What's the verdict on Fords aluminum bodies, how they holding up?

I'm looking at updating my old '06 F150. I know in '15 they switched to the aluminum frames. Just wondering how they are holding up for everyone and/or what you have heard? Especially in the midwest, with long winters and TONS of SALT on the roadways .

 

I think the frame is steel, the body is aluminum, no?
I remember reading about the special body mounts they had to invent to stop the galvanic corrosion between the 2 metals

 

I have been around a few. So far not impressed. Not enough weight to control a trailer.

 

Maybe?

 

The entire body is aluminum. Cab, doors, fenders, hood and box. Frame is still steel.

 

I have been wondering about the aluminum body Ford F-150s as well. Salt and rust are constant battles here too.

My 2006 Tundra is still holding strong - just a little surface rust here and there. I religiously coat our trucks with fluid film, and am now trying out the new PB Blaster surface shield product that is supposed to adhere better than the FF. It is a petroleum product I believe and requires good ventilation or breathing protection. Seems to be a good product.

 

Ford has been using aluminum panels since the early 2000’s. Early on there was big problems, they seem to have ironed it out for the most part. Lately most of the oxidation comes from pits in the paint.

If I was buying a used vehicle in the rust belt I’d me more concerned with the frame. I have seen many vehicles that look great on the topside but the frame is rotted out.

 

You are right Warner. I do my interior body panels once every few years, but the frames on our trucks are under constant surveillance, and re-coated twice a year, and touched up in high spray areas anytime it is needed. The PB product is supposed to adhere better to road spray areas than the FF.

 

Thanks!

 

No doubt!

 

I've got a '16 lariat. No issues with paint/ rust/ body. They did the right thing when it comes to the body panels being aluminum.

As far as weight, the new GM's are lighter than the alloy bodied f series. Sure the body on the fords is less weight, but the frame and running gear are all heavier in weight and HD - ness than the GM's. I've heard that argument before about them not weighing enough and trailer loads, and it's simply not true.

 

16” f150 lariat as well. No rust or oxidation issues at all. Paint and body looks like new. No problems towing. Actually tows my 4000 lb boat way better than any truck I’ve owned. Now gas milage while towing that’s a whole other issue