Rupert

Already searched the F-150 2015+ website and didn't find any conclusive answers.
Husky rear wheel well liners came with steel mounting hardware that bolts to the aluminum. Worried about contact corrosion. Heard that the Ford wheel well liners also come with steel mounting hardware.
Not isolating this question to just wheel well liners. Also, found a couple spots where bed meets the frame where steel frame looks like it comes in direct contact with aluminum bed. like here...





Other spots on my truck between steel and aluminum are clearly padded. example...





Researching several websites suggests that only aluminum or vinyl hardware should be used to fasten anything to aluminum, avoid steel fasteners making direct contact with the aluminum. Aluminum will be on the receiving end of corrosion when steel meets aluminum.
Important question when owning a new aluminum body truck attached to steel frame. Probably not an issue for most but I live in SW Pennsylvania where corrosion is a real problem and don't want to do anything that might accelerate that corrosion. Anyone with any facts?

jess1

Really? My husky wheel liner (15) was all SEM screws into clips. No dissimilar metals contact. Did they change that?

Ifallsguy

You can start with this support form from Ford https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/Q-222.pdf.

I need to attach some snaps to the from of the box. The stainless screws wouldn't work so I contacted an aluminum certified Ford body tech. He suggested aluminum pop rivets with nylon washers to isolate. Also use a new, sharp drill bit.

As for a sealant, use GE Silicon II. Doesn't smell like vinegar, but takes a while to cure without the acid.

Thoas Lindemann

on aircraft, which are much more picky than a truck for corrosion, it is common to use a steel fastener, but you would use an aluminum washer, then steel washer then nut or bolt.

Turbo_Bimmer

Does the aluminum washer have a shoulder that goes inside the aluminum piece to keep the steel fastener to move sideways and touch the aluminum piece? Or the contact is minimal and it doesn't matter?

Thoas Lindemann

nah just normal washers, contact is minimal and normally you will use something for corrosion when you assemble it.


Its probably more over kill than anything, keep in mind there are tons of motorcycles, cars etc... that use steel fasteners directly into aluminum.

Rupert

All the hardware is steel, including the clips that attach directly to the aluminum body of the truck.

jess1

Must've changed, then, as mine came with plastic clips w/metal inserts (nuts). No metal contact...

Xlt5

Im interested in these answers - I've been planning on picking up the Husky liners, I'll be curious to see what's included for hardware.




I've also wondered the same things where the bed meets the frame! mine is the same way, clearly padded in a couple of spots and not in others...any ideas on this folks??

Ifallsguy

Suggestion. Just go on Amazon and buy the Ford OEM set. I did and it comes with the correct hardware and barrier tapes. No drilling and exact fit. Just make sure you get the correct set for your wheel setup (flare or no flare).