steel thickness

Lucky Jeff · Apr 9, 2007

What's the general rule of thumb for different parts of the truck? What do you use for bumpers, suspension mounts, rock slides and other types of skid plates?

Nuzzy · Apr 9, 2007

Lucky Jeff said:
What's the general rule of thumb for different parts of the truck? What do you use for bumpers, suspension mounts, rock slides and other types of skid plates?

1/8th diamond plate for everything.

Not Jobless · Apr 9, 2007

1/2"

GO BIG OR GO HOME :fawkdancesmiley:

Lucky Jeff · Apr 9, 2007

Jobless said:
1/2"

GO BIG OR GO HOME :fawkdancesmiley:

hell I would make everything one size.. But my poor little 4 banger can't support the weight.. I'd throw a 5" lift on there and it'd put me back at stock height...

Jeepasaurusrex · Apr 9, 2007

A lot depends on what grade of steel it is. A36 is a mild steel that is fairly soft. A572 is harder and T1 harder yet. T1 makes great rock sliders and skid plates. For the ultimate skid plates, make them out of HX400. Rocks wont scratch it, you will scratch rocks. :redneck:

3/8" seems to work pretty well for suspension mounts. For bumpers I wouldnt go any bigger than 3/16 for the weight factor. 1/4" for rock sliders. :redneck:

Jaydog · Apr 9, 2007

I used 1/4" for my sliders, and for my bumper, but only because I had it laying around, but then again, it was laying around because I use it the most. :;

TB-F · Apr 9, 2007

If you'r just using mild hot rolled steel wich is most common, 1/8 to 3/16 for non structural bumper parts. 1/4 for anything like winch mounts or anything structural like that. 1/4 is fine for suspension brackets too. Look at OEM stuff, it's 10 to 12ga so 1/4 is fine. Just desin it well.