List the most common frame designs used on today’s vehicles and describe how they differ from each other.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

LADDER FRAME: The ladder frame has several cross members welded or riveted at strategic locations along its entire length for added strength and rigidity. The result is a higher center of gravity, making it less than desirable for domestic use. However, some SUVs and smaller pickup trucks have also used the ladder design because running boards are an option commonly used on them and are not a perceived inconvenience.
PERIMETER FRAME: The perimeter frame incorporates several unique features, including a drop center design which allows the passenger compartment to be lowered. A torque box is located at each corner under the passenger compartment to which offsets or kick-ups are attached. These kick-ups are used to attach the front and rear rails to the center section. They are also used to ensure proper suspension mounting heights and most importantly for collision force management and energy dissipation.
STUB FRAME: Stub frame vehicles are a combination of a unibody and BOF vehicle. The stub frame, which is usually designed as heavily as that of a full frame on a BOF vehicle, is attached to the bottom of the core support at the front and the underbody of the passenger compartment, approximately, one-third of the way rearward on the vehicle.
The engine, transmission, and suspension parts are attached to it. Much like on a full frame vehicle. It is used on select unibody designs only.