Why do we need a stronger frame?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 3
From: monroe ct
To be fair, I've never heard of anyone bending or breaking the frame of their Super Duty. I think it's a ride, handling, and NVH thing more than anything capability related.
Road tractors use open C-channel frames. And they twist, shimmy, and shake far more than any light duty truck I've ever seen. Sure they're strong enough to haul lots of weight, but they certainly don't do it gracefully.
Road tractors use open C-channel frames. And they twist, shimmy, and shake far more than any light duty truck I've ever seen. Sure they're strong enough to haul lots of weight, but they certainly don't do it gracefully.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
That's such a tired old argument, I think it's ready to die.
I haven't been underneath a vehicle that didn't have a fully boxed frame up front, and with rare exception frames don't seem to rust out. I've been wrong before, and I'm sure I'll be wrong again. Can you or someone else point me to the myriad rusted out front frames in Super Duties?
I haven't been underneath a vehicle that didn't have a fully boxed frame up front, and with rare exception frames don't seem to rust out. I've been wrong before, and I'm sure I'll be wrong again. Can you or someone else point me to the myriad rusted out front frames in Super Duties?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 1
Has it accrued to anyone that maybe the reason why Ford stuck with the "C Channel" frame for so long is because they designed their frames to flex? Other than the "Swiss Cheese" frames on the light duty F-Series and the Broncos in 1980-'81, the "C Channel" frame has been non-issue IMO, and Ford has been using ever since the Model T pickups came out.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Has it accrued to anyone that maybe the reason why Ford stuck with the "C Channel" frame for so long is because they designed their frames to flex? Other than the "Swiss Cheese" frames on the light duty F-Series and the Broncos in 1980-'81, the "C Channel" frame has been non-issue IMO, and Ford has been using ever since the Model T pickups came out.
While you are 100% correct, when the other brands do it and sell it to the public as necessary, Ford is forced to follow. Necessary or not... It' a marketing necessity not a structural necessity.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,279
Likes: 12
I guess we'll all know after a few test drives.
The "13" 2500 Chevy I test drove was MUCH more comfortable
and tighter than my Ford. If it wasn't for my Pullrite hitch swap over,
I'd be driving that Chevy. I hope Ford catches up, God knows they can
afford to.
The "13" 2500 Chevy I test drove was MUCH more comfortable
and tighter than my Ford. If it wasn't for my Pullrite hitch swap over,
I'd be driving that Chevy. I hope Ford catches up, God knows they can
afford to.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I don't think anyone honestly thinks it's a structural necessity. But there are reasons they'd make a switch like this, and I'm pretty sure ride and handling are part of that.
If a Super Duty rode like a Model T pickup nobody would buy them.
If a Super Duty rode like a Model T pickup nobody would buy them.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 6
From: Massachusetts
I test drove a 14 2500 Chevy and agree it gives a better ride. Ford wants a solid front axle so it wont equal the ride of the Chevy. Maybe next generation will be IFS?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: PA
Ride quality is subjective. What one person likes that next may not. I prefer a firm ride myself. I feel my 03's ride on the street is good for me as I have very little body roll. My same truck is also a bear when not on paved roads, ride isn't pleasant at all, ha.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I sure hope not.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
IFS, if done right, could be awesome. Much simpler to work on in most designs, and a proper setup could last just as long. How many Super Duties have needed balljoints well before 100,000 miles? Ever glance at the parts list and repair procedure for that? Substantially more work and required parts to replace balljoints in a D60 than it is just about anything IFS I've ever heard of.
It would need to be done right though. But if they can put IFS under an MRAP and have it survive, I'm pretty sure a pickup truck would be doable.
It would need to be done right though. But if they can put IFS under an MRAP and have it survive, I'm pretty sure a pickup truck would be doable.