gocartone

iTrader: (4)

The first test was unbiased where it kicked ***, but it was with a prototype(I doubt anything has changed from what I've heard about them).

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (19)

Judging by the pics it looks like damage due to impact and not lack of cross braces or lack of rigidity.

The best solution is probably stiffer springs and less abuse.

Bob@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (16)

This is a sticky situation for Ford. Hindsight being 20/20, they probably should of paid to have the frames straightened and reinforced with backing plates, then told the owners to put the stock shocks back on. This would of been much cheaper than the cost of the bad pr. Bob

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

Autoblog has an article with Ford talking about this, I'd link it but I'm on my phone.

deelong4002

iTrader: (8)

You really dont know what you are talking about. China produces some of the worst steel in the world. One minute its cutting fine, the next minute you hit a hard spot and break your tools.

88blackgt

This would have been a good idea. Slippery slope though it sounds like the people in this case were big in the aftermarket and most likely on forums so what happens when other owners expect the same treatment?

Lethal Z

+1
Advertise the truck as a light duty off road vehicle. Judging by the advertisements I've seen I would have thought the truck was tougher than this too. The rest of the truck seems to have been thought out very well. Ford may win the fight when it comes to getting out of paying for the repairs. But in the long run I think its gonna hurt them, everybody now knows the inherent weakness in the truck. For what they want for this truck its a no brainer your better off building it yourself.

DiscerningZ32

We've already addressed this a page ago.

I didn't feel like arguing then anymore than I do now, but there are nearly as many articles about the good aspects of Chinese steel as there are negative articles. Fact is, they produce more than any other country, and manufacturers all over the world see nothing wrong with using what they produce. I don't know how many Chinese steel companies already produce quality steel, or if others are changing and adapting. It's a serious mistake to generalize every company from a certain region when talking about any industry.

I don't know enough about the steel produced by each Chinese steel company to make a claim about the region's production as a whole (not that such a generalization would be wise in the first place). If you can make such a claim and provide sufficient data, I wouldn't mind reading it.

Irunelevens

That goes for anything. It always costs more to buy than it does to build.

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

Here's the article with the SVT boss talking about the frame issues. It makes some very good points, and anyone pointing the finger at Ford should give it a read.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/s...mage-claims-w/

VindicatedLS2gto

iTrader: (1)

^makes sense. Pretty much laid the hammer down didnt he?

Spoolin

iTrader: (8)

I agree, seems like they understand the problem, what caused it and who's responsible. With enough abuse, everything breaks.

SSCamaro99_3

iTrader: (1)

I watched the two Ford promo videos, the independent videos, and read the Autoblog article. It seems that whenever Ford really jumps the truck it is on a sand surface, which will displace a ton of the force the truck sees. The independent video looks to be a hard packed dirt or gravel surface, where much more force will be applied. if Ford can prove that they removed the speed limiter, and in turn damaged the truck while traveling above the design limitations of the truck, I bet they would deny the claim.

I think those guys are probably screwed.

67RSCamaroVette

iTrader: (63)

As a fabricator with experience in domestic and imported steel, i'm afraid you're very mistaken.