I already bought and installed steel bumpers but was looking the other day on the web found several companies who offer aluminum bumpers with winch mounts. It seemed like a good idea to cut weight but your loosing some strength. On rocks I would say no way but other than that what do yall think? It's stronger than stock plastic.

 

Aluminum can also be very strong. Made correctly, it can Be as strong as steel. It is just very expensive.

 

If you read the latest issue of 4 wheeler, jk or Jeep magazine they all recommend aluminum. The weight difference and rust are the main factors. If you live anywhere they put salt on the roads your steel will begin to rust very quickly no matter how good your powder coat is. I have been driving jeep for over 2 decades now and will never use steel. My cousin bought his first jeep last year and put on steel aftermarket parts (against my advice) from well known manufacturer and in two years has rust spots and tire swing almost rusted shut. Do not listen to people who say its not stronger or more expensive. Aluminum can be just as strong. As, for the expense how much do you think it will cost every time you need to re powder coat your bumpers or touch up your rust spots? Its worth the extra two Bens not to ever touch them again. Shops sell steel because easy to work with and half ass powder coat and sell it cheap to kids who cant wait to trick out their rides. Aluminum is more difficult to work with and paint correctly to last (it will not rust). Save your money..either way you will end up paying.

 

If you read the latest issue of 4 wheeler, jk or Jeep magazine they all recommend aluminum. The weight difference and rust are the main factors. If you live anywhere they put salt on the roads your steel will begin to rust very quickly no matter how good your powder coat is. I have been driving jeep for over 2 decades now and will never use steel. My cousin bought his first jeep last year and put on steel aftermarket parts (against my advice) from well known manufacturer and in two years has rust spots and tire swing almost rusted shut. Do not listen to people who say its not stronger or more expensive. Aluminum can be just as strong. As, for the expense how much do you think it will cost every time you need to re powder coat your bumpers or touch up your rust spots? Its worth the extra two Bens not to ever touch them again. Shops sell steel because easy to work with and half ass powder coat and sell it cheap to kids who cant wait to trick out their rides. Aluminum is more difficult to work with and paint correctly to last (it will not rust). Save your money..either way you will end up paying.