Likely totaled from this…

[cujet]

Just an FYI, the idea that a mildly bent frame can't be straightened is wildly in error.

How do you think they formed the steel in the first place? Yup, they bent, crunched, and folded it into shape. That's the beauty of steel, it's flipping strong and durable just as it is.

The frame is made from Low carbon, high strength steel which comes on large rolls, is cut to length, stamped with a hydraulic press and die, welded into an assembly, surface treated to clean it, coated for corrosion protection and some form of quality control happens. That's it. No magic, no heating to 1400ºF, for annealing, tempering, hardening or normalizing.

It can be bent back into shape if not destroyed, can be welded, can be sanded, painted, and used without risk of fatigue if not loaded beyond its specs. Forever.

EDIT: I also wanted to add that the F150's frame steel is about 70ksi, (the steel has 70,000 pounds per square inch tensile strength) which is higher than mild steel (50ksi) and lower than ultra high strength frame steel at 100ksi (used for unique applications, like mining trucks)

Connecting rod bolts are typically 175ksi steel, for example. My point is that Ford's frame material is generic common steel, with all the properties that allow it to be worked into shape and welded without issue.

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[Dakar09]

Just an FYI, the idea that a mildly bent frame can't be straightened is wildly in error.

How do you think they formed the steel in the first place? Yup, they bent, crunched, and folded it into shape. That's the beauty of steel, it's flipping strong and durable just as it is.

The frame is made from Low carbon, high strength steel which comes on large rolls, is cut to length, stamped with a hydraulic press and die, welded into an assembly, surface treated to clean it, coated for corrosion protection and some form of quality control happens. That's it. No magic, no heating to 1400ºF, for annealing, tempering, hardening or normalizing.

It can be bent back into shape if not destroyed, can be welded, can be sanded, painted, and used without risk of fatigue if not loaded beyond its specs. Forever.

EDIT: I also wanted to add that the F150's frame steel is about 70ksi, which is higher than mild steel, about 50ksi, and lower than ultra high strength frame steel at 100ksi (used for unique applications)

Connecting rod bolts are typically 175ksi steel, for example. My point is that Ford's frame material is generic common steel, with all the properties that allow it to be worked into shape and welded without issue.

This is what I was asking about in first post in this thread. Back in the day they had frame straighteners as part of any good body shop. I'm assuming now they don't have that equipment any longer because most cars are now unibody designs, and only light trucks (and not even all of them) have full frames at this point. Not worth the investment in equipment and training any longer. So it just gets a frame replacement or is totaled out when something happens.

 

[Rynokc]

You mean have them total it, get the payout, and then buy it back with a salvage title for some fraction of the value? Didn’t even know that was an option.

I did that in 2017 with my Dodge truck. They totaled it, gave me a check for 15k and I bought it back for $475 and took it to a shop and paid 2k to get it fixed and the parts repainted..... Took it to the Highway patrol for an inspection to go from a salvage title back to a clear title. I'm in Missouri.

 

[Snakebitten]

I admit that it kinda breaks something inside me to think that truck has met it's demise. Hard to believe it will never make another mulch run, or even fetch groceries.

Can you imagine if it was any other country south of the border? They'd look at us like we had lost our minds declaring that truck unworthy.

 

[cujet]

Back in the day they had frame straighteners as part of any good body shop. I'm assuming now they don't have that equipment any longer

It is still common equipment at better repair shops.

It is my guess, having not seen the damage, that a competent shop would have no issue taking care of this. I'd also state that I'd have no issue owning a properly repaired truck. Once the diminished value issue was settled.

 

[roadPilot]

Just an FYI, the idea that a mildly bent frame can't be straightened is wildly in error.

That's not the reason they total vehicles with frame damage. It's because of liability.

 

[xtraman122]

That's not the reason they total vehicles with frame damage. It's because of liability.

Exactly, I’m sure it’s all liability and safety concerns, not to mention most people wouldn’t settle for a frame that had been bent back and claim their vehicle is no longer whole.

For what it’s worth, the body claimed Ford has some published spec for the amount off of proper dimensions that can be repaired and it was past it. I have no idea specifics of where they measure, what’s acceptable for repair, but the comment they made was that it was bent beyond the spec that Ford lists as repairable which is why it was going to need to be replaced.

Put a deposit down on a 2024 303A with 22k miles today, hopefully picking it up this weekend or early next week.

 

[xtraman122]

Got my replacement truck today! 2024 303A with just about every option you could add, original sticker was $73k, paid $47,390 with 22k miles on it.

Thanks for location services in FordPass I was able to see where my truck ended up. Found it on their website already but it’s not active for an auction yet. Interested to see what it sells for.
https://www.copart.com/lot/84791745/2021-ford-f150-supercrew-ma-west-warren

 

[OneMore]

Got my replacement truck today! 2024 303A with just about every option you could add, original sticker was $73k, paid $47,390 with 22k miles on it.

Thanks for location services in FordPass I was able to see where my truck ended up. Found it on their website already but it’s not active for an auction yet. Interested to see what it sells for.
https://www.copart.com/lot/84791745/2021-ford-f150-supercrew-ma-west-warren

Congratulations on your new truck.
It looks great.

 

[sheesh]

Top supplier " ArcelorMittal, which holds the crown as the world's largest steel producer. With operations spread across 60 countries, they're a go-to for various automakers, including Ford. What's crucial here is their focus on innovation—pushing the boundaries of steel strength while keeping weight down. "

Sounds like Chinesium to me. lol

Actually it’s sounds like American capitalism, “innovation” giving you less for more money. Throw it away and buy a new one.

 

[Eighthtry]

You did the right thing totaling the truck. The last thing anyone needs is trying to track down problems. These frames are not the same as the ones at the turn of the century. Those could be pulled back into place easily if the shop was properly equipped to do so and had an experienced guy doing it.

My 2023 XLT was totaled with 1,810 miles on it. Initially they wanted to replace the frame. That was a disaster waiting to happen. Connectors, brake lines springs, shocks, special bolts. I jumped up and down. They totaled. I can guarantee that truck is on the road somewhere without a new frame. The front end was easily repairable. Probably $3,000 for the parts.

Life is too short........

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