Aluminum vs Steel Let's Weigh Our Jeeps!

How important is vehicle weight? How much does your 4x4 weigh? I've never publicly speculated about my vehicle weight because I know there are many variables. In this episode we explore how much is considered light and how much of a difference is steel vs aluminum. Fenders, bumpers, doors, we all have the option to buy these in steel or aluminum. Is it worth the extra money? Today we hit the scales and get some real world data!
For comparison my Land Rover Discover weighs 4900 lbs stock.
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Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#offroad #overland #4x4

[@haterade8]

Hey Nate, just want to say I appreciate your eye when it comes to your cinematography and your ears for including some good soundtracks!

[@DirtLifestyle]

I appreciate the positive comment! Thank you for watching brother 👊

[@peterwatson8295]

Being light does give you a HUGE advantage. Jeep did a concept wrangler where they took of a ton of weight from a wrangler, and it lifted it two inches and they were raving about the performance. Even driving down the highway or whatever in my own rig loaded up vs not you can definitely feel it.

[@JoeGarofaloII]

That's crazy, would have thought the weight difference would have been way more... awesome video as always!

[@jamesmac7040]

Would love to see you create a mini-series on ways you lighten your truck. Or at minimum, more emphasis on weight reduction in future fab. Great video and surprising result. Thanks Nate!

[@TheMinuteman1964]

I agree 100%

[@davemurray8421]

I'm so happy you did this video. It just give me more power in my arguments of keeping my JKU as light as I can. So many guys keep telling me I need tons, beefier bumpers and steel fenders. Nope, especially with the wheeling I do. One of my favorite videos so far! Oh and I've been using your paint tips too, and my parts are looking better.

[@BenWebster84]

That's why I love my XJ on 32s. I go places that mildly built JKs on 35s go

[@tf6796]

Only problem is your XJ is locked in 4 lo. The Jk hasn't even locked 4 hi... LOL

[@BenWebster84]

@@tf6796 I'm still having fun, so I really don't care

[@wigit2216]

Loving all these uploads!

[@brandon5327]

Taking into consideration all the aluminum parts vs his steel parts. Also I believe the tdi is lighter than a factory 4.0. A lot of people don't realize how heavy those engines are, so everything considered I would of guessed a much bigger weight difference between the two even with all the added gussets and trussing. Kinda crazy how the little things start to add up fast.

[@jameshall4385]

your jeep must have gained weight being on lock down. it needs more exercise

[@DirtLifestyle]

😂

[@bradywilliams2666]

I've never weighed my crawler. It is all 1 ton chevy so I think it's pretty heavy. When I first built it. It was a 4 seater with a 20 gallon gastank with a heavy skid plate carrier. Couple yrs ago I pulled 2 seats, changed the cage and built a smaller 14 gallon tank with no skid. Since I moved it up above the frame and forward. The weight reduction kind of hampered the performance to a point. I used to run around in 2 lo and only grabbed 2wd when needed. Now I find I need 4wd more often on easier stuff. I think it helped on climbs since once the front is over it pulls the rear up easier.

[@TheDillon1987]

One thing I’ve noticed about America is the trucks have way too much weight on as people think bigger is better, but yours is probably one of the better thought out trucks I’ve seen 👍🏼 here in Australia 🇦🇺 we have always been Weight conscious with Aluminium leading the way. Keep up the great content.

[@dubCanuck1]

"sometimes the best way to save $1000 is to find 1000 ways to save $1"

[@timparkin485]

Great video once again! Love it. I’ve always tried to save weight on my Discovery where possible, as I couldn’t agree more, a light vehicle makes a huge difference. I really noticed this tho when I got another Discovery that was rusted out and about to be scrapped. My mate and I tore it down completely to the bare shell and stole the tires of my normal Disco. Taking it for a drive, despite not being regeared like my other one, the “river truck” pulled so hard through obstacles and went places I never expected it to go. Truly could not believe the difference a fully stripped down and lightened vehicle could make!

