Steel vs. Aluminum bumpers

[Tejas]

I am starting to consider bumpers for the 4Runner and of course the aluminum versus steel option/debate comes up. I understand the weight savings, but the added cost and weaker material don't really seem to add up as the clear winner.

For those that have been down this road what did you ultimately choose and why?

 

[rpontbriand]

I am starting to consider bumpers for the 4Runner and of course the aluminum versus steel option/debate comes up. I understand the weight savings, but the added cost and weaker material don't really seem to add up as the clear winner.

For those that have been down this road what did you ultimately choose and why?

For aluminum it depends who you go with. My Hefty Fabworks aluminum front bumper is super strong and well made. I got into an accident several weeks ago where some moron fish-tailed in front of me due to ice and he hit me with the bed of his truck. I was going about 30 mph during impact plus what ever speed his slide was coming towards me. The end result was the bumper and holders were totally fine with minimal damage to the reminisces of the bumper cover and driver side headlight. The bumper is designed to move during impact as well. Took the truck back to Hefty Fabworks and the made the adjustments back to the bumper and all was fine. Very minor scratches to the powder coating too! Truly amazed!

 

[Jetboy]

I think it depends heavily on your use. Both have their place. I don't beat mine up too much - I still have plastic bumper covers on both ends.

Steel isn't rock proof either. Make sure you're not overestimating the strength of steel. It's pretty strong - but it doesn't give you a the ability to hammer on them without damage. Here's an ARB rear bumper after one run through the Rubicon on a Land Cruiser with 35" tires.

 

[Tejas]

For aluminum it depends who you go with. My Hefty Fabworks aluminum front bumper is super strong and well made. I got into an accident several weeks ago where some moron fish-tailed in front of me due to ice and he hit me with the bed of his truck. I was going about 30 mph during impact plus what ever speed his slide was coming towards me. The end result was the bumper and holders were totally fine with minimal damage to the reminisces of the bumper cover and driver side headlight. The bumper is designed to move during impact as well. Took the truck back to Hefty Fabworks and the made the adjustments back to the bumper and all was fine. Very minor scratches to the powder coating too! Truly amazed!

Post up some pics of the damage if you don't mind. I'd love to see how well it held up. A buddy of mine has the aluminum Hefty front bumper and the plastic fender rubbing on the top of it for a month was enough to wear a divot into the aluminum.

 

[MrGainzz]

The thing with aluminum is that when it’s damaged ,it’s really difficult to repair it.


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[comtn4x4]

I also have a Hefty Aluminum up front, for 3 1/2 years now. It's held up really well and I would definitely consider aluminum again. Although I think design plays a big part in it.
As far as rear bumper goes I wouldn't even consider aluminum. Steel all the way. Just too much going on with a rear bumper I think. Beyond dragging and recovery off the rear bumper, think weight: Tire carrier and tire, Jerry cans, Hi Lift, recovery boards, propane tank, Trasheroo etc. Maybe Aluminum if it's the bumper only.

As far as the bumper cowl rubbing and eating through the aluminum, first that's a severely mis-aligned bumper. It shouldn't even be close enough for anything to touch it including during flex off road. That being said mine was also like that for a while and only wore off the powder coat. Not sure how plastic could wear into aluminum unless it was a very long time.

 

[rpontbriand]

The thing with aluminum is that when it’s damaged ,it’s really difficult to repair it.


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In my mind it depends on the severity of the damage and how it was caused. If damage is done to a bumper and it needs to be repaired, it may be best/safest just to get a new one. In the event of an accident, most insurance companies will cover it.

 

[MrGainzz]

In my mind it depends on the severity of the damage and how it was caused. If damage is done to a bumper and it needs to be repaired, it may be best/safest just to get a new one. In the event of an accident, most insurance companies will cover it.

You are right but then you would have to deal with a long lead time while driving your truck with a damaged bumper unless you don’t mind the appearance or have another bumper to put on temporarily.


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[MrGainzz]

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