2020 Ford Super Duty F-59 Stripped Chassis

Alright, let's dive into the 2020 Ford Super Duty F-59 Stripped Chassis. This isn't your typical pickup truck; it's a foundation, a blank canvas designed for heavy-duty applications like shuttle buses, delivery vans, and recreational vehicles. Understanding its architecture and capabilities is crucial for anyone planning a custom build or tackling significant repairs. Think of it as the skeleton, and you're building the body.

What Makes It "Stripped?"

The term "stripped chassis" is key. It means you're getting the bare essentials from Ford: the frame, powertrain, suspension, steering, and braking systems. Essentially, everything needed to move and stop the vehicle. The body, interior, and any application-specific components are left to upfitters and custom builders. This allows for a highly customizable final product tailored to specific needs.

Frame & Chassis

The backbone of the F-59 is its robust ladder frame. This is a traditional body-on-frame design, favored for its strength and durability, particularly in demanding applications. The frame is constructed from high-strength steel, carefully engineered to handle significant payloads and towing capacities. Ford uses a combination of hydroforming and conventional stamping techniques to achieve optimal strength and weight reduction. Hydroforming involves using high-pressure fluid to shape the steel, creating complex shapes with improved structural integrity. Look for reinforced sections, especially around the engine mounts and suspension attachment points. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) will vary depending on the configuration but will be significant, reflecting the chassis's intended heavy-duty use.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum permissible weight of the vehicle, including the chassis, body, cargo, passengers, and fuel. Exceeding the GVWR can lead to serious safety issues and mechanical failures.

Axle configurations can vary depending on the specific model, but expect to see a solid beam front axle and a heavy-duty rear axle, often with a full-floating design. Full-floating axles are particularly durable because the axle shafts only transmit torque, not weight, reducing stress on the shafts themselves. This is beneficial in high-load applications.

Powertrain Options

The 2020 F-59 typically offers one or two robust engine options. While availability can vary depending on market and specific configuration, you'll likely find:

7.3L "Godzilla" V8 Gas Engine: This is a powerhouse. It's a pushrod design, known for its high torque output at low RPMs, which is critical for hauling heavy loads. Expect to see output ratings around 350 horsepower and over 450 lb-ft of torque.
6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel (Optional): This diesel option is the ultimate workhorse. It offers even more torque and improved fuel economy compared to the gasoline engine, especially under heavy load. Horsepower figures will be higher than the gas engine, and torque can easily exceed 800 lb-ft.

Both engines are paired with a heavy-duty automatic transmission, usually a TorqShift unit. These transmissions are designed for longevity and reliability under demanding conditions. Look for features like tow/haul mode and optimized gear ratios for maximizing pulling power and efficiency.

Suspension System

The suspension system on the F-59 is designed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining stability and control under heavy loads. Expect to see:

Front Suspension: Typically a solid axle with leaf springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers. Some models may offer optional air suspension for improved ride quality.
Rear Suspension: Similar to the front, a solid axle with leaf springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers. Air suspension is also often an available option here, offering self-leveling capabilities to maintain a consistent ride height regardless of the load. This is especially useful for applications like RVs and shuttle buses.

Pay close attention to the spring rates and shock absorber tuning when considering modifications. Upgrading these components can significantly improve handling and ride quality, but it's essential to choose parts that are compatible with the vehicle's GVWR and intended use.

Braking System

Stopping power is crucial in a vehicle designed for heavy loads. The F-59 utilizes a robust braking system, typically consisting of:

Four-Wheel Disc Brakes: Disc brakes offer superior stopping power and heat dissipation compared to drum brakes. They provide more consistent braking performance, especially under repeated hard braking.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): ABS is standard, preventing wheel lockup during hard braking and allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps to prevent skidding and loss of control by selectively applying brakes to individual wheels.

Given the weight and potential loads, regular brake inspections are critical. Check the brake pad thickness, rotor condition, and brake fluid levels regularly. Consider upgrading to high-performance brake pads or rotors if you plan on frequently carrying heavy loads or towing.

Steering System

The F-59 typically employs a power-assisted recirculating ball steering system. This system is robust and reliable, providing adequate steering feel and control even with heavy loads. While not as precise as a rack-and-pinion system found in lighter vehicles, it's well-suited for the heavy-duty nature of the chassis.

Electrical System

The electrical system on the F-59 is designed to support a wide range of auxiliary equipment. Expect to find a high-capacity alternator to handle the increased electrical demands of upfitting. The chassis typically comes pre-wired with various connectors and wiring harnesses to simplify the installation of lights, accessories, and other equipment. Understanding the electrical system's layout and capacity is crucial for avoiding overloads and ensuring proper operation of all electrical components.

Upfitting Considerations

When planning an upfit, consider these factors:

Weight Distribution: Ensure the weight of the body and any cargo is distributed evenly across the chassis. Uneven weight distribution can negatively affect handling, stability, and braking performance.
Ground Clearance: Be mindful of ground clearance, especially if you plan on driving on rough terrain. Consider modifications to the suspension or frame to increase ground clearance if necessary.
Center of Gravity: A high center of gravity can make the vehicle more susceptible to rollovers. Keep the center of gravity as low as possible by mounting heavy components low on the chassis.
Wiring Integration: Plan the wiring integration carefully to avoid conflicts with the vehicle's existing electrical system. Use appropriate wiring harnesses and connectors to ensure reliable connections.

Understanding the 2020 Ford Super Duty F-59 Stripped Chassis is the first step in building or maintaining a reliable and capable vehicle. By paying attention to the frame, powertrain, suspension, brakes, and electrical system, you can ensure that your vehicle is up to the task, whatever that may be.