Aluminum Vs. steel bumpers

Scoop315 said:

So, I was looking through GenRight Offroad's offerings for coil overs for my TJ (I'm still researching whether or not they'll be worth the money over a long arm system), and sort of skipped over the aluminum bumpers for the steel ones. I work with metal, and generally understand the advantages of lighter weight of aluminum, while there's the disadvantages of less strength and faster metal fatigue. Not to mention, I can repair steel easily and cheaply, where aluminum is a bit more involved, especially since dents can't really be repaired without cutting out the effected aluminum and replacing it with new material and the problems of welding aluminum.

But, before I overthink this, does anyone have experience with the aluminum bumpers, tire carriers and tube fenders that GenRight makes?

Also, I had hoped to hear if a coil over suspension was worth it on the TJ, with the short wheel base.

Thanks in advance!

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RUBEERCON said:

I have a Pronghorn full width aluminum bumper. No dents but it has deeper scrapes in it than a steel bumper would have. If I had this exact bumper it would weigh a ton in a steel version, that being said a stubby steel bumper may weigh less than my full aluminum bumper. Point is the size of the bumper can be a big factor when considering weight.

When I get tube fenders I'm going aluminum since the jeep is silver and they may just get a clear coat. I do like the thought of lighter parts when available. I just wish lighter means it's also lighter on the wallet!

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Scoop315 said:

Thanks for the response.

I kept on going over it, but couldn't justify the added money unless someone gives me something to think about that I haven't considered yet. I'd love to go with aluminum, but are the weight savings worth the additional money?

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Ddays said:

[I[/I]

I'm with you. Aluminum parts are fine in general but I think some of it depends on which parts and where they'd be used. I would think the aluminum tire carrier would be fine but I would think aluminum bumpers would get trashed if you are a frequent wheeler. Especially on the harder trails where you know you're gonna be leanin on stuff. Aluminum sliders? :icon_crazy: Guess a lot of it comes down to how the Jeep is used.

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Ddays said:

[I[/I]

I'm with you. Aluminum parts are fine in general but I think some of it depends on which parts and where they'd be used. I would think the aluminum tire carrier would be fine but I would think aluminum bumpers would get trashed if you are a frequent wheeler. Especially on the harder trails where you know you're gonna be leanin on stuff. Aluminum sliders? :icon_crazy: Guess a lot of it comes down to how the Jeep is used.

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Draconianwinter said:

If weight is the biggest concern I would say go with a stubby steel bumper. Also may want to consider if you're going to mount a winch. If you use one often enough I would be worried about the effects of that on the aluminum.

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Scoop315 said:

I've put off building my TJ for the last year and a half because of some family issues. They were mostly good issues, like a couple of trips, some time off of work, fooling around with a sort of gig I have, as well as some bad things here and there. But that's all part of life, and the trick is to keep trying to move forward.

I'm kind of embarrassed that my wheels are still as bone stock as when I bought it.

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