Lower A-Arm Cheaper On The New 09's vs 04-08?
 

Hey guys,

I noticed that on 04-08 F150's it appears they come with a nice aluminum lower control arm and instead our new 09's come with a black steal one? Is there a reason they cheaped out?

Here's what Ford said back in 2003: With a driving feel that is designed to be plush yet connected to the road, F-150 has a front suspension system that readily absorbs bumps but stands strong against steering forces. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use new coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double wishbone front suspension with cast aluminum lower control arms – a first in the pickup truck segment. The suspension reduces unsprung weight to help provide better ride and stability on choppy, broken surfaces.


For the Raptor they say, "Unique cast-aluminum SVT front control arms are lightweight and strong."

For the 2009, the reviews say "stronger stamped steel". And Ford says, "“We’ve improved the new F-150’s driving dynamics, delivering a truck that’s consistently sure-footed in all driving situations and load conditions, regardless of the weather,” O’Leary said. “And we’ve built quality in to the new F-150 with laser-edge welds that are five times stronger than other trucks’ traditional spot welds. F-150 owners need to know that whether they use these trucks on the job site – or for play – they’re truly ‘Built Ford Tough.’ ”

F-150’s double wishbone short- and long-arm front suspension with coil over shocks shares components with the 2008 Expedition, although it has been further refined for the F-150. Double ball joint links allow for more precise steering inputs.

The Hotchkiss-designed rear suspension mounts the rear shock absorbers outboard of the frame rails for a smoother ride and improved body control. The revised suspension features 6-inch longer leaf springs. The springs are extended forward to provide better lateral compliance and refined rear axle steer characteristics."

----

My guess is they use a lighter stronger frame so the aluminum control arm experiment went out the window in favor of the stronger steel, and they use aluminum on the Raptor because the suspension and control arms are so much bigger they need to make it lightweight.

From what I've read its because of strength and cost.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...0-curious.html

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

I personally think that it was a cheaper reason to save costs, on casting! The Raptor has an Aluminum Lower control arm.....+ Aluminum eats road noise better than steel according to Ford!.....

I think it was to cut costs for sure. There are probably pros and cons to both but in the end it must be cheaper. Especially since my 09's got some chip marks that removed the paint and is now rusting. Where I don't think any of the aluminum ones rust. :(

Wonder if the 08's would fit an 09?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

If you got through the 2004 - 2008 forum, you will find some cases where the aluminum control arm broke. That might be part of the reason.

Thats why they choose aluminum for the baja racing Raptor... Cause they're more likely to break.


Cost saving measure. Plain & simple.

Which leads me to the question again... I wonder if there is any compnents from the older model that will fit our newer model? i.e. aluminum lower control arm. Or I wonder even if the Raptor Upper A Arms would fit after doing a little lift in the front to maintain good angles?

It's not that simple. The Raptor arm won't break because it is A LOT bigger with other different suspension parts, and they lowered the payload and towing to under 6000.

They chose aluminum for looks, weight savings and for absorbing jumps over sand dunes. Cost was a concern but they would just charge more for it.