decisions,,, decisions,,,

[shockwave28]

I have finally decided to lift the X. I am going to use the Bilstein coil over But not sure best option for the rear, I was thinking about the 3 pack AAL from 4x4 but not sure if they would be too high compared to the front, Wondering if anyone here has used the coil overs??
I am also looking to add some skid plates. would aluminium be a bad choice??

[Miner]

My take on aluminum. For a cosmetic skid plate or for use in sand or desert running it's good and will save weight. For rocks and ramming tree stumps hidden in mud holes you need more strength, sure you can use aluminum but it would be much thicker then steal to provide the same strength / protection. Basically for the same strength the aluminum and the steel skid plate would weigh the same, the aluminum would be much thicker and much more expensive.

[Bow_Tied]

Ramming rocks will take it's toll on aluminum but some people use them. If it was me I would want it braced on the back side; but I tend to over do things.

[HotWod]

I used 1/4" aluminum for a few years with no problems. I don't have anywhere to bolt them now otherwise I'd still be using them. Its nice and light but kinda expensive

[thegoodstink]

I'd tend to agree with miner. Aluminium looks better for sure, but steel is much more durable by volume, ie, steel plates can be much thinner, and less bulky. If you're going to bash the truck a fair bit, I'd use steel. The added benefit of course, is steel is cheaper. But man, I've seen some sexy looking aluminium skid plates out there!

[PiDGE]

Food for thought: put a straight edge on my skids and you won't find one. From my experience I wouldn't be using aluminum for skids. My steel skids from Hefty and Shrock are all deformed. Keep in mind it's nothing a sledge hammer and concrete sidewalk won't fix, but they still deform. I gotta think aluminum would be worse.