Aluminum Body

[Huck]

You can't effectively spot weld aluminum very well or represent hence the mechanical fastners / rivets. From a strength side there is not a compromise from one to the other. Mechanical fastners just take longer to apply then w spot weld

But also are better suited for repair. And maintain material properties across the sheet

 

[SVT_4X4]

Definitely uses a lot more mechanical fastening with the aluminum vs welding for steel.

I imagine it makes the truck harder to build the first time, but may be easier to repair. Also they are using an adhesive in between the parts.

 

[KaiserM715]

Also they are using an adhesive in between the parts.

I was wondering about that... I thought they might be, but wasn't sure.

 

[Idleone]

but may be easier to repair

Aluminum is a nightmare to repair. I can see these trucks being total losses more easily considering the limited repairablity on aluminum as well as the increased labor costs associated with the repairs. These body panels are going to cost a ton as well...

 

[SVT_4X4]

Aluminum is a nightmare to repair. I can see these trucks being total losses more easily considering the limited repairablity on aluminum as well as the increased labor costs associated with the repairs. These body panels are going to cost a ton as well...

I can't comment on the cost of the panels because have not looked at them, but what they have done with this design is make the panels in more parts, that will just be replaced, and not repaired in the old manner. It looks like rivets will be removed, new panel installed with adhesive and new rivets, then prep and paint.

 

[Ruger]

I am very glad that I bought my Raptor when I did.

 

[Raptor911]

I am looking forward to the aluminum Raptor. 500 pounds lighter is a big deal. Imagine removing all 4 drive wheels and the spare on our current Raptor ... this equate to a 500 pound weight reduction. The new Raptor will be so much more responsive, agile and quicker when compared to the current Raptor. And don't forget the 2017 Raptor will have more HP and Torque and propelling less mass.

And I don't really care about the additional repair cost. I do not say to myself, "hey what happens when I wreck my truck and how much will it cost to repair?" As I don't plan to wreck any car I own, it's not a concern. And if I wreck my car, then I will use my insurance. And that's why I have insurance.

And if the new aluminum body is more prone after an accident to be declared a total lost? Who cares, if I damaged my truck in any way and even if after it is fixed, the damage/repair is always in the back of my mind so YEAH total it and give me a new truck.

 

[SVT_Aaron]

Im not too sure about the '17 Raptor, not too thrilled about the looks either. yes I do like the truck dont get me wrong but ill just say im happy with the style and all of my '13. Thats just my 2 cents I will always be a fan of the raptor and improvement of it but I dont see myself gaining any interest of buying the '17. As long as you have the power to put down the weight doesnt really matter, aluminium dents and bends pretty easily no matter how strong they may say it is. If it works out well then im all for it but weight shouldnt really be too much of a concern, performance should matter more.

 

[dataustin]

I am looking forward to the aluminum Raptor. 500 pounds lighter is a big deal. Imagine removing all 4 drive wheels and the spare on our current Raptor ... this equate to a 500 pound weight reduction. The new Raptor will be so much more responsive, agile and quicker when compared to the current Raptor. And don't forget the 2017 Raptor will have more HP and Torque and propelling less mass.

And I don't really care about the additional repair cost. I do not say to myself, "hey what happens when I wreck my truck and how much will it cost to repair?" As I don't plan to wreck any car I own, it's not a concern. And if I wreck my car, then I will use my insurance. And that's why I have insurance.

And if the new aluminum body is more prone after an accident to be declared a total lost? Who cares, if I damaged my truck in any way and even if after it is fixed, the damage/repair is always in the back of my mind so YEAH total it and give me a new truck.

If you remove the wheels, how do you drive it?

 

[ManfromSnowyRiver]

Now to be fair, there are other ways to remove 500lbs from your 1st generation Raptor. You could remove the bed and drop in a V6 for example