The reality of aluminum body panels.

[aczlan]

Tried to find the Globe and Mail article about the Ford weight versus the Chev and how the Ford was a stripped version.......but you can even see it in your link to Motor Trend.........the towing capacity of the Chev and the Dodge are 9400 and 8650 respectively ......the Ford being compared to is 5000 (so obviously not the same options for towing So Ford lighter...now look at price as tested the Ford is 46,000 the Chev is 55,000 . Again so Ford is not all optioned up. so weight lighter....but Globe and Mail had better article, I will find it showed the Ford when optioned the same was barely 90 lbs different even though Aluminum. My dog weighs that much

You do realize that you can just look at the Ford site and get payloads, curb weights and trailer weight ratings, right?
For example, the 2015 F150 with the 2.7L engine, 145" wheelbase, Super Cab, 4x4, 3.73 gear ratios and maxed out payload and towing packages:
Max GVW: 7000#
Max Payload: 2160#
Base Curb Weight: 4703
Trailer weight: 8200#

If you spec out the same truck, but with the 3.5L EcoBoost you get:
Max GVW: 7050#
Max Payload: 2170#
Base Curb Weight: 4822
Trailer weight: 11,800#
Now, if you go with the long box or the Crew Max cab, you can get payloads over 2700# (with a base curb weight of 4930# to 4984#).

Aaron Z

 

[oldpilgrim]

I'm not taking sides here at all, this is just an observation.

It would seem that if the Ford is lighter, to save fuel, and it can carry the same or more payload, then it has to have the same suspension as the steel version.

Lighter truck, same suspension, it must ride like a rock.

 

[aczlan]

I'm not taking sides here at all, this is just an observation.
It would seem that if the Ford is lighter, to save fuel, and it can carry the same or more payload, then it has to have the same suspension as the steel version.
Lighter truck, same suspension, it must ride like a rock.

It depends on how they set it up. If they used a "variable rate" spring pack (such as a lighter spring for the "first leaf" and heavier ones after that with variable rate coils in the front) it could ride just fine.

Aaron Z

 

[jejeosborne]

Tried to find the Globe and Mail article about the Ford weight versus the Chev and how the Ford was a stripped version.......but you can even see it in your link to Motor Trend.........the towing capacity of the Chev and the Dodge are 9400 and 8650 respectively ......the Ford being compared to is 5000 (so obviously not the same options for towing So Ford lighter...now look at price as tested the Ford is 46,000 the Chev is 55,000 . Again so Ford is not all optioned up. so weight lighter....but Globe and Mail had better article, I will find it showed the Ford when optioned the same was barely 90 lbs different even though Aluminum. My dog weighs that much

Here is an article that supports you. This is another article showing the loaded version of the f150 which includes the panoramic sunroof and all the goodies. I also learned the GM now has an 8 - speed which I didn't know. I am a little confused why the GM isn't quicker than it is with such a massive motor and 8 - speed.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2015 Ford F-150, 2015 Ram 1500, 2014 Toyota Tundra

 

[jejeosborne]

Lighter truck, same suspension, it must ride like a rock.

According to the article I posted, the f150 is better than the GM but worse than the Ram with an air suspension. The flaw in your statement is "same suspension". If they were the same, I would agree with you. Different group of suspension engineers came up with different designs.

 

[s219]

Here is an article that supports you. This is another article showing the loaded version of the f150 which includes the panoramic sunroof and all the goodies. I also learned the GM now has an 8 - speed which I didn't know. I am a little confused why the GM isn't quicker than it is with such a massive motor and 8 - speed.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 2015 Ford F-150, 2015 Ram 1500, 2014 Toyota Tundra

Interesting article. Two takeaways that stuck with me:

"The Chevy's ride is stiffer than the Ram's and the Ford's, but its steering is more responsive with better feedback. There's a direct, engaging feel to how the Silverado drives that's missing from the other trucks." I find that interesting because that was the strongest advantage of the Silverado/Sierra when I test drove 2014 models last summer (and ultimately bought the Sierra). It was enough to sway me in the direction of GM from Ford, but I have been wanting to test drive a new 2015 F-150 to see if that changed. Guess not. Whatever GM is doing with their electric power steering tuning, it's a noticeable advantage if you're picky about steering feel/response, and pleasantly surprising in a truck.

