RE: [A/S] Scary stuff

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

For what it's worth:

I think you will find a significant difference in the strength and stiffness
between a 1/2 ton truck and a 3/4 ton model of the same make and similar
configuration.

Likewise, the GM 3/4 ton HD (heavy duty) chassis is stronger and more
massive than that of the regular 3/4 ton (2500 series).

Without getting into an involved engineering discussion, recognize that
there are a multitude of design options to get the necessary strength.
Bigger and heavier is not necessarily stronger and better.  The real
question is the value judgments and trade off the engineers took in
designing and developing the truck you are interested in.  Unfortunately,
one seldom has access to these engineering judgments (unless a unique design
or manufacturing technique makes it into a paper presented to an engineering
society like the SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers).

Also, be a little leery of some crash test results.  A structure that
collapses (and in the process absorbs the energy of a crash) will often
improve crash survivability - as long as the passenger compartment retains
its integrity.

One fairly safe generalization is that a stiffer frame (or unit body
structure) will improve handling and stability (all other things being
equal).

Note that a stiffer frame can be achieved with thinner higher strength steel
and by using a larger (deeper) cross section.  [A 3" diameter tube is
stiffer than a 2" tube, so long as the tube doesn't collapse or kink.]

One should recognize that automakers a navigating a thin line in trying to
provide adequate strength while minimizing weight to maximize fuel economy.

Oliver Filippi