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What do I need in what scenarios? Me? Mostly overlanding, NPS offroad trails, NFS roads, some entry-level rock crawling (East coast, not really a thing where I am).
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My recommendation, Join a local group and discuss with them. See what people are running and ask them why. The geography in the US is so very different where ever you go. What you need where I am will be quite different from what you need where you are. I have been fully plated and used every bit of it. But I knew I was plated and used it. I have been totally naked and not had a problem because I knew I was naked and high pointed and knew where my clearances were and knew what to avoid. Never had a problem on a FS road. Trails on the other hand have much more variability. I go down to Utah and the rock is mostly smooth... Probably do not need a spare tire... flat fix kit is all I need. In Idaho it is allot of decomposing granite with sharp edges, some even arrow head shaped but much larger.... I have opened up 6 inch gashes in the middle of a mudder tread. There is no patching that.... Cost vs benefit....What do I need in what scenarios? Me? Mostly overlanding, NPS offroad trails, NFS roads, some entry-level rock crawling (East coast, not really a thing where I am).
Ah, A36 (most common) steel plate starts at 50,000 PSI tensile and 36,000 PSI yield which is more important than tinsel IMO. 6061-T6 has roughly 35,000 PSI yield. Where steel is better is in impact and shear strength which is what we should look at as far as skids go. 6061-T6 while strong is subject to work hardening and will crack and it really does not like to be bent. The lower grades of aluminum, while being more malleable, have lower yield strength."Aluminum has more tensile strength..."
I don't think you know what tensile strength means. The tensile strength of aluminum starts at 40,000 psi. Steel tensile strength starts at about 70,000 psi.
I m with sportcoupe, tranny has nada⊠it concerns me even when thinking about small tree and brush stumps. Want something on that tranny for my Badlands but havenât figure out right manufacturer. Want to keep BL existing factory plates as they re ample for my use but want a tranny skid that works with them (factory skids) and doesnât require removal for oil changes or doesnât lose ground clearance.
Anyone have that answer pls let me know
To OP, you re on right track IMO as you re weighing your useage plans; smart move !!
Most of the aluminum skids are from 5052, and because aluminum weighs so much less than steel it is possible to go to 1/4" plate for skids. Its not all about tensile strength when it comes to skids.Ah, A36 (most common) steel plate starts at 50,000 PSI tensile and 36,000 PSI yield which is more important than tinsel IMO. 6061-T6 has roughly 35,000 PSI yield. Where steel is better is in impact and shear strength which is what we should look at as far as skids go. 6061-T6 while strong is subject to work hardening and will crack and it really does not like to be bent. The lower grades of aluminum, while being more malleable, have lower yield strength.
This may help you to understand what I am refering to.
https://www.cnclathing.com/guide/me...-different-metal-grades-and-alloys-cnclathing