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The OFFICIAL Steel vs. Aluminum Fact-Checking Thread

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Old 01-24-2018, 12:37 PM
  #111  
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Post What a great Thread

I just joined the forum yesterday and have to say this was one of the best threads I read so far. I loved all the information and appreciate the time people took to explain things. I loved my old steel cars and trucks the 70's and 80's but have to say that the new F150 is amazing me everyday I drive it and use it. Have had no issues with the lighter aluminum on this truck. Again I am not using this on a construction site or for any heavy duty haul of bricks/rocks/jagged objects, but I am towing a boat and loading this thing up with stuff all the time and have no issues. There will be people on both sides of this argument all the time but for now I am going to enjoy my new ride and get the most out of it.
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Old 01-29-2018, 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by MrMeeseeks
Well what exactly do you mean by ride quality? Distance, smoothness?
I have the last of the Steel 2014 f150 FX4. A good friend of mine has a 2017 FX4 lariat. The thing he noticed to me in the winter months he needs 4wd when drive much more often and has to had add weight to the back to keep from being squirly when it snows,sleets... where I rarely need to engage 4WD.... For other reasons, I am looking forward to seeing the ranger and bronco ( both will have some aluminum) but mostly Steel....
He has the Same motor, and trim level
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Old 01-29-2018, 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by roxbury29
I have the last of the Steel 2014 f150 FX4. A good friend of mine has a 2017 FX4 lariat. The thing he noticed to me in the winter months he needs 4wd when drive much more often and has to had add weight to the back to keep from being squirly when it snows,sleets... where I rarely need to engage 4WD.... For other reasons, I am looking forward to seeing the ranger and bronco ( both will have some aluminum) but mostly Steel....
He has the Same motor, and trim level
There is truth to this. My 14 was RWD and never had a need for 4WD, and didn't even need weight. My 16 is 4WD and needs weight and 4WD or it gets loose in the rear. And this is also when it is just wet out. Both trucks weigh within 20 pounds of each other, but there is something quite different where the 14 just felt more grounded.
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Old 04-19-2018, 05:47 PM
  #114  
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Aluminum doesn't rust but....it sure corrodes when salt hits it...im waiting to see ,,,meantime driving a 2103 steel body !
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Old 04-20-2018, 12:06 PM
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Only if it's bare metal. Hopefully Ford has the lap seams sealed properly to keep the crap out, if not, that will be where the corrosion will start. Happens on the tailgates for the Expeditions which were aluminum.
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Old 05-16-2018, 06:01 PM
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This is a wonderfully informative conversation about steel vs. aluminum. The only thing I would like to point out is, the vast majority of aircraft and their parts are made from 2024 not 6061. The latter is MUCH cheaper and easier to work with than the former.
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Old 05-17-2018, 08:46 AM
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I'm not a fan of"all" aluminum. Love my 2014 last of the steel F150... There are some aluminum on it as with most vehicles. But let's face it. Ford picked the vehicle they sell the Most of and made it different. Something that's morm expensive to repair and something that is more profitable for them. In the long run it will help them more, because there will be more opportunities for people to purchase them rather than keep for ever and repair.

Always been a Ford guy, and my next will be very likely a Ranger (which will be more Steel than Aluminum).
Lightweight high-strength steel!!

​​​​​
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Old 05-18-2018, 08:21 AM
  #118  
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I'm thinking about upgrading my 14 for an 18, so that I can have a vehicle that will last longer. Around here, rust is a big deal. I like the idea of dropping hundreds of pounds of weight, and having body panels that can't rust.
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Old 05-20-2018, 05:52 PM
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Peterbuilt has been using aluminum for 70 years so I figured what the heck!
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Old 05-23-2018, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Bluewoo
Peterbuilt has been using aluminum for 70 years so I figured what the heck!
The Kenworth W900 has an aluminum/fiberglass cab and sleeper. They even use aluminum crossmembers to strengthen the frame.
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