Diesel Frame Guidance

[ducksquasher]

Hi All,

Another post about my upcoming upgrade to a diesel (most likely used). Looking at all 3 brands and wanted to ask about their frames. I know that Ford just went to a boxed frame (2017) but I would most likely buy a 2016 or a little older, Chevy is boxed and then I read about hydroformed frames? Pros, cons of any of them? Boxed, C channel, hydroformed? Ford, Dodge or Chevy?

Thanks in advance!

[1jeep]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:

1jeep wrote:
I knew of 08 early on having radiators that leaked, I never saw it, my 08 had 140k miles. my 2011 had 110k miles never saw any issue at all.

BTW...the 6.4 he is referencing in that video was in the ford from 08-10 and was made by Navistar. 2011 to current has the 6.7 and is made by ford. 2011 up has different supports, open the hood and youll know.

if you watch to the end he mentions that the truck has bad isolators, over 200k miles and it happened when off roading. the white 450 in the beginning I can only assume has some miles on it also, but yes if I was looking at a 08-10 I would check into the isolators, and many other things as those trucks has some serious emission quirks.

Have it your way:


6.7 radiator problems



6.7 radiator problems


6.7 Radiator problems


6.7 radiator problems


6.7 radiator problems


You want more? There are thousands and thousands of complainers out there. This is an intrinsic problem very well known to this truck frame. It has nothing to do with a 6.4 or a 6.7 engine. It has everything to do with the frame that is under the truck that has those engines in them.

As always your right, most likely the engine already fell out of my ford and the radiator is bent in half...lol

[LIKE2BUILD]

ducksquasher wrote:
....upcoming upgrade to a diesel (most likely used). Looking at all 3 brands and wanted to ask about their frames.

Never really heard of frame issues on any of the Big 3. If you're looking at getting a 5er I'd suggest a '14 or newer in the RAM. Older models are fine, but starting in MY14 RAM offered gooseneck and 5th wheel prep packages. They are very easy to install and leave a completely clean bed when the 5th wheel hitch or gooseneck ball is not installed.

Not sure of earlier years, but the '14 is a fully boxed frame.

KJ

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

1jeep wrote:
I knew of 08 early on having radiators that leaked, I never saw it, my 08 had 140k miles. my 2011 had 110k miles never saw any issue at all.

BTW...the 6.4 he is referencing in that video was in the ford from 08-10 and was made by Navistar. 2011 to current has the 6.7 and is made by ford. 2011 up has different supports, open the hood and youll know.

if you watch to the end he mentions that the truck has bad isolators, over 200k miles and it happened when off roading. the white 450 in the beginning I can only assume has some miles on it also, but yes if I was looking at a 08-10 I would check into the isolators, and many other things as those trucks has some serious emission quirks.

Have it your way:


6.7 radiator problems



6.7 radiator problems


6.7 Radiator problems


6.7 radiator problems


6.7 radiator problems


You want more? There are thousands and thousands of complainers out there. This is an intrinsic problem very well known to this truck frame. It has nothing to do with a 6.4 or a 6.7 engine. It has everything to do with the frame that is under the truck that has those engines in them.

[ktmrfs]

Personally, frames on any of the three would NOT be on my priority list for a new truck. Buy the one YOU like the best. Anymore they are all great vehicles.

[1jeep]

I knew of 08 early on having radiators that leaked, I never saw it, my 08 had 140k miles. my 2011 had 110k miles never saw any issue at all.

BTW...the 6.4 he is referencing in that video was in the ford from 08-10 and was made by Navistar. 2011 to current has the 6.7 and is made by ford. 2011 up has different supports, open the hood and youll know.

if you watch to the end he mentions that the truck has bad isolators, over 200k miles and it happened when off roading. the white 450 in the beginning I can only assume has some miles on it also, but yes if I was looking at a 08-10 I would check into the isolators, and many other things as those trucks has some serious emission quirks.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

I agree; there are a LOT of complainers!

I would be complaining too if I have to replace 4 radiators at $1,500 to $2,000 grand apiece like the guy I linked to did because of a week frame design.

[1jeep]

Just more proof that the internet is filled with complainers!

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

1jeep wrote:
I owned a 08 and 2011 ford diesel never a radiator issue on mine....

I own a 1982 5.7 diesel and never had any problems with the engine with mine.....

[1jeep]

I owned a 08 and 2011 ford diesel never a radiator issue on mine....

[spoon059]

goducks10 wrote:
Unless the frame was made by Lippert it would be my last concern.

Ha! Honestly, some frame designs are better in certain circumstances than others, but I don't think you can look at a Big 3 truck from the last decade and say that one is bad. Far more important is price, comfort and defined ability (tow rating and payload). Even the "worst" frame from the last decade will likely long outlast the engine and transmission...

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Ron3rd wrote:
You'll never have a frame problem with any of the brands
That's the last thing you need to worry about

Happy radiator buying if you get the Ford. 🙂

OP, I suggest you stay away from the Ford >2015 if you pull heavy or get into some off road situations.

[Bionic_Man]

Have you started shopping yet? If not, I think you will be surprised by prices. Used diesels (especially the first 4 years or so) hold their value extremely well. You won't have to pay much more to get something brand new, zero miles, with warranty.

In regard to your question, I am unaware of any frame problems with any of the Big 3.

[ib516]

goducks10 wrote:
Unless the frame was made by Lippert it would be my last concern.

:B

Lippert=JUNK....mine broke in half while towing, in a new, not overloaded RV.

[Ron3rd]

You'll never have a frame problem with any of the brands
That's the last thing you need to worry about