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Steel vs. Aluminum Bumpers?

34K views 17 replies 15 participants last post by  Rock Hard 4x4 
#1 ·
10 days into owning my first ever jeep...planning to make some mods, starting with a new bumper....saw many options, but wondered if its worth getting an aluminum based number for its light weight? They make planes out of aluminum but from a protection standpoint, does it do as well as steel bumpers?

Would appreciate some suggestions.

Thanks.
 
#3 ·
#5 ·
Cost aside, which is better really depends on what you expect from your bumper because for the same x-section of the material steel is roughly twice as strong as Al but Al is about 30% of the weight of steel. The real thing to consider with aluminum bumpers is that they are their hardness (abrasion, indentation and penetration) is lower than their steel counterparts (at least the quality ones).

Airplanes and spaceships are not the best example because weight is an extreme premium (much more critical than fuel economy and CAFE standards). When high tensile strength is required on airplanes titanium and steel are used.

I personally like aluminum and look forward to see how much aluminum content Jeep adds to the JL but it is not a free lunch, it's a tradeoff.
 
#7 ·
10 days into owning my first ever jeep...planning to make some mods, starting with a new bumper....saw many options, but wondered if its worth getting an aluminum based number for its light weight? They make planes out of aluminum but from a protection standpoint, does it do as well as steel bumpers?

Would appreciate some suggestions.

Thanks.
^^^That is aircraft aluminum, which is a different animal!!!!!

I like aluminum bumpers, but they make them thicker for strength, so how much weight do you really save?
I guess if it's only a pound, then it still maybe worth it!!!
 
#8 ·
Rock-Slide Engineering FBF-100-JK - Rock-Slide Engineering Rigid Series Front Bumper with Bull Bar & Winch Mount in Textured Black for 07-15 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK - Quadratec

For these that I like, Steel is 110lbs and AL is 44LBS. Wonder what the stock bumpers weighs. Does anyone know?

My motivation to get a new bumper is to improve durability of my bumper running into things/rocks etc. Stock bumper dents way too easily. But, if AL is just as strong but much lighter than that makes sense. Is it just as strong or not is what I am trying to figure out...I don't want a pop can aluminium on my bumpers that I can crush with minimal pressure...LOL!!!!
 
#9 ·
I read on another thread that the stock bumper weighs @ 37lbs so the aluminum is pretty close to stock weight. I too was wondering about this as I am pondering the bumper upgrade and looking at both as well. The aluminum is more expensive but in the long run pushing an extra 60+ lbs and paying for it in wear and tear and fuel keeps it a consideration for me.
 
#10 ·
My thoughts exactly...not much of a difference in weight compared to the stock bumper, that's good to know. Thx.
 
#12 ·
Aluminum if you want to save weight and dont plan on smashing it on stuff often . If you do plan on making much contact with stuff aluminum is a huge mistake.

Blah blah blah I know what everyone is going to say to me but I have come to this conclusion from a fare share of personal experience. I've seen a lot of broken parts and aluminum and tube are the only kinds of bumpers I have seen get messed up.
 
#16 ·
Does having the aluminium fastened to the frame cause any extra corrosion?
Probably only affects us living in the salty areas now.

I know from living in the uk the Landrovers and Rangerovers suffered with this.
Not entirely sure of the chemistry and maybe if everything is coated or there are isolators made from a certain material it will be ok.
 
#17 ·
I just got this informative response from Jason at RockHard when I inquired about the strength of Al vs Steel:

Drew,
Thank you for contacting us!

At 37 pounds but 1/4" thick, our aluminum is stronger than most steel imported bumpers. However, steel is always stronger. Aluminum by nature will gouge and bend where steel has less deflection but can subjectively take a harder hit with less give.

It all depends on the individual driver style and eventual use. If you are winching everything you go out, getting stuck and needing a strap, playing on the rocks and taking a pounding, go with steel.

If it's a daily driver, rare winching, occasional strapping, aluminum may very well be a safe bet.

I always tell customers if you have any doubt or question, or in the back of your mind you are thinking steel is better for you, go with steel. If you know aluminum will work and have no doubt weight savings but stronger than factory is what you are after, aluminum will end up just fine.

Figure aluminum costs 30% more but is on average 60% weight savings.

- Jason @ Rock Hard 4x4
Marketing Manager
 
#18 ·
^ What DR Fenton said.

We get asked 'steel vs. aluminum' every single day. I always tell people it's a personal gut check.

You know going in if aluminum is right for you, your Jeep, and your off roading style. If your gut says steel then steel it shall be.
 
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