Ford frame strength

[pappy19]

I can't say about the newer Dodges, but in the past dodge 3/4-1 ton frames were the weakest of the big 3 makers. While most of the pipeline welders drive Dodges (due to their love of the Cummins diesel), they all welded an extra piece of steel along the frame between to cab and bed due to the permanent bend in the frames from going over extreme terrain. Ford and Chevy driven welders did not need this extra plate. Also, at the Ford dealers, they used to have a big display on their frames compared to Chevy and Dodge on the 1/2 ton trucks. Maybe Chevy and Dodge finally decided to beef up their frames as well. Biggest problem my friends are having with the new Chevy's is bad electronics and interior parts coming loose or falling off.

[overlander63]

This is only partly topical, but how many people have stopped on a bridge with traffic driving over it? The bridge flexes, then returns to its shape.
Structurally, if you make something so stiff it never bends, it will simply snap in half. So, in many cases, the stiffer frame is also the weaker.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by shaggy1970AS

Since we are looking at videos here is one for ride quality. I am sure the Chevy, GMC, Ram, Toyota guys will will say it doesn't mean anything just like the Honda and Yamaha Generator guys say why you should buy them over....

Just try this with a F250 or F350 and see what happens. The F150 is a different truck.
Fords twin I beam front end rode smooth but ate tires.

[bel73]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Structurally, if you make something so stiff it never bends, it will simply snap in half. So, in many cases, the stiffer frame is also the weaker.

So true. This is the reason Peterbilt, KW, etc. does not fully box their frames. Without some type of flex that energy will be dissipated to places you don't want it.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by overlander63

This is only partly topical, but how many people have stopped on a bridge with traffic driving over it? The bridge flexes, then returns to its shape.
Structurally, if you make something so stiff it never bends, it will simply snap in half. So, in many cases, the stiffer frame is also the weaker.

The only truck I've known to break frames was fords in the 1980s.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by bel73

So true. This is the reason Peterbilt, KW, etc. does not fully box their frames. Without some type of flex that energy will be dissipated to places you don't want it.

Ya, like the suspension.