The 2019 Ram 1500 did not use much aluminium, but its fellow FCA truck the 2020 Jeep Gladiator will use the light metal extensively in its exterior parts over a steel body. The truck will use aluminium in spades, with the hood, doors, hinges fenders, windshield frame and tailgate built from the substrate.
Michigan based Repairer Driven News (RDN) recommends that the repair companies must have repair facilities for both steel and aluminium. This may require considerable investment in dedicated equipment and space and in aluminium dust extraction process in order to work on modern vehicles with aluminium parts. Otherwise, it may lead to corrosion from cross-contamination of steel and aluminium.
“When working with aluminium always use dedicated tools, grinding discs and sandpaper to prevent steel cross contamination with the aluminium,” FCA has written in its body repair manual for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. 2018 Jeep Wrangler also features a similar aluminium exterior over a steel body. Cross contamination of these two metals can cause galvanic corrosion.
“Gladiator’s body-on-frame design uses advanced materials and engineering to be lightweight, yet stiff and durable, and features an all-new lightweight, high-strength steel frame,” Jeep wrote in its Nov. 28 news release for the 2020 Gladiator.
While the use of aluminium in the exterior has helped in weight reduction, the 2020 Gladiator also has an “all-new lightweight, high-strength steel frame” and a steel bed, as specified Jeep last month.
FCA truck the 2020 Jeep Gladiator does not mention about the use of a magnesium inner over an aluminium outer, which was there in 2018 Jeep Wrangler. According to the release note, Jeep engineering team used hollow track and stabilizer bars, and aluminium engine mounts and steering gear in order to reduce overall weight.
“Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure,” North America Jeep brand head Tim Kuniskis said in a statement.
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