aluminum VS. stamped steel control arms

[01exp4x4]

When the 03' came out it had aluminum control arms.

Later they switch to stamped steel...

Why?
To save money?

Seems like the Aluminum might be better, and cost more to make...

ANYONE? ...opinions?

I might polish my rear arms. LOL seriously...
Just cause I could.

 

[tonydiv]

They are much more expensive to produce. The reduced weight and higher torsional rigidity makes them perform much better, why do you think that the Raptor has great big aluminum a-arms?

 

[mindgame]

I might polish my rear arms. LOL seriously...
Just cause I could.

I did

 

[01exp4x4]

I did

Post a picture of the polished arms if you can.
I like your expy.

What island you on?
I'm from the Big Island...

They are much more expensive to produce. The reduced weight and higher torsional rigidity makes them perform much better, why do you think that the Raptor has great big aluminum a-arms?

I checked out pictures of the raptors arms. Aluminum like you say.
They look like expedition arms, sort of...

Are other f150 arms stamped steel?

Like your expy as well, the front bumper change and lift sure make it look nice.
I had a 97' and always hated the stock pointy bumper...

 

[FordandPolaris]

Pretty sure my dad's 04 had aluminum control arms. One problem we ran into is that we could not get the lower ball joints to press out no matter what we tried. We figured it was due to the same reason aluminum alloy wheels tend to seize to the wheel studs.

 

[01exp4x4]

Pretty sure my dad's 04 had aluminum control arms. One problem we ran into is that we could not get the lower ball joints to press out no matter what we tried. We figured it was due to the same reason aluminum alloy wheels tend to seize to the wheel studs.

You mean due to the salt that's put on the roads?

 

[tonydiv]

Any time you have two dissimilar metals in contact with each other, there will be some degree of galvanic corrosion. (It's actually the principle that makes batteries work.)

The parts can end up 'welding' themselves together. (and yes, salt helps that process along) So that's why you always use an anti-seize compound when you put steel (or stainless) fasteners in to an aluminum part.

 

[01exp4x4]

Any time you have two dissimilar metals in contact with each other, there will be some degree of galvanic corrosion. (It's actually the principle that makes batteries work.)

The parts can end up 'welding' themselves together. (and yes, salt helps that process along) So that's why you always use an anti-seize compound when you put steel (or stainless) fasteners in to an aluminum part.

Electrolysis...
I currently use Marine Grade anti seize with no metal from Loc Tite...
Used to use graphite, much messier than the Marine Grade stuff.

Too bad Ford doesn't use it on their parts.

I don't assemble anything without it anymore.

Sort of learned my lesson. Stuff just tightens up smoother with it.

Lug nuts? ...ALWAYS USE IT!!!

 

[MoHawk]

Post a picture of the polished arms if you can.
I like your expy.

What island you on?
I'm from the Big Island...



.

Hey me too. Where at? I grew up in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Keaa'u, Hilo Side

 

[01exp4x4]

Hey me too. Where at? I grew up in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Keaa'u, Hilo Side

I used to stay in Paradise Paradise on 3rd at Makuu.
Wow, small world

Do you know Kenny Pantalion or Tommy boy?

I was in on the junk yard at the old Keaau Sugar Mill site on rail road about 10 years ago...
I helped dismantle the old mill for scrap.
Also hauled alot of the cars there from all over the island.

Kind of miss the park...
Nude beach...
the volcano...