Older super duties are fully boxed from the front bumper to the front of the cab. Why would that cause the radiator to crack?

 

Torsional rigidity is a design choice. They could make the truck stiff as hell, or like a wet noodle. The video only shows that Ford's engineers decided to allow the frame to flex more than GM's engineers decided to allow their frame to flex.

It's only an issue if it causes a problem. The radiator thing could be an example if the frame flex is really the cause.

Look at Unimogs, their beds are mounted at only three points so that their frames can flex MORE to allow the wheels to stay on the ground longer in rough situations.

The only one of Chevy's videos that has made any impact on me at all is the tool box dropped in the bed. That seems like a VERY reasonable thing to have happen and the damage to the F150 bed was substantial. I would like to see that same test done with a spray on and also a drop-in bedliner, for comparison.

-J

 

Ever see a Super Duty do this? Me either.

 

For hauling, off road use and everyday driving the c channel frames are fine. I wouldn't worry bout any permanent bending or breaking from the flexing. But they do flex.

 

The frame "twist" is about half an inch higher in the SD VS Chevy. I can hardly see this as a disadvantage in real life highway/city situations.

Silverado 2500 HD refuses to twist with the Ford F-250 [News] - The Fast Lane Truck

 

Just food for thought......if the "C" channel frame is so inadequate, why are all oif the class 8 heavy duty trucks still using that technology??? If the "C" channel is good enough for them, it is good enough for me!!!
The rest is advertising/marketing hype!!

 

I remember the days when frame flex was good to have. If you're loading your truck to max and driving through drainage ditches then you'll have issues, but if you are going to do that maybe a bone stock truck isn't for you. All these test are designed to push the vehicle to it's breaking point, every brand has them.

 

My 1991 F-250 will flex the frame a good 4-5" depending on how bad I have it twisted up. It's never caused an issue and it's seen 25 years of abuse, including being overloaded.

I don't see it as an issue.

(front bumper gap, body lines between bed, it flexes pretty good)

 

I want all the tires on the ground as long as possible, it is good to know what trucks will ride like a log wagon. I've been twisting my trucks up for 40 yrs and have yet to cause any body damage, now, contact with mother nature is a whole different story.

 

Even the frame of this beastie is designed to flex.
New Marine Corps CH-53K "King Stallion" carrying 27,000 lbs on a test flight.