Why do we need a stronger frame?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Why would you want a 1950s era V8? Modern designs are SO much better than that!
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Breckenridge, TX
Chevys.... IFS in HD trucks.... Tie rod ends.... Flopping tires.... Joke.... Laughter.... No?
It's not just the tie rods failing, but frames cracking, torsion bars breaking, CVs and u-joints blowing. Chevy's main problem is an undersized system in a fat truck, and even with the aluminum Jenny Craig Diet Ford's aren't exactly svelte so change management of rolling out a better IFS would take some effort to mitigate the most-known issues.
Ford can replace their currently-crappy Tiwn I-Beam IFS with one that doesn't suffer from the common complaints associated with the only brand that runs IFS in their HD 4wd trucks, prove that it's not a bad system when done better, then migrate to a 4wd version of the system. To me there's literally nothing to lose in replacing the Twin I-Beam, so use it to prove Ford won't have the same failure-points as Chevy deals with.
It's not just the tie rods failing, but frames cracking, torsion bars breaking, CVs and u-joints blowing. Chevy's main problem is an undersized system in a fat truck, and even with the aluminum Jenny Craig Diet Ford's aren't exactly svelte so change management of rolling out a better IFS would take some effort to mitigate the most-known issues.
Ford can replace their currently-crappy Tiwn I-Beam IFS with one that doesn't suffer from the common complaints associated with the only brand that runs IFS in their HD 4wd trucks, prove that it's not a bad system when done better, then migrate to a 4wd version of the system. To me there's literally nothing to lose in replacing the Twin I-Beam, so use it to prove Ford won't have the same failure-points as Chevy deals with.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,290
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From: Central MO
I could live with a V6 diesel too. Actually, a V6 version of the 6.7L putting out 300/600 would suit me perfectly, assuming it could be had for $5-6k over the gasser instead of $9k like the 6.7L
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Annandale, VA
You can have that in a few months, its called the Nissan Titan and I hope more people give it a serious look. I know I will for my future truck. I don't need and don't want to pay for the extra capability I don't need in a 3/4 ton truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
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If you look at the Super Duty forum on this site, I think the about most common issues reported are front ball joint and axle/bearing problems.
Certified Thread Hijacker
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With that said, the new Titan is ugly.
Josh
Super Moderator
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From: Maine, Virginia
Sure, before 2011, but the new GM HD IFS is stronger than what's under the Super Duty. It still may not have quite the wheel travel and ground clearance isn't as good, but it's strong, I will give them that. I have yet to do any suspension work on the 2011 HD's in our fleet. Fords? Well......
If you look at the Super Duty forum on this site, I think the about most common issues reported are front ball joint and axle/bearing problems.
If you look at the Super Duty forum on this site, I think the about most common issues reported are front ball joint and axle/bearing problems.
The market definition of these trucks is "light duty".
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I've seen lots of folks with bone stock trucks with balljoint issues. Redford's truck needs balljoints for the second time, and he just rolled over 100,000 miles. I don't think it happens to every truck, but it's certainly a common issue.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
I needed ball joints in my 1986 and 1988 F-150's well before the 75K mile mark and my trucks were bone stock. Neither of these trucks had serviceable ball joints from the factory. I don't consider ball joints to be a deal breaker, the front end takes a pounding.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Central MO
on it, then it would likely be my next truck, as it's specs are exactly what I'm looking for. However, I've never felt comfortable in anything else, and nothing seems to fit me like a Ford.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 1
I believe Nissan is calling the Titan XD a 1/2 ton, but I've noticed that most 1/2 trucks cost just as much, if not more, than the heavy duty trucks do. Lastly, according to the Fast Lane Truck on YouTube, "our" government used taxpayer's money and/or/a.k.a, the Bank of China's money to help Cummins fund the 5.0L diesel engine project. The Cummins 5.0L diesel engine was developed for another manufactures truck, but shelved for nine years before Nissan contracted to use it in their Titan XD trucks. Just knowing this, I hope the Nissan Titan XD fails miserably
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
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.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
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I believe Nissan is calling the Titan XD a 1/2 ton, but I've noticed that most 1/2 trucks cost just as much, if not more, than the heavy duty trucks do. Lastly, according to the Fast Lane Truck on YouTube, "our" government used taxpayer's money and/or/a.k.a, the Bank of China's money to help Cummins fund the 5.0L diesel engine project. The Cummins 5.0L diesel engine was developed for another manufactures truck, but shelved for nine years before Nissan contracted to use it in their Titan XD trucks. Just knowing this, I hope the Nissan Titan XD fails miserably
Nissan doesn't sell very many trucks, so it will be interesting how it works out for them.
Josh
Senior User
Joined: May 2015
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From: Woodland Park, CO
Pretty sure Dodge and Nissan were part of that same program (2008?) to use a small V8 in a 1/2 ton truck. Dodge was bought out by Fiat and that program went to a Fiat diesel engine.
Nissan doesn't sell very many trucks, so it will be interesting how it works out for them.
Josh
Nissan doesn't sell very many trucks, so it will be interesting how it works out for them.
Josh
I'm sure a Titan diesel will be same cost as a F-250 6.7. I plan on test driving one, looks pretty nice. I just bought the wife a new Nissan Armada back in May, but I personally like driving American brands and Ford is my favorite. I welcome competition from all, it benefits us!