Aluminum Versus Steel Front Bumper

[cam-shaft]

why couldn't/ wouldn't stainless steel washers & fasteners work? and are manufacturers making the fit wide enough to accommodate any intermediate piece of hardware? I know the CBI (steel) bumper needed a little help to fit the Tacoma. not a force fit, but there was no room for much more than a playing card shim.

http://www.grainger.com/product/PRE...-/Ntt-nonmetallic+shims?sst=subset&s_pp=false

Dissimilar metals: the stainless bolt will get white and chaulky and the aluminum will be corroded. Isolation is the key I think it is a lot of work but it would be something to consider when building an aluminum bumper, that way you know your product is covered know matter where it is shipped in the world. Plus you have winch mounting to consider. For the time being salt away for the salty dogs
Cam-shaft.

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

why couldn't/ wouldn't stainless steel washers & fasteners work? and are manufacturers making the fit wide enough to accommodate any intermediate piece of hardware? I know the CBI (steel) bumper needed a little help to fit the Tacoma. not a force fit, but there was no room for much more than a playing card shim.

http://www.grainger.com/product/PRE...-/Ntt-nonmetallic+shims?sst=subset&s_pp=false

cam-shaft pretty much stated it, but... you cannot have steel and aluminum directly touching otherwise you will start to have corrosion issues, especially if you live where they salt roads. Also, if you live on the coast somewhere you will have a lot of salt in the air which can create the same situation. It's best, in general, to isolate them from each other.

 

[Plannerman]

Wouldn't a good coat of paint address this? My recollection is the auto manufacturers handle the corrosion issue of aluminum wheels on steel axles through a good clear coat or paint on the wheels


Sent via fat thumb

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Wouldn't a good coat of paint address this? My recollection is the auto manufacturers handle the corrosion issue of aluminum wheels on steel axles through a good clear coat or paint on the wheels


Sent via fat thumb

I think for the most part yes. However, under stress areas where a lot of torque is being applied I think paint, powdercoat, or clearcoat could be a weak link. It might take a while for anything to happen, but in the process of tightening things you can damage finishes creating a breach in the coating. Might be rare, but not impossible.

This does bring up a good question though. I wonder, if you are not trusting of the finish and chose to use nylon washers; is there also something you could sleeve the bolts with to keep the steel from contacting the aluminum? I'm probably over-thinking all of this, but that's what I do...:coffeedrink:

 

[Plannerman]

I know for pipelines, sacrificial cathodes (anodes? I can't remember) are used to protect from corrosion. I believe steel hulled ships use the same. So, could you achieve the same cathodic protection by fastening a sacrificial piece of zinc to your frame?


Sent via fat thumb

 

[Wainiha]

I agree with Cam-shaft. Two different metals often cause corrosion(electrolysis). Living on the coast I see first hand. Salt air can corrode anything. Plastic, any metal. It will etch glass.

I wonder if an aluminum bumper could benefit from sacrificial zinc anodes like on boat(I think they're zinc).

 

[bat]

Two different metals often cause corrosion(electrolysis).

Why not just use some Penatrox or Nolox , it is an electrical product made for dissimilar metals.

 

[BigSwede]

I wouldn't expect to get any noticable milage improvement out of aluminum over steel. Increased drag will make the biggest difference regardless of weight. But as far as handling goes, you will notice 65 fewer pounds hanging off of your nose.

Weight is the enemy in any automotive sport. So if money is no object and you're not out there bashing rocks, i'd go aluminum.

^^this

 

[Crom]

Why not just use some Penatrox or Nolox , it is an electrical product made for dissimilar metals.

I had the same/similar question... Why not a tube of quality anti-seize and call it good?

 

[haddix]

After working with aluminum and steel I couldn't imagine with going with aluminum for protection. Yes it may weigh less but at the same time it is not as strong. Ill take steel any day.

 

[washington taco]

Is it just me or is this web site having issues adding photos? I just tried adding a picture of my bumper and the screen turns white. My home computer and work computer does the same thing.

Got it to work!!!

 

[washington taco]

My aluminum bumper.

 

[southpier]

I had the same/similar question... Why not a tube of quality anti-seize and call it good?

too easy; this is Expo

 

[brushogger]

I have an Aluminess on my FJ with a 9.5 talon Superwinch which I've used a lot. No issues at all. I'd buy one again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk