What type of spindle do you have?

[Msfitoy]

Cost cut? Glad I have aluminum...

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[Jamesb]

Interesting catch.. I wonder if the choice to have them made in Aluminum/steel coincided with the US Govt. timing of imposed tariffs on Canadian Aluminum? Everyone knows that the US demand of Aluminum is much higher than domestic supply.

Overall: Steel is approx. 2 1/2 times as dense as aluminum so its a trade off, Aluminum - lighter but more expensive. Steel - Heavier/Stronger and less expensive.

Dec 2019 Build: Aluminum # KB3C 3K 186 AD

 

[dtech]

F-150 owners and prospective owners need to have a magnet handy.

 

[Msfitoy]

It could be Ford decided it wants a bit more strength in that area in exchange for weight penalty?

 

[veloci1]

Cast iron on mine. is it stronger? maybe? i would have liked the alum one, but, it is what it is now.

 

[cb4017]

Cast iron on mine. is it stronger? maybe? i would have liked the alum one, but, it is what it is now.

I would think it has to be stronger. FCA Jeep went with aluminum knuckles on the JL Wranglers. There have been reports of ball joint bolts coming loose. Related? I don't know but it does make you wonder.

It seems to me that by the time folks add bigger/heavier tires/wheels, off road use, etc. that there has to be a lot of additional stress on the knuckles/spindles. For a street driven rig it probably doesn't matter. Personally I'm glad mine are cast iron.

 

[Jamesb]

Cast iron on mine. is it stronger? maybe? i would have liked the alum one, but, it is what it is now.

Steel is stronger, hence why the Ranger Raptor has steel. I would ask ppl on here who are much more knowledgeable about hardcore 4x4'ing than I am but if that is your thing my guess would be most upgraded replacement parts are Steel.

Aluminum vs. Steel is/has been an ongoing debate for many years. Lots of advantages to both so typically comes down to the eng. FEA and cost/availability. Both options are perfectly adequate.

 

[dtech]

https://www.knowyourparts.com/techn...n/aluminum-suspension-component-service-tips/

besides weight the article mentions alum transmits less NVH - also makes a claim that in "most cases" aluminum is as strong as steel or cast iron.

I know some heavy duty off roading dudes prefer steel wheels over alloy.

 

[HenryMac]

My 19 is aluminum and my 20 is cast steel.

Say what... Double Power Rangers! Keep them apart or there'll be Ford Couriers in your driveway... ?

 

[HenryMac]

Steel is stronger

Depends on the design and the alloy used. What kind of steel: Cast Steel, Forged Steel? What alloy of aluminum?

The ideal design minimizes the unsprung weight. And with the massive size of the front spindles aluminum is for sure the better design.

I'm betting they had supply issues and turned to another source and will eventually go back to aluminum.

 

[Cape Cruiser]

Say what... Double Power Rangers! Keep them apart or there'll be Ford Couriers in your driveway... ?

Some Ranger babies would be nice ! LOl

 

[HenryMac]

Some Ranger babies would be nice ! LOl

One of these would be sweet.

 

[Cape Cruiser]

Wow my neighbors little son would go crazy for that ! Cool

 

[Xwaz]

Mine is build September 2020 and its Steel, my are cast. My best guess is that with Covid plus tariffs there was an aluminum shortage/ massive price jump, making Ford switch to Cast.
Time will tell, if the 2021s start coming with aluminum again then that might be true.
However, if they stay with steel is may have been a strength issue, possible bending. In Exchange to a small weight penalty.

 

[Sandman Ranger]

Alumininium!

My year one GTI MK7 missed out on larger center screen but has all the stuff before cost saving started. .....and they say never buy a year one vehicle until they work the bugs out. .....or remove the good stuff.

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