[@dennis-s]

Lightness is the key!! I drive a little Suzuki jimny on 30 inch tires. Small tires for the US standard but they fit perfectly without scarifying the all body. Lightness!!

[@TheAngryPlrate]

Jimnys are ace. Float over stuff like clouds. Show up some of the big boys

[@brent042081]

And that is why your jeep climbs like a beast! Front wait is your friend!!

[@Dhane-0]

I’m pretty sure my 💩📦 has 500lbs of just DOM tube lol

[@TheAngryPlrate]

Thank you for the uploads bud. I'm currently welding my off road rig up but back problems are halting my progress. Watching your vids is next best thing

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for watching! Get well soon 👍

[@murphtahoe1]

Great video! I need to lighten my TJ. Five 38’s with aluminum beadlocks adds a ton of weight! I need to switch to from steel tube fenders and front bumper to aluminum. I lost 20 pounds on the front when I changed from steel cable on my winch to synthetic rope. Oh well, it’s just money and time.

[@street_legal_go_kart7356]

It's amazing how much off road and racing really have in common. Less is more and traction is King. I am surprised how light those rigs are. Even my stock 99 TJ Sahara was over 4000 pounds. Rag top .

[@vitaminb4869]

Lighter rigs definitely have more traction. This can easily be seen when big full size trucks get stuck in deep snow left and right, but Jeeps just keep going. I once slid down an icy forest road going uphill, just couldn't make it to the top - lost traction 4/5 of the way up, had 7 psi in my 35" tires, 2 door JK, locked F&R. Then I saw an ATV made that hill. He also was able to keep more momentum going up. Him and some other truck with chains were the only ones that made that hill that day.

[@tacotots_132]

Love that definition of traction. Smart man!!

[@drewcramer7918]

I love snow wheeling and weight is a huge factor. That's why I don't run armor and my tire of choice is IROK, they are light.

[@rickm4295]

I love the channel...I realize its Jeep/rock crawling oriented and i dig it. If you ever get a chance to help your IFS fans out with some cool ideas (other than SAS , lol) please do...

[@DirtLifestyle]

I'm definitely into ifs. I'd like to build my wifes IFS Jeep liberty 👍

[@rickm4295]

@@DirtLifestyle I have a Tacoma that im getting ready for Utah next year now.....was gonna be this year. Im not gonna do anything crazy but i am looking forward to stuff like Shaffer Trail and Moab (not insane stuff). I look forward to any IFS tricks & tips you have in the future for sure

[@phillippearce9680]

That was a very surprising difference! Quite an eye opener. As always, great content.

[@brianhoefer7148]

About 25 years ago I was snowmobling Mt Shasta with a group and this dude with an old air-cooled Yamaha Exciter 440 was making highmarks against newer, larger displacement sleds due to the older sled weighing about 150lbs less.

[@tjcrawford7910]

Nate... wash all the dirt off and you’ll loose another 200 lbs. life hack!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol you aren wrong. I bet I have 20lbs of dirt between the skids and frame rails!

[@TheKnightsShield]

HERESY!! It's not a Jeep if it's clean. XD

[@normlenhart9565]

I weighed my last truck project before my daughter inherited it. 79 F250 built for the desert 4x4. on 37s/D44HD front. I THOUGHT I had it pretty stripped down (0ne gas tank, bedlined interior, 8 foot stepside box instead of full steel ) but had some tube work, tube bumpers and a winch. Took it to Cat certified scales and about fell over. 6400 pounds. Yea. Stuff adds up. Quick.

[@SSMJ]

Weight really matters. My JKU is coming in at 5240 with 35s and a PR44U, when I go to 38s soon it should bring me to 5340 for a JKU with full armor. Lots of aluminum here too, cause keeping it light keeps it fun! Keep up the great content, your videos have really taken off now that you've been doing this full time! Do you have a store with Dirt Lifestyle stickers?

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! Yes I do! Www.thedirtlifestyle.com

[@SSMJ]

@@DirtLifestyle Ordered! Have a good one!

[@jonathancamps9853]

Nate this is a great channel you created. Funny how your left side is heavier than the right.

