correct me if im wrong but arent the teraflex sliders aluminum? from what ive heard they are pretty strong, and they arent that expnsive.

 

I suspect price AND people's notions of Aluminum are the two biggest reason most dont make them yet. Aluminum is some 'spensive shat!

But THAT said...why not go for broke: Find a Titanium dealer and have him cut ya' a hunk of Square stock of C channel stuff and mount 'er on up!!!!!!!

But PLEASE...if you go the titanium route; Please post a PRICE as I know its more than double aluminum and if you post the price then I wont soil myself when I go in and ask for too!!!!!!!!!!!

 

ok I got a quote in for 3 sheets of 24x48x3/16" plate titanium in so I can see how much it will be to make a bumper. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I gotta see how much this is going to be. Guess Imma have to TIG weld the damn bump too. Well I will keep ya updated as the price just for the plates lol

 

All of you have been thinking what I have been trying to plan out. I Work with 6000 series Al alloy and was thinking of designing a front and rear bumper out of 6061 T6 aluminum extrusions, better mechanical properties. I am running into a hitch when it comes to clevis mounts and winch mount though. I think it would have to be a mixture of aluminum and steel.
The rear would be easier with a tire carrier I think.

 

I worked with 6061 T6 years ago. I believe that it's perfect for the job. As you said, clevis mounts and winch mounts will have to be backed with steel reinforcing plates where they are bolted through the aluminum.

I was thinking that 1/4" Al plate would be the minimum thickness that I would use.

Does anybody know the thickness of the steel that is commonly used on commercial Jeep bumpers?

I need to do a weight comparison of same sized plates of 1/4" aluminum vs say 3/16" or 1/8" steel.

 

You're goin' for broke, huh...

 

That would take a whole lot of pop/soda/beer cans... But I agree, my JK is already a pig.

 

I would be very interested in a stong but lighter weight bumper. The 6 squirrels
under the hood already have a hard enough time moving the weight around!

 

the difference in $ between aluminum, and steel not to mention the fact that they are not readily available will also drive up your cost... might not be worth it for the ~50 lbs you will save.. better off going on a diet. well for me anyway, I could easily lose 50

 

onlinemetals.com sells 6061 for $140.63 a sheet, plus shipping...