Is the 2019 F350 aluminum?
Not exactly. The 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty is not built with an aluminum body; it uses a steel frame and steel body components.
Material makeup of the 2019 F-350
To understand how the 2019 F-350 is built, here is a breakdown of the primary materials used in its construction.
- Frame: high-strength steel designed for durability under heavy loads
- Body and cab: predominantly steel construction for rigidity and long-term durability
- Exterior panels: largely steel rather than aluminum
- Other components: engineered alloys used where appropriate for strength and repairability
In short, the 2019 F-350 relies on steel for its core structure and panels, aligning with Ford's heavy-duty design approach at that time.
Context within the Ford lineup
Ford’s approach to aluminum in the F-Series varies by model. The lighter F-150 introduced extensive aluminum body panels in the mid-2010s, aiming to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency, while the Super Duty lineup kept steel-based construction to emphasize toughness and durability for commercial-grade use.
- F-150 uses aluminum body panels on many versions, paired with a steel frame
- Super Duty trucks (F-250, F-350) remain steel-based for the cab and bed
- Aluminum usage in the Super Duty is limited or non-existent for main body components as of 2019
Overall, the 2019 F-350 is not aluminum-bodied; aluminum was a hallmark of the F-150, not the Super Duty in that year.
Practical implications for buyers
For owners and buyers, material choices affect repair costs, bodywork, and maintenance. Steel-bodied trucks like the 2019 F-350 generally benefit from well-established repair channels and robust durability in harsh work environments, though they may carry more weight compared with aluminum-intensive designs.
Summary
The 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty is not an aluminum-bodied truck. Its construction relies on a high-strength steel frame and steel body components, reflecting Ford's focus on durability for heavy-duty work. Aluminum body panels are associated more with the F-150 in Ford's lineup, and not with the 2019 Super Duty.
Which Fords have an aluminum body?
Since 2015, Ford has made their popular F-150 truck out of aluminum. Then, in 2017, they also started creating their F-Series Super-Duty trucks out of aluminum as well. This trend continues until today, with these two models using aluminum bodies, and all other Ford trucks having the typical steel bodies.
Does the Ford F-350 have an aluminum body?
Yes, Ford F-350 trucks since the 2017 model year have an aluminum body. However, they have a high-strength steel frame, not an aluminum one, and the aluminum is used for the cab, front end, and cargo box.
- Aluminum body: The cab, front end, and cargo box are made from high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy.
- Steel frame: The F-350 is built on a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame with cross-members to handle heavy loads.
- Weight savings: The shift to aluminum helped reduce the truck's weight, increasing its efficiency and payload capacity.
What are common problems with the 2019 F-350?
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Are 2019 Ford trucks aluminum?
2019 Ford F-250 Highlights
Ford pickups of the past were built with steel bodies, but the F-250, like the F-150, is now constructed with high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy.
