Skid Plates - MPG and Handling

I currently have steel front skid plates (47 lbs) and getting around 17mpg with my current setup (see signature). Once I installed this, I immediately felt the difference in handling (front felt slightly heavier when turning).

Soon, I am planning on getting either Aluminum (18lbs) or Steel (35lbs) transmission skid plates. My question is, especially for the people that have this setup, did adding the transmission skid plates or even the T-case skid make any difference in MPG and or handling? I would assume very minimal change (at least for the handling) since its close to the center of the truck.

If there is minimal to zero change in MPG or Handling, I'll probably just go with Steel. Otherwise, I'll get aluminum. TIA.

 

I have a set up Bud built, which are wider and heavier than most. if you already have the others that tranny plate wont make any or very little difference, but the protection will far out way the weight.
if youre not crawling or dragging the truck over rocks just go aluminum.