac and better than the old ABLS, don't know when Nissan changed the logic for the traction control but seems to work better in the 2017 Xterras i've been. i've had a 10 FJ and couple of Tacomas, 12 and 14 all with offroad pack and rear lockers , and Nissan Xterra (06 non Pro4X). No switch to press to engage BLD like Atrac, no noises at all, wheels lock up faster than Toyota ATRAC. I can tell you my Xterra ABLS was a lot slower to engage compared to the Toyo ATRAC, Mopar BLD is literally invisible to the driver just like ABLS seems to be now days. The pathfinder in the video you posted seems on par with what BLD does and i've been with a couple of friends hunting on their Xterras and i like the system. My Brother in law currently has a 2020 Taco TRD Sport (No rear locker) and the BLD works better in my RAM compared to his Atrac. He also has a 22 4runner TRD offroad, and if he doesn't use the rear locker he gets a lot more wheel spin than my 14 RAM BLD/rear factory LSD on the same obstacles.

What you see on the RAM video you posted though is a RAM equipped with the non-so good offroad transfer case, BW44-44. You can easily recognize the system because you'll see a 4auto option in the rotary switch or push button switch to engage 4x4. it's a clutch pack type system and the clutches are allowed too much spin, they get hot etc etc. There is a dude in the forum that came up with a kit that can lock up those clutches hard so they won't slip. The 44-45 is chain driven and it doesn't slip at all, no need for special transfer case fluid either. Combine the 45 transfer case with a factory rear LSD and now you have a well rounded expedition/overlanding package, you also have the option of adding a rear truetrac if you wanted as well, Or If you want a rear locker you can get it with a 5th gen RAM 1500 with offroad package. BLD works in 4hi or 4lo, don't forget to turn off your traction control in 4hi like you will with VCD. 4lo will turn off traction control automatically.

This would be example of RAM 1500's equipped with the 44-44 transfer case




This is how a truck equipped with 44-45 transfer case will look like when you look at the 4x4 control, this is the one you want (No 4wd auto in the options).





This is my RAM truck on 37's with the 44-45 transfer case and BLD in action

or 35's on something more loose

I also have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport so no locker no rear LSD and it goes everywhere just with BLD. Granted i'm not doing King of the Hammers with the thing but i have fun with it.

screampuff said:

Hey all, I am new here. I had an R51 Pathfinder that doubled as an overlander/daily driver, but it was recently totalled (non-fault) and I want to get a pickup truck instead. I am interested in the RAM (2014-2018 RAM Outdoorsman or something like that) because it has a shorter wheelbase (Crew Cab) than other full sized trucks.

I was researching the traction system to see if there is one like ATRAC (Toyota), ABLS (Nissan) or Ford's equivalent that only turns itself on in 4x4LOW to assist in locking spinning wheels with the brakes. I'm having a lot of trouble finding out what it is or demos of how it works. Not talking about lockers, the models in my budget likely won't have a rear locker, and with all the other mods like lift, bed rails, skid plates, etc... it's not a priority.

I came across a series of YouTube vids by this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=273&v=PrecWjs6fXQ&feature=youtu.be

And this guy is just sitting there spinning the wheels complaining about open diffs. I have a feeling based on the fast wheelspin that he is in 4x4 High or 4x4 Auto, and if he were in 4x4 low the regular traction control system would disable and the off-road one would kick in and be strong enough to brake the spinning wheels.

Just for example here is the ABLS system in a Nissan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6PJhADKdZ4&t=6s and here is ATRAC in a Toyota: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErfjozWqzOA
I did stumble across this channel in Germany where they offroad a bunch of lifted Rams: https://youtu.be/dfcDJpnBGPE?t=15 and at 22 seconds in you can clearly see one the front-right wheel gets braked by a traction control system to give the front-left some power to climb out. But I don't know anything about the system, if it only comes on certain trims or anything like that...

If anyone could share some info on the system or confirm that it exists, it would be appreciated!

Click to expand...

