2014 F150 Crew Cab had a wreck where I ran the left frame rail (contact at left tow hook) directly into cement wall at about 10 mph. Now the steering wheel is turned slightly left while driving straight. Body shop just wants to replace subframe at the front and perform 4-wheel alignment. Problem is the subframe at the front is forward of all front suspension assembly. I.e. there's damage behind the subframe that's causing the alignment issue but they're not solving it by performing an alignment. Anybody have any idea what the issue could be? Something must be bent out of spec that they're not seeing.

 

There is no "subframe" on an F150, and Ford does not authorize cutting the frame. It should be pulled by a skilled shop with a true frame machine. If that doesn't work, the frame must be replaced. This is for older trucks, but the idea is the same as described in this caption:


(phone app link)

 

i'm not sure what ford does or doesn't recommend, but the newer frames are joined in sections and i see shops cutting at those sections and replacing frequently.

i'm not sure what could be wrong with replacing at those sections... maybe changing the hardness of the steel at that point? but with that, wouldn't it be altered when they are joined in manufacturing? unless they have enormous ovens where they temper the whole frame as one piece?

 

You are correct. I misspoke. It's called a "Front Rail" not "subframe". All the same, any ideas on the alignment issue? Someone has suggested it could be the steering gear box or some part of the steering rack.

 

i imagine it could be anything suspension or steering related... hope it's not the steering gearbox... the electric power steering rack is like $1200 or something