Aluminum vs. Steel Bumpers?

I just bought a 2007 Tacoma TRD Sport, and I'm trying to start building it out. I have been looking into replacing the front bumper. Any suggestions? Seem's like a lot of guys use Prinsu or CBI on here. Any suggestions on steel vs. aluminum?

 

@Pelfreybilt

 

http://www.pelfreybilt.com/

 

Prinsu doesn't make bumpers.

Aluminum and steel both have pros and cons, gotta figure out what your usage demands.

 

What are some of the pros and cons of each? Obviously steel will weigh more, but anything else?

 

Steel is Easier to weld/repair if damaged.
Aluminum doesn't rust and weighs roughly half as much. Pick your poison.

 

Steel can be manipulated back into shape, it doesn't gouge as easy. If you get think enough aluminum it will be as strong as steel.

 

if bashing it on rocks, steel will hold up better. alu is lighter, but will also lighten up your wallet more.

 

Maybe dumb question but steel and aluminum options come in three options: bare, powder coated and (most expensive) is "Line-X". What is "Line-X" and is it worth it over say powder coated? Thanks in advance.

 

Line X is like the Rhino Lining people use in truck beds. Easily fixable compared to Powdercoating I believe.

 

ah thanks

 

You plan on wheeling in areas with lots of rocks and trees and want to run a winch, go steel. You'll end up wanting to upgrade to heavier springs too.

If it's more of an overland build, aluminum.

As for coating, if it's a good powder coat it'll be better than Line-X. Powder coating is all about three things, sand blast, primer and then powder. Like anything, prep work is the most important.

 

For those of you who have the rear bumper with double nato carrier & spare tire do you have issues when you tow because of turn radios? Also is the double nato carrier removable?

 

@Pelfreybilt claims the aluminum front bumper: "Winch fair lead area is backed up with additional 1/4″ plate to ensure strength under difficult winching angles."

I know steel is stronger/durable then the aluminum but sounds like this still should be capable...no?

 

I did front Aluminum and rear steel, I sure was happy for half the weight during install. Both power coat jobs came out looking the same, but it is nice to know if I scratch the front and dont see it to touch up it wont rust. Bought from Pelfreybilt it they look awesome.

 

Pelfrey can carrier is welded on

 

Darn really? Makes me want to change my order.

 

yup, you could probably ask for it unwelded and bolt it on yourself. I can see the reason for welded on when you figure the weight, 10 gallons of fuel is roughly 60-65lbs and water being 80-85lbs all while bouncing down the trail. At first I was a little bummed about it being welded because I had planned on buying a single car carrier to mount for daily or just nothing at all but now I don't mind it

 

Yeah good points. I can mount rotopax to that spot, if I did decide to not get the carrier right?

 

You could fit 4 rotopax in the carrier if you wanted to

But otherwise you get the welded plate with pre drilled holes for the rotopax mount, atlas thats what the website is showing me. It was a little different from when I ordered my bumper