I know this is way early but I have been reading the next generation F150 will be using the "P552" frame and is going to be a much lighter truck overall. I have not been able to find much about this frame but some people have guessed the next F150 could be a unibody type frame? Anyone in the know on this issue? I am just trying to decide if I should keep my 2004 FX4 or trade for a 2012/2013 or wait for the next generation??

 

I don't think the redesign will be until 2014 so you have plenty of time to get a current generation truck.

It seems that talk of a unibody has floated around but the most recent weight reduction measures that I've read are to use aluminum and other alloys to lighten the truck by about 1000 lbs.

 

I've heard the same as Tseekins...Aluminum alloy and Magnisum will probably be used for next gen components.

I don't think the next gen F-150 will be a Unibody personally...Its been speculated sure...But the only thing Ford themsevels have really talked about is using lighter materials, they even talked about using Magnisum for the next gen F-150's frame.

 

Having experience machining magnesium, I certainly hope that Ford stays away from that material. It has an extremely low flashpoint for a metal. I know that fuel economy is going to be required on the next gen trucks, but I would not buy one if it got 100 mpg if safety were compromised. Especially fire safety.

 

not pure magnesium, but a magnesium alloy. Not nearly as low of a flashpoint

 

I wish they would use a magnesium alloy in the steering column... try fighting a fire on most any modern vehicle and accidentally dump some water down a steering column. It gets really impressive!