Had time to kill yesterday and was checking under the truck just to be sure there were no oil drips/leaks from my recent dealer oil change and noticed that Ford changed the lower control arms back to steel from the "much touted" aluminium they introduced on the '04 models...anyone know why? Probably cheaper?

 

How on earth have you missed all the threads about this lol. I seems to be due to strengh and cost. The stamped steel is much stronger than cast alloy and the weight difference is very minimal. Cost will also be a factor as the steel should the cheaper to produce.

 

Sorry bout that...I honestly have been all over this site and not seen it mentioned...funny how when they introduced it back on the 04's, Ford was touting the extra strength, quietness, etc. of the new alum lower control arms. Anyway, thank Barritia

 

I've never seen that thread at all myself. If anyone finds the link can you paste it.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ntrol-arm.html

 

I truly believe it has to do with cost! If it was a strength issue, why does the SVT Raptor have the Aluminum control arms? ...........

 

From pickuptrucks.com...

"I think the primary consideration for the aluminum LCA on the Raptor was weight. The steel LCA on the '09 F-150 weighs ~2 lbs more than the aluminum LCA from the '08 F-150. The Raptor LCA is MUCH bigger than stock, and would weigh MUCH more if it were steel. Cost plays a factor also, but less for a small run of parts. Beside, with a steel LCA, they couldn't cast 'SVT' into it. (Yes, they really did, and you don't have to crawl on the ground to see it. If you stand in front of the truck, it is visible. You just need to know where to look.)"

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From vtach...

"There have been some mention of the topic in a few publications. The change was made for increased strength. There have been some issues with the aluminum part cracking when the trucks have been carrying loads near their rated capacities. because Ford is betting on the work truck market swinging more toward the smaller F150 and away from the larger duty trucks. The increased strength and durability of the steel part was preferred."

"We have eight 08' F150's as fleet trucks Two of them have suffered suffered fractured aluminum LCA's. The parts have been replaced by Ford under warranty on all eight trucks with steel parts. Its the reason why I know the facts about the change to steel on the 09's."

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...minum-lca.html

 

Cost...