Aluminum Skid Plated

EasylyConfused · 2012-08-02T11:37:16+00:00

Hey Everyone, Does anyone know of any aluminum skid plates with the exception of Bud Built. Has anyone had any experience with aluminum skid plates? I just bought a new 4runner a couple months ago, and would like to add some protection to the bottom. I was leaning towards aluminum due to the lesser weight and limited corrosion. (From my understanding aluminum does not corrode as badly as steel as the surface corrosion will seal the remainder of the aluminum plate, similar to anodized aluminum) However Bud Built charges a $550 premium (~50%) for the 5 skid combo when ordered in aluminum, and I'm uncertain as to whether it would be worth while to go with aluminum or not. I don't really want to add a couple hundred pounds to the bottom of my truck, and I would like to maximize the corrosion resistance. Is the weight difference really all that great to justify the increased cost? From my searches I haven't really seen anyone with aluminum skid plates on here, although there seems to be a few over on the FJ forum. I'm okay with splurging a little if there are some noticeable advantages. I'm not likely going to be taking this thing out rock crawling or anything too extreme. Although I would like to make an annual trip down south for some off-roading and over landing and the occasional weekend trip, this will be my daily driver, and realistically it will spend far more time on the highway then in the dirt. Any feed back would be appreciated! Thanks