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4:41 am
Club Member
September 3, 2008
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What do you guys think of all the new aluminum products that are coming out for out rigs? Do you think it's as strong as steel? Is the weight savings worth the extra cost? I can get aluminum fenders, sliders, skid plates, you name it. Is it worth it?
Um...what?
4:45 am
Club President
April 2, 2003
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You can stand on my steel fenders. They tell you not to do that with aluminum. I'm guessing that means its not the same strength. However it appears it should still be strong enough.
Since I used my front fenders as a ladder to get into my loft, steel works just fine for my non wheeling needs.
Kathleen and Brad
5:07 am
Club Member
July 10, 2003
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"BKGM Jeepers" wrote: steel works just fine for my non wheeling needs.
There's a selling point 
I used to wheel a lot. . .
6:11 am
What grade aluminum are they citing? Their are significant strength differences across grades, just as with steel. I'm curious if precipitation hardened Aluminum is in the market.
Comparing strictly on strength isn't enough. It's the application coupled with the (functional) design. Aluminum doesn't have to be stronger than steel.
4:02 pm
"Wh1t3Nukle" wrote: What grade aluminum are they citing? Their are significant strength differences across grades, just as with steel. I'm curious if precipitation hardened Aluminum is in the market.
Comparing strictly on strength isn't enough. It's the application coupled with the (functional) design. Aluminum doesn't have to be stronger than steel.
In talking with 2 mfg.'s they both use std 6061 for their corners and flares. I think Metal Cloak sticks with steel for their flares though. If they used tool plate that would be way cool...Had to use carbide drill bits to drill through it when I used it for a transom support on my boat though.
2:58 am
I don't know how these fenders mount, but they at least are to the body panels and not frame, is that right?
If they are, then it'd by a preference to have them crumple or buckle such that they are the weak link. That way the rock, tree, other rig, fender bender results in only replacement of that piece over additional body damage.
there are some Al grades that are on par for (yield strength wise) as comparable typical steel parts.
Going tool steel would definitely be the choice for axle tubes and control arms. 
5:22 am
September 25, 2011
Offline
I have aluminum fender flares and they are "supposed" to be as strong as the steel ones (no Brad you can't stand on them). The weight savings was a good bit, not a deciding factor for me. I do like that they won't rust, unlike all the metal on the rig. No rust, less weight, were the deciding points for me. I would not be afraid to go with all aluminum if you get it from a reputable company. It also depends upon how they are mounted to the vehicle to determine if they are strong enough. I echo the comment about being able to buckle vs the sheet metal as it relates to fenders. My wheels stick out so much further that isn't a big concern for me.
Huck
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