[@Nanan00]

With that VW diesel your jeep could be significantly heavier and you wouldn't notice it all that much.

[@charliedee9276]

I used to drag race a highly modified Harley Sportster, losing 35 lbs dropped my best time by a bit over .2 seconds. Weight is everything, the less the better.

[@MullnerFab]

This is why I want all aluminum armor and skids on my 2.5 TJ. Cut out as much weight as possible and keep it lite while adding armor.

[@sevensenseification]

So, its time to build a Suzuki Samurai on 33 tires.

[@mike86mike]

Lada niva on 35.

[@Tbmx8]

You should do a overview of your towing set up for the Jeep! Loved this video by the way, I can relate with my TJ👍🏻

[@gregnyce6670]

My TJ on 35's was 3570 lbs. After doing cage/JK axles, 38's and more stretch, I am up to 4560 lbs, all aluminum armor up top, all steel underneath. I am looking at ways to lighten things up as well.

[@lewy1]

My CJ5 with 5 33s on steel wheels no top or doors front roll bar added, 8274 winch and added trans oil pan skid, 4.3 vortec weighs 3860.

[@raychilcote5558]

Real numbers rule! Trading parts for upgrades is good. An AMC360 is just 60 lbs heavier than a cast iron straight 6. Swap out the cast iron intake for an aluminum cuts that in half. Awesome in a fiberglass CJ-5. I need to weigh it! Guessing low 3s.

[@onetruebob_tj]

Great video! My guesses for both rigs were way off. For your rig I completely forgot about the trusses and bigger axles. As soon as this virus thing lifts gonna take my TJ to the truck scales.

[@travismcvey]

Was surprised to see them come in under 5k. My XJ on 33s weights just under 5k with me and around ½ tank of gas. Add the kids, and the girl I'm definitely over 5k.

[@nerfatron]

That's surprising, my buddy had an xj, 33s 6" long arm lift, whole body was redone with linex, we weighed his jeep on the scales at about 3800lbs, but he didn't have a winch bumper or lockers or anything else really

[@jake-coombs]

I wasn't to far out on my guess of 2100kg or equal to 4630 lbs . Even just changing the fixings to aluminium or titanium can save a surprising amount of wait.

[@Trex76us]

My TJ on 37's with 5 tires on beadlocks came in at 4880 lbs at the local truck stop.

[@redneckgearheadgarage495]

Shedding weight doesn't increase traction but decreases the amount of traction required to move the vehicle forward.

[@tonyb2086]

I'll buy that, makes sense.

[@laneh.5150]

IMO - more importantly is the ratio of Unsprung weight to Sprung weight (basically having heavy tires,wheels & axles aren't really an important issue as much as having a heavy loaded down with tools, steel panels, skids, bumpers on top of the springs) So long as you have enough horse power/torque & gear ratio to turn the heavy wheels then you're ultra-light rig should be able to crawl or power over or through anything.

[@moabwheeling]

I was close in my guess , i thought like you Nate on the weight savings of using aluminum . Awesome video again my friend and i also follow Kelly on his youtube channel . Until next time take care .

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy! Stay healthy!

[@mikehoffman3690]

Love the slo-mo trail vid.

[@michaeldose2041]

@1:24 "easier to push or pull a rig if it is lite". "you get what appears to be better traction" That must be why powered para gliders go over obstacles with such ease. Seriously, if it was only about lightness a stock cj2a would be the best. In aviation it is all about strong and lite. Or just strong enough. When you talk about aluminum fenders, sure why not but in the overall scheme of things it boils down to less than 5% overall. In other words a well prepped rig will gain some weight. Both of these rigs are well prepped, the DL rig has a lot of beef where it counts namely in the suspension, axle and transfer case. For that reason advantage DL, overall probably more reliable and still came in slightly lighter. Well done!

