Steel vs. Aluminum! Front bumper

I’ve been told that going with 700# springs will make your ride very stiff unless your riding with a steel bumper, steel skid plates, etc..

if your riding with an aluminum bumper then 650# springs should be more then enough.

I just purchased the Demello aluminum bumper and I’m sticking with my ICON 650# springs

 

Just throwing in my .02 cents here. I used to run a steel Expedition One Diamond bumper until it rusted out on me (Virginia uses lots of salt in winter). It was powder coated and everything. Still ate through it within 3 years. Sucks because it cost $1400 at the time. I went to Demello afterwards with Aluminum being careful to place a gasket between the steel frame and aluminum (didn't want frame sacrificing itself for the bumper). I wheeled with both bumpers and no problems winching. But, got into a bad accident and the Demello didn't hit the airbag sensor and the investigator said something I want to share. He said the way I was rear ended and maybe because of my lifted suspension, the rear of my truck was lifted up and the nose came down before hitting the car in front (Buick SUV that was totaled). The air bag sensor he said was on the lower portion of the bumper, so at that angle the bumper basically got crushed at an angle from the top. It worked out for me since the airbag didn't beat me up further. The Demello worked and did it's job....not a dent in the hood or fender. It collapsed and broke off at the crush points. This is with hitting the suv in front! Bad news of course is you can't hammer aluminum back in shape or weld it back (not that I have any welding skills). I personally would go aluminum again...when I'm ready.

 

CBI sweet!

This is my T3 CBI full protection bumper (alum) coated with bed liner for looks, Front plate left bare steel to match my alum skid plates (plates by RCI), and rock guards by Green Lane (alum).

 

Seems kind of ridiculous that people here worry about crash tests comparing an armoured steel unit vs plastic ones. The difference is obvious no matter plastic, alum, or steel. I also have a jeep and that steel bumper I want as tough as a battering ram.

 

I'll jump on this thread instead of creating another one: Are the recovery points on the CBI T3 suitable for snatching or no?

 

Just bought a steel bumper from Relentless (175 #) wondering if my stock TRD sport with the 4600 Bilstiens can handle the weight until I upgrade the suspension In a few months. So bored so I just want to install the bumper already

 

You are selling me on the ARB. I crunched the plastic chin on mine but replaced it for about $90, when I get more damage or have the funds to go with a new bumper, I’m going ARB. Thanks for the deep info.

 

What did you go with for AL skids? I've been tossing back and forth on a few including CBI.

 

I went with RCI aluminum skids. So far so good, they actually protected my
Transfer-case from serious damage on my last Offroad adventure. Highly recommend aluminum

 

It took me a long time to decide which bumper I wanted to go with. After debating for a long time I finally made my purchase. I ordered the Hybrid Bumper with a single hoop from @C4 Fabrication and couldnt be more excited!

I also grabbed a light bar and four baja squadron sport lights that I'm waiting to install with it. Just need to grab the winch before the bumper comes in. Anyone have a recommendation? I was thinking of going with a Warn VR Evo.

The bumper is steel btw.

 

an issue to think about for aluminum is since its softer it has a tendency to scratch and scrape and grab rather than dent and slide.

 

I knew I wanted aluminum because here in coastal GA I'm not worried about using it to rub on stuff.
I hunted for two years for my Pelfreybilt (shame) aluminum. I've had it for a couple years now and it has been great.

 

How much of a hit would one's mileage take going with steel or aluminum? I love the look of the ARB front, but it's like 250lbs. I already have a steel front skid installed, and steel mid rear waiting to go on, and I'm getting under 15mpg. Plus I don't really want to have to swap springs...

The ARB is just so tempting at just over $1000 and available on Amazon, because I have little to no patience

 

Probably 2..I am always fascinated when people, knowingly, purchase a truck, add bigger tires and more weight and THEN, are concerned about MPGs..

 

I'm trying to make an informed decision on what bumper to get. MPG is not the deciding factor, but it's worth looking into. You think it's weird when people research things before purchasing?

 

What are some other considerations?

 

Clearance, aesthetics, cost, lead time, durability, safety, if it can accept a lightbar/fogs/winch, etc.

I'm not sure why you have such a problem with me asking about how it will effect mileage. It's an expensive purchase so I want as much info as possible before deciding

 

When I was looking, I planned on going with aluminum up front to save weight. Having only been on an OME shock and coil setup (non-coilovers) I was looking to save money as well because the right suspension setup (true coilovers) was not in the realm of reality at the time. At most, I would just have to swap springs.

Fortunately, an aluminum bumper was available locally and all my needs were met; no wait time, no lead time and the price was right.

 

I appreciate it man, thanks. I'll take a look at local classifieds but there's not much of an offroad scene around me sadly. What did you end up going with?

 

Same. Midwest here.

Remember when I said I got lucky? Well, I scooped this before the fuckening of this company (Pelfreybilt)