Steel vs Aluminum

Hi ALL.

I'm considering replacing the front bumper with a low-profile (winch style) bumper and bull bar, and adding rock sliders to a soon to be 2021 TRD/ORP.
And I've noticed these two items can be purchased with powder coating in either steel or aluminum. There is a significant cost difference between the steel and aluminum. But there is also a significant weight difference between the two.

So, a hypothetical question for you experienced guys: Assuming the cost were the same, which would you prefer ?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Rick

 

It's a tough call... if you offroad often, and may at some point make contact with a tree or rock; steel is ideal. If you plan on adding a winch, and using it; steel is ideal. Steel can take a hit better, and often will just need a little touch up paint after, whereas aluminum might be a one hit and done, or it will take deep gouges. Repeated use from a winch can also start to deform an aluminum bumper over time.

But the weight savings is of course a huge pro. Not just in MPG, but handling, keeping low COG, not needing heavy springs to counter the weight, etc...

For me, front bumper and sliders need to be steel. Skids, I could go either way on; aluminum would get all scraped and gouged up like crazy, but they should still do the job well enough. For rear bumper... I'm very tempted to go aluminum for my rear, but not sure if there is an aluminum option that can sustain a tire carrier long term (through frequent off road use).

So I guess... if you offroad often, steel. If you casually offroad and just looking for "just in case" protection, then aluminum becomes a more attractive option.

 

Look into Hefty Banshee hybrid bumper. This is what I have and love it.

 

kbp810: Thanks so much for your comprehensive reply. Super helpful. I do not need a winch. But I like the "looks" of the bumpers. I like the looks similar to this:

 

It sounds like you just want one for looks. So go with whatever is cheaper

 

Hi Todi

Thank you so much for the Link. Great. They make one that only adds about 40-lbs. I'll keep this information. Thanks again.

Rick

 

Victory is a good choice! Same bumper that I have (in steel). If you want it mostly for looks, then I would def lean more towards aluminum. If you go steel, you’ll likely find yourself also needing more lift or heavier springs in the front to offset the weight; which will likely negate the difference in price.

 

This might be a good option since I don't need a winch......

https://heftyfab.com/collections/4r...-light-bar-cutout-only?variant=36419145662618

Rick

 

Victory 4x4 blitz bumper in aluminum it’s what I have and checked all my boxes with a warn vr12 fitted perfect

 

Thank you ALL again for your responses. Most helpful.

Joe: YES!! I think that Victory Blitz Bumper in aluminum is exactly the look I want. Thanks !!

Rick

Just shows me how valuable a Forum like this can be.

 

Hi Kevin

Thanks for the pics. YES !! YES !! That's exactly the look I want. And it appears to work with the TRD skidplate, without modification.

I'm somewhat of a newbie with all this. How does the light bar function ? Is it really a light ? Or mainly a reflector ? I notice Victory offers an aluminum mesh option if you don't need the light to give it a more finished look.

Thanks again for the help.

Rick

 

It really is a perfect compromise

 

I plan on going aluminum because frankly if I take a big hit I’d probably replace it anyways. Also being heavy doesn’t do you any good when wheeling. Granted you hit something like a dear you want steel for sure.

 

I'd go aluminum, weight savings, more corrosion resistance, they may also be a little thicker to make up for the strength difference.

 

Well, once again, thanks so much for all the replies. This seems to have turned out to be a good Thread. I can see the both the advantages and disadvantages of the steel versus the aluminum. This is super helpful.
In my case, I will be using the vehicle for daily driving and light, occasional, off-road trail type driving. Not any serious off-road driving. Plus, I plan on keeping the standard, Factory suspension as it comes. So, in my case, I believe aluminum is the way to go. I think I've read where the aluminum, depending on the bumper style, is anywhere from 1/3rd to 1/2 the weight of the steel (?) And shouldn't require any mods to the front suspension. And, as mentioned, it's more for show than go anyway. LOL

One last question: How does that thin light bar actually function ? Does it get wired to the battery with a separate switch ? Or can they just be utilized as a reflector type item ? It does "look" good on the bumper LOL


Rick

 

My setup is with a rigid grill holding a rigid pro 20 inch with push button start
Also I have a warn winch vr12

 

I like this look the best. When time installs the license plate, there is no good place to put it.

 

Hi Ben

You're right. No good way to mount the license plate. I live in Missouri which requires two plates. Hmmmm....have to do some more thinking on this.

Rick

 

They sell a flip down fairlead mount for front plate

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/UNI-FPF-PC.html

 

Thanks kbp810. Must have missed this on their website.

Rick

 

My solution for Banshee bumper, getting a flip license plate holder:

 

I have the victory one it’s well made but does not flip away far enough I have bent my plate a few times using the winch need to figure it out better victory

 

I just ordered the Victory Blitz front bumper in aluminum.
I really do need a winch but I don't need a full on bumper replacement.
Me hoping the aluminum and a winch with synthetic rope will allay the need for
suspension mods (springs/coils/whatever). What are the odds? I did have the 3-2 leveling/lift
done by the dealer last week when I picked up the 4R if that has anything to do with it.

 

You should be fine I have the same setup but my drop was very minimal and I have a warn vr12 winch with my BP51 suspension
Enjoy you will not be disappointed in the blitz

 

Thanks Joe for the encouragement. Victory's site says lead time 60 days for bumpers. That will time well with my retirement at -62 days and counting.

 

Enjoy retirement and 4wheeling 2 great experiences coming your way bud

 

thanks to everyone for the info on this thread very helpful gave me some great insight

 

Joe, any clue what kind of shocks/springs come standard on the off-road Premium?
Dark right now or I'd look...assuming it is written on them.

 

Something to consider, winching also puts a load on the suspension.

As far as steel vs aluminum, I'd go as far as saying a general rule of thumb = steel is for those that abuse their vehicle....aluminum is for cool pictures. If you're worried about wheel rash and paint scratches, you're probably good with aluminum protection. If you're worried about MPGs, better ask yourself what you're doing owning a 4Runner, not deciding between aluminum/steel.

 

It would depend what kind of lift they installed. Did they upgrade the coilover springs or install a spacer lift? You can try checking your spring for writing like the picture I attached. For the below, 3 = 3" spring diameter, 16 = 16" spring length, 800 = 800lbs spring rate.