RangerM Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 Maybe I missed this elsewhere. Next-Generation Ford F-150 Delayed By Nearly Three Months Due To Aluminum Issues Not really concerned about the delay (so long as they get it right)), but what did catch my eye was this..... Ford will have already blown their Memorial Day launch target, with the new F-150 said to be late availability in 2014, with Ford’s Kansas City plant said to be cranking out current generation trucks, which will now feature a frame that is one full gauge thinner on “non-tow” models. Not sure what to make of that. One truck, two different frames? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucky2 Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 While that is interesting, that's also a sorta WTF. I mean, I like getting the towing package for the increased cooling, along with factory run wiring and a hitch that I can use to mount...well, whatever I can mount on that hitch. So this means that if I want a V-6 (or whatever will be offered as the FE engine choice) in an F-150, with a hitch, I can't get the more FE frame? That will blow if true... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 (edited) Consider the source... TTAC is basically an auto version of worldnetdaily. Their "source" is either completely fictional or someone that is more familiar with tinfoil hat than aluminum. Edited December 11, 2013 by bzcat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 HEY, I WAS RIGHT....diferent frames for different needs....makes perfect sence that a V6 strippy doesnt need the same frame as one with the 11300lb max tow feature..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 Consider the source... TTAC is basically an auto version of worldnetdaily. Their "source" is either completely fictional or someone that is more familiar with tinfoil hat than aluminum. I too take it with a grain of salt, but i wouldnt doubt Ford will experience some hurdles as such.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 (edited) While that is interesting, that's also a sorta WTF. I mean, I like getting the towing package for the increased cooling, along with factory run wiring and a hitch that I can use to mount...well, whatever I can mount on that hitch. So this means that if I want a V-6 (or whatever will be offered as the FE engine choice) in an F-150, with a hitch, I can't get the more FE frame? That will blow if true... dis-agree, i bet the frames will match perfectly to their needs, capacities and capabilities.... Edited December 11, 2013 by Deanh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Here's my issue with their claim: They assert that current generation trucks will be getting two different frames. I cannot imagine that the current frame will be the same as the next frame, therefore this is not an instance of the current truck getting one of the 'features' of the next truck ahead of time. Secondly, I cannot imagine that Ford would implement a change like this on a lame-duck model that, originally, was scheduled to have a short model year. Regarding the claim of a lighter weight frame for a non-tow model? It seems credible. I could see Ford opting for a lighter gauge for certain models, as the frame is not what changes between the various payload & tow ratings. Placing a frame capable of towing 12,000lbs under a vehicle rated for 5,000 seems like absurd overengineering. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mettech Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 The new Ranger has appeared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2b2 Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Consider the source... TTAC is basically an auto version of worldnetdaily. Their "source" is either completely fictional or someone that is more familiar with tinfoil hat than aluminum. hmmm since "tinfoil" actually IS aluminum (afaik) sounds like TTAC is colluding to create a self-fulfilling prophecy & the delay is all their fault Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosetang Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Well if TTAC said it one thing we can be certain of: the next-generation F-150 is not being delayed by nearly three months due to aluminum issues. I'm only sorta kidding. This could be true, but I want to see a better source than TTAC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7Mary3 Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Maybe I missed this elsewhere. Next-Generation Ford F-150 Delayed By Nearly Three Months Due To Aluminum Issues Not really concerned about the delay (so long as they get it right)), but what did catch my eye was this..... Not sure what to make of that. One truck, two different frames? I saw that too. Funny thing is I just took delivery of 3 new 'non-tow' F-150's, and the chassis metal does seem to be thinner than previous F-150's. I have not mic'ed it yet to see for sure. Anyone know if this has started yet? Trucks are Kansas City builds. BTW- Ford has a long history of making changes to 'lame duck' models! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan1 Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 We reached out to Ford and were told by a spokesman, "We don't speculate on future products." We'll be sure to follow-up and let you know as more information becomes available. http://www.autoblog.com/2013/12/11/next-ford-f-150-delayed-aluminum-body-panel-issues/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 (edited) This sounds suspiciously like someone with big ears caught part of the story and filled in the rest, this clearly sounds like the first batch of prototypes had issues with stamping and folding due to material quality. perhaps the worst case scenario is up to 6-10 weeks delay if issues aren't corrected by second prototype build timing... I'm not saying that's it exactly but maybe Pioneer or someone else can advise the actual state of play... Edited December 12, 2013 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lfeg Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 All that I know is that new press lines were put in for making the aluminum stampings, including some newly designed equipment. Most recent that I have heard is that panels are being stamped and that ramp up will be deliberate. Reasonable given that there is new production equipment, new tooling, new material. Cannot say much more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Clearly Ford has no experience stamping aluminum body panel. I also seems that the major suppliers do not have much experience producing sheet aluminum with the proper properties. Not really concerned about the delay (so long as they get it right), ... This is also a case where there is no "fall back" ! They HAVE to "get it right", or they will be out of business !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerM Posted December 12, 2013 Author Share Posted December 12, 2013 The new Ranger has appeared. Possibly. I recently had the chance to take my F-150 on the highway for a trip, and if the computer is to be believed, the reported FE was 27+. If true (and I can't confirm it because I've been driving on the same tank since I got back to town, so the average has dropped a lot), that is better than anything I ever got with my '93 Ranger. (25-26 was the best I ever got) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 The new Ranger has appeared.I assume you are referring to the speculation of a thinner frame on certain models. I don't have much of a problem with using a thinner frame on the base V6 models. They might drop the supercrew option for the base engine. It would still have a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. It also opens the possibility for a 2.3L EcoBoost model ! 2 door, short bed, flareside ! Add a lowering kit and use 15" rims !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 (edited) 1/4 ton F100? Clearly Ford has no experience stamping aluminum body panel. I also seems that the major suppliers do not have much experience producing sheet aluminum with the proper properties. My 2000 Lincoln LS had aluminum fenders, hood and trunk. Weren't those stamped? Edited December 12, 2013 by akirby 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Clearly Ford has no experience stamping aluminum body panel. I also seems that the major suppliers do not have much experience producing sheet aluminum with the proper properties. Does the hood on the current gen F150 count as a body panel? It's been Al since the 2004 model I believe. That amounts to, what, about 4 million or so vehicles, not counting the LS akirby mentioned, and the other Ford products with Al hoods. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 The Mustang has used alu hoods since 2005 also... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 The Mustang has used alu hoods since 2005 also... For some reason I thought I remember reading that the Mustang hoods are stamped by an external supplier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnm Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 The 1996 taurus, sable, and crown vics had aluminum deck lids. Ford isn't new to the aluminum game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92merc Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Does the hood on the current gen F150 count as a body panel? It's been Al since the 2004 model I believe. That amounts to, what, about 4 million or so vehicles, not counting the LS akirby mentioned, and the other Ford products with Al hoods. My 2003 SuperCrew has aluminum hood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blwnsmoke Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 5th gen explorers (2011-2014) have aluminum hoods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucky2 Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 dis-agree, i bet the frames will match perfectly to their needs, capacities and capabilities.... As long as if there's a FE frame and a Full Capability frame, than when someone chooses the tow option they can still get the FE frame just with a reduced towing spec I'd be fine with that; and no Class I/II please, Class III would be fine for FE frame w/ tow. That's all I'm saying... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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