[@DirtLifestyle]

You look at this exactly the same way I do. If you put the weight where it counts it's not a hindrance, it's an asset. Trussed axles, hydro steering and a 4 speed transfercase are things I wasn't willing to compromise on. And the offroad performance got a huge boost from these assets 👍

[@leetucker5788]

my scout ii was around 3500 pounds new; but with tons, a full cage, bumpers, skid plates, 40s, beadlocks, winch, and other crap it tipped the scales at 6000 pounds.

[@tiredofinsanity]

I appreciate the content! I always find things like this interesting. It's amazing how things like not only weight but it's placement change how your wheeler runs through its paces....I have a light xj on 40s that wheels great over most obstacles but I also have a square body suburban on tons that's a pig but wheels better over some things. I assume wheelbase but maybe weighing it to see what kind of weight distribution it has might turn up some interesting info🤔 Thank you!

[@CFairNH]

Given the stats, I am shocked that you're so close together in weight. Very cool video!!! As the saying goes the numbers don't lie.

[@headlesnorseman701]

im just thinking... if you could get say like a 2800 lb rig... it would prob survive with 3/4 ton axles and very little trussing. would need lots of deleted creature comforts and body work and liberal use of aluminum. i need to get a YJ again lol

[@abdubitar960]

THAT SOOO FUCKING SICK MUDDY BEAR 4x4 Collab 🥵🥵🥵🥵 and that intro is so fuego 🔥

[@shadowlm315]

Hey Nate, if you added some weight to the rear it would pull some off the front too. That tire carrier of yours might even out the front to rear weight of your Jeep.

[@MrJoshItIs]

Taken together with your previous video about axles vs weight, it would seem to imply a catch 22 where 1-ton axles' weight would require/justify 1-ton axles.

[@justinschlaud9443]

Nate, if you get a chance, it would be interesting to put your brothers TJ on the scales. More of a stock-ish build on 35s. I know it’s not an apple to apple comparison to yours and Kelly’s.

[@1stuart1]

Did you notice how much easier Nate's Jeep floated up onto those scales?

[@gamesofcontent]

Force per square inch. Pressure per square inch would be pounds/ in^4. Pressure is F/A. Bearing stress is what you are talking about. Force/area.

[@charlesb4267]

Nate, your TJ was dead on even from side to side and cross corners, for some reason Kelly's has uneven weights corner to corner. While its not a huge amount it still stands out and I had three theories. 1. the tire inflation was not even, 2. one or more springs has been stressed and now doesn't share the same load at a given height, 3. a twisted frame I'd be curious to hear your speculation.

[@Bill-v650]

There is a lot of false "economy" in the weight savings of aluminum. Yes aluminum itself is about 1/3rd the weight of steel but generally parts will have to be twice as thick and/or beefier because the properties of aluminum aren't as good as steel. So you end up saving 30% at best. Seems like the take away is don't over build parts.

[@CommieCat]

Bill 1/3 is 33%

[@Bill-v650]

@@CommieCat Aluminum is about 1/3rd the weight of steel. So that would be a 66% weight savings straight swapping materials... It never works out that way practically. Reading comprehension / math fail, thanks though.

[@EvanMoon]

You said it so I don’t have to say it again. I have a set of ramps for a car trailer and they’re about 6 feet long and they are ridiculously heavy but they are made out of aluminum. The biggest property of Luna that makes it great is it does not rust. I think the coolest thing Nate changed to lose weight was he put in the diesel engine

[@KurNorock]

There is no built like over built!

[@wvjeepguy8178]

You're really underestimating the structural integrity of both 6,000 and 7,000 series aluminum.

[@donhappel9928]

Tell me you did the Rover while you had the scales out! Non-Rover people are always asking why we run E-rated tires and are shocked to learn just how heavy they are despite the aluminum in them. I don't have the CAT tickets in front of me by my LR3 when loaded for a trip w/2 people and full fuel was over 7500 lbs (!). My topless D1 is around 6000 if I remember correctly. And this from a guy who 100% believes Colin Chapman was a god - Simplify and add lightness!