"There's truth to the quip that by saving 600 pounds, Ford finally got its truck to weigh as little as a Chevy." And then regarding the Silverado, "And at 5658 pounds, it's only 81 pounds heavier than the aluminum F-150." That is with the big V8 too, so I bet the difference is even smaller with the more common 5.3L. Interesting -- makes me want to study all the specs a lot more.

 

[roadhunter]

I would definitely call you a troll as well. For some reason, you have made it your passion to rip apart the new F150. Unfortuanelty you come to the game with little knowledge of the product being discussed. All someone needs to do is look at your post history and get a good idea of your mission. Here is a good screen shot of the last thread you entered and got shut down. LAffin too.

View attachment 409801

Not at all. But you are so sensitive that is what you read. I clearly said this has nothing to do with Ford as many manufacturers use aluminum panels.

I have plenty of knowledge but in the end you dont' need knowledge to understand aluminum cost more to repair than steel. All you need is common sense. Between setting up a shop to repair aluminum and all the extra tools and training required anybody with a brain can see it's going be more expensive to repair. Unfortunately some people are so in love with Ford that they can't accept the reality of the situation.

What really funny is watching the Ford fanboys get all worked up about something that is obvious to everyone else. In reality many manufacturers use aluminum and all face the same issues so this is not a Ford issue but you see it that way.

Keep up the fine work and please keep imitating me. Clearly I have gotten to you. LAffin.

 

[Garandman]

I'm not taking sides here at all, this is just an observation.

It would seem that if the Ford is lighter, to save fuel, and it can carry the same or more payload, then it has to have the same suspension as the steel version.

Lighter truck, same suspension, it must ride like a rock.

This was a ground-up redesign. They completely redesigned the frame to make it both lighter and stiffer. The rear suspension, while still a solid axle with leaf springs, has staggered shocks and different leaf arrangement. The front suspension was carried over.

While "pickup truck handling" is an oxymoron, that market looks for smooth ride and load capacity and Ford put a lot of effort towards that goal.

We ordered an Ecoboost Transit van and I'd love to see one in aluminum. The Transit is $4,000 or so less than a similar Sprinter so there is headroom. Our build date is 2/12, don't have a delivery date.

 

[GolfAddict]

...What really funny is watching the Ford fanboys get all worked up...
... Clearly I have gotten to you. LAffin.

OK, I'm confused. Are you saying you were trolling with this thread??

 

[jejeosborne]

Not at all. But you are so sensitive that is what you read. I clearly said this has nothing to do with Ford as many manufacturers use aluminum panels.

I have plenty of knowledge but in the end you dont' need knowledge to understand aluminum cost more to repair than steel. All you need is common sense. Between setting up a shop to repair aluminum and all the extra tools and training required anybody with a brain can see it's going be more expensive to repair. Unfortunately some people are so in love with Ford that they can't accept the reality of the situation.

What really funny is watching the Ford fanboys get all worked up about something that is obvious to everyone else. In reality many manufacturers use aluminum and all face the same issues so this is not a Ford issue but you see it that way.

Keep up the fine work and please keep imitating me. Clearly I have gotten to you. LAffin.

I agree that aluminum is more expensive to repair but that wouldn't prevent me from purchasing a vehicle that is built with it. So it cost a little more to repair, not on my checksheet when purchasing a new truck. Capability, MPG, and Performance round out my top three qualities I look for. So today Ford wins my business. Next year......Who knows who will win me over.

What I find odd is that you have to say "LAffin" in almost every post. It is hard to take someone seriously when they laugh when they type. I am guessing you fit definition #2.

Urban Dictionary: laffin