My 2010 trx4 1500 came with limited slip, and I’ve not had any problems with it in low traction environments in 4low. At least yet.

What happened to applying a little parking brake to keep the rears from spinning and pulling yourself to out that way?. Oops, am I dating myself ? all the new tech is really nice, but not always a necessity, as kids we had to make due with what was available. I guess that's why I'm still a minimalist today, 3rd gen w/manual transmission etc. Enjoy your off-roading!

Hawg07 said:

What happened to applying a little parking brake to keep the rears from spinning and pulling yourself to out that way?. Oops, am I dating myself ? all the new tech is really nice, but not always a necessity, as kids we had to make due with what was available. I guess that's why I'm still a minimalist today, 3rd gen w/manual transmission etc. Enjoy your off-roading!

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When in doubt, get the winch line out lol.

Forestry_Ridge said:

When in doubt, get the winch line out lol.

Click to expand...

Yup ! couldn't even imagine not having one.

DILLIGAF said:

Yup ! couldn't even imagine not having one.

Click to expand...

When I first got my 2010 trx4 I just carried a pair of come alongs with me. Only the finest of man powered winch. Now that I’ve got a winch in the bumper I still carry the come alongs but rarely use them

Traction control will get you stuck in sand, mud or other conditions where you expect and WANT some wheelspin. If you are genuinely interested in truly offroading try to find a truck that has LSD at least in the rear.

I will tell you I have been extremely impressed with the 4x4 system in my RAM. I do not have 4Auto, i.e. I have the part-time only case.
However, I have pulled off camber on grass in 4Hi pulling a small shrub/tree out of the ground and did not even burned the grass. In 4Low on a flat I spun tires. In 4Hi the BLD kicks in and acts like lockers. I do not have an area to test the system as was done by the guy in the video but I believe in 4Hi mine would have passed that test. I have stomped the throttle in 4hi from a stop sign in a few inches of snow and each time it leaves 4 tire marks from the stand still, not a 2 or 3 tire start and then the other 2 kick in.
In comparison to my 2005 F150 FX4 with limited slip rear the Ram seems to grab and go in the snow where my Ford like to wiggle, side slip and then go from the same stop sign.
I had it out in the Dec 2020 storm in upstate/capital district NY 28 inch storm. We were called out at 6:30 (volunteer fire) I left my drive way with snow up to the bottom of the doors (factory height) where I had to kick snow away to fully open the door. She left the drive with no problem and drove down the street (unplowed) and to the firehouse without issue (well one, the chin spoiler kept kicking up snow at 15-20mph and causing a white out so I had to slow to about 10).

There is also a neat feature in which once the truck realizes its stuck it will limit RPM to 3500 and vary it between 3500 and 3000 itself to rock you out of being stuck.
PS, this was all done on factory Wrangler tires.

In short, my old F150 I would feel okay up to 24-30 inches of snow with Cooper Discover ATW+4, which is now the AT3 4S. With these same tires on my RAM I would not question hitting 30-36 inches of snow as I know the 4wheel drive system and the tires will pull me thru. Oh and the ford actually sat slightly higher. with respect to front bumper, etc.

Overall, the RAM part-time 4wheel drive is an outstanding system and has exceeded my expectations at every turn. However, I will tell you I do not do a lot of off road. I will pull across a ditch on the side of a road to park in the weeds at a friends house when needed. I will pull friends out of the snow, even if it means I have to drive in to deeper snow to do it. If you are looking for a rock crawler then this truck will leave you short as the 4low does not utilize the BLD. But if you want something that will do well on the trail and get you thru some sticky stuff in 4hi, then she is the girl of you.

Push and hold the ESC/traction control button until it says it’s full off on dash board.

If you’re looking for a rock crawler or off road truck the auto 4x4 system will fail you. Get the part time transfer case.

2020PW said:

Push and hold the ESC/traction control button until it says it’s full off on dash board.

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ESC will turn itself back on when the wheel speed goes above 40 mph. On the 1500s you would need to pull the F26 so the ABS doesn't kick in to control wheel speed.