[@DirtLifestyle]

I'm going to weigh the disco when I finish the ton swap lol. OEM they are 4900! With 37s and bumpers 6k is easy

[@donhappel9928]

@@DirtLifestyle dug out my old CAT weigh-slip; topless D1 with driver, 37" Pitbulls on steel 15x10s, with gear on-board came to 5760. Heavy, but not quite as bad as I remembered. I'm betting you end up around 6200 on the D2; it's heavier than the D1, plus your axles will be heavier and you'll have the RTT/etc on board.

[@Alx2672]

Weigh the gladiator... Anything with the gladiator and I'm happy. That's a great truck. Build an xj too (In your spare time with the EXTRA cash laying around.)

[@brianbrown9338]

Just found this channel. Clearly the “ginja ninja” of jeeps. Love it.

[@PaulKaiser42]

That was great!!! I would have thought your Jetta motor was a lighter then a gas motor.

[@onwheels8232]

0:55 that's why a 60+ tones tanks have trucks 😂

[@briankirwan9588]

My unimog 404 is right around 6700 pounds with two of us and all our gear for wheeling.

[@KovaaksDemon]

Loving these uploads!

[@gearheadfabworks]

Sometimes, the problem also come from using thicker gauge aluminum to maintain or closely resemble the strength of steel. So of course, that makes the weight difference a little less. But, overall, both those rigs are lightweight. My Comanche weighs in at 5,400 lbs with no major body armor. Lol.

[@jamesbarnes7201]

that explains how your jeep does such good front digs ....i was off by 600 lbs with my guess

[@kickinitoutdoors5782]

My two door JK on 40s is 4350 with just spare and full tank gas, with me and gear its 4866!

[@epagent6091]

Well Damm my math was off as well!! Cool video Nate.

[@ericmillier6652]

These numbers definitely surprised me. Great tooic

[@dorsk84]

Maybe it's all the mud. Maybe you should clean them. It might be only a few pounds...or alot more. Also there is a time and place for AL or steel when building a rig.

[@evansautomotive307]

My 95 Montero weighs 4500lbs stock with 30in tires haha. Now its on 35s and is getting a 5.3 soooo looking at at least 5k haha. Those things are light!

[@BenWebster84]

Also I like your channel way better than Bleeping Jeep.

[@ryanprendergast6408]

Always love the videos Nate! Love the camera work and soundtrack. 👌

[@KJsProjects]

I need to lighten my Jeep. *Proceeds to add a front steel bumper and winch.

[@juliej4111]

Nice video........ My jeep weighs 1760 lbs on 31s. I'm building another one with a goal of 1500 lbs on 31s.

[@Allianceoffroad]

Great vid Nate! Gets the mind going for sure

[@450ktm520]

Question and not sure if its splitting hairs... when we weight race cars the pads need to be centered, the scale manufacture has a best practice. If not centered you have to take the tangent of the corner weight. Anyhow, great video and something I want to do on my rig but our race car scales are rated to the less load. Planning on building a 2 to 1 offset to reduce the load to the scale.

[@donhappel9928]

I noticed this and wondered about it as well

[@kcscustom9759]

Some good points here! I’ve added a ton of weight to my rig with steel parts over the years. Now that I have the capabilities to weld aluminum tho and the want to make my rig lighter I am going back and looking at everything I’ve added to decide what components would be valuable in weight savings to rebuild out of aluminum, while keeping everything safe and sturdy of course. I weighed it a few times separately a couple weeks ago to get an idea of what I’m working with, and so I have a before number. All I’m going to say is she could really use a diet lol.. So far on my list of parts to rebuild is my full belly pan, diff guards, roof rack, front & rear bumpers including the guard I have in front & my tire carrier in rear, and some of the bigger brackets I have. I’ll be really curious to see how much weight I loose!

[@h8highways530]

Great video. I was sup-prized with the weights myself.

