Aluminium Armor vs. Steel Armor

Currently running aluminum Pelfreybilt front bumper, all steel skids on the belly and, when the time comes, steel HC rear with swing out.

 

I have both. Pelfreybilt aluminum front plate bumper, Pelfreybilt aluminum IFS skid plate and Pelfreybilt steel standard rear bumper.
Stock front bumper weight is around 30 lbs, stock skid plate weight is around 14 lbs and the stock rear bumper with tow hitch is around 90 lbs.
Smittybilt D-ring shackles with Daystar isolators weigh 2.5 lbs each.
Aluminum front plate bumper (no hoops) with two D-ring shackles weighs 65 lbs, adding 35+ lbs to the front.
Aluminum IFS skid plate weighs 26 lbs, adding 12+ lbs underneath.
Steel standard rear bumper with two D-ring shackles weighs 90 lbs, keeping weight the same in the rear.
I like the fact that I didn't need to adjust the suspension or add too much weight to the truck. Works perfectly.

 

Steel 'cuz 'Merika!

 

@Solid Seung can you tell me if your rear bumper has a place to hang your safety chains when towing? Thanks.

 

@brucehutchinson No, it does not have a place to hang your chains like the stock Tacoma tow hitch. I assume you could use the D-ring shackles if the chains are long enough.

 

@brucehutchinson Here is a pic of @DefconBrix's overland build with a Pelfreybilt bumper and a tow hitch with chain mounts built in:

 

All depends on your needs an what your doing with the truck. Im running an Aluminum front bumper and the RCI steel front skid underneath, would have run the aluminum but cost was too high. I don't do anything extreme in terms of off road in the truck, have a 4wheeler for that, and when ever I get it running again, the families old 76 Chevy blazer bush. I do go down mild trails, and rough roads though, so anything over the stock equipment is definitely a peace of mind.

Either way you can't really go wrong with either unless your bashing the skids hard

 

awesome @DefconBrix where did you get that hitch?

 

Is offroad trailer hitch specifically for use with rotating poly bushing connex, called max coupler

 

If anyone is in the market for an Aluminum Front bumper, SOS Concepts group buy on Aluminum Fronts is live now

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sos-concepts-aluminum-front-group-buy-4.498837/#post-15502708

 

We typically prefer 3/16" steel or stainless steel when the vehicle will see regular dragging on rocks. 1/4" Aluminum is good for some serious impacts as others have mentioned, they just have tendency to gall when dragged across rocks. So we recommend 1/4" Aluminum for those who need impact protection, but once an impact occurs, they are more inclined to adjust their line, versus continuing on the current line.

It really comes down to your driving style. Are you more inclined to hit something on the trail, and continue on that line, either because of being on a tight trail where you don't have many options to go around obstacles? Or would you be more inclined to reassess the trail, find better ways to get around obstacles, and take it easier on the underbelly?

There really is no universal right answer, just what you feel is right for you, your budget, and your driving style. There is also 1/8" steel available for definitely more strength than stock, but closer to aluminum weight with regular steel prices. It does have it's limits though, which is why we won't even sell a 1/8" steel front skid.

You could always mix and match based on where you impact more, or where you want to save weight. On our 200 Series Land Cruiser, we are running a mix of 1/4" aluminum (reinforced on the backside) and 3/16" stainless steel, really just to see what happens. They will get a work out at Appalachian Toyota Round-Up.

Good discussion though, lots of good opinion and real world uses being mentioned.