[@justinhofstetter1712]

Quarentine has me checking every 10 minutes to see if a new video is up evn though I know dam well I have notifications turned on lol

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol I appreciate the support! I have a new one uploading as we speak 👍

[@rockandroad4x4partsaccesso36]

Nate, you did not even mention your TDI which is lighter than the 4 liter. Wow. I thought it would be a bigger difference

[@4WDTrek]

This is a lot of fantastic info! I'll have to start thinking about this as I continue the build with my JK. And hey! I'm a (small) youtuber somewhat close to you! Wheeled with Kelly At reiter last summer. Hoping to get out with you guys soon and learn from you guys. Been watching both your channels for a long time and inspired me for my builds!

[@iamblaineful]

Your build is dead nuts on, a perfect 1000 in the rear, and only 20lbs different in the front, side to side. The actual numbers don't matter to me as much as does the balance left to right. This means your suspension is set up extremely well, no binding, near perfect link arm adjustments, and great shock pressure balance. Himes/Johnny Joints goes a long way in preventing pre-bind by tightening link rods at full droop on factory style press-in rubber isolators, bad or worn shocks, and worn out springs. That can cause a significant difference in corner weight loads on level pavement. Race cars have been using pre-load, spring rates, shock stiffness, and the like to transfer weight to different corners to their advantage. I've seen plenty cars measure out +200lbs on a given wheel indicating a significant suspension problem. Kelly's jeep had a bit of oddness to it in one wheel, 60 to 80lbs of mismatch, and that can be corrected by finding the fault, as something is a bit out of spec.

[@derek6044]

TJ, 60/10.5, 347/C4/Dana20, 38.5 boggers on racelines, rings in at 3500lbs with no passengers, gear or spare...

[@randytweedy3188]

Great stuff, thank you for doing it!

[@kevinengland4675]

Already follow Muddy Beards channel as well man. Live both of your guys content 🤘

[@mizzclaireelizabeth]

currently running a 83 square body on 33s and a 4in lift with a full toolbox. went to a scale the other day only weighs 4700 lbs. its going to be much heaver when i load it with camping gear and fuel.

[@ArsaloBaja646]

guessing, if you put the scale the most on the front is possible, is the same result? no using the tires on the scale, maybe a supports on the front bomper. what I mean or my theory is, possibly the weight of the front of the car is a little bit ahead of the center of gravity of the front differential, and this may have a lever effect. (I know this video is a comparison just for fun) nice videos, i learn a lot from your videos.

[@DirtLifestyle]

You could be right!

[@goodmanboattransport3441]

My Suzuki sidekick sitting on 33 swampers weighed 2500 on the truck scales

[@MaynardFreek]

You win!

[@projectaltima3669]

yeeeeesss ive been missing the bassy intros

[@henryxavier3751]

Remember steal does not break like steel. Generally in weight of a Jeep a couple pounds of weight saving is not worth of frustration of a small weight savings.... I think proper weight and balance of a vechile will climb much better than saving @ 100 lbs.Not to mention mud? gas @7.5 gallons,location,driver @200 lbs per + passenger.Let’s save on mud. I think. To make it fly use helium in those tyres to save weight. And it will go faster 😜

[@blueweb00]

Steal does not break like steel? What do you mean by that?

[@henryxavier3751]

Remember steel does not break like aluminum....

[@henryxavier3751]

Steal sings and bends aluminum breaks generally not much weight savings is worth the frustration of breakage where as steel you may be able to hammer it back in.

[@carlsandvik2893]

I'm a little afraid to put my K5 on the scales after my axle swap... curious, but definitely afraid! :) Keep the great content coming Nate.

[@scoutdogfsr]

Traction is defined by the coefficient of friction.

[@killroy2993]

Better get the water cutter) plasma out. Start cutting holes into the plate steel

[@randythompson1957]

Huge respect for Nate. If his neighbor's house goes on the market. I will move.

[@kirkgardner2002]

Imagine adding stuff up that weights something..... that's math!!

[@merczeph79]

This makes me want to weigh my TJ!

[@davidwoermansr]

I have a 79 suburban on military 2.5 tons there isn't any losing weight except not washing it after driving in salt

[@FiveFourRacing]

Weight down lower too if you fill your tires with water you get more benifits then body weight

[@FiveFourRacing]

also the axle weight isnt something to worry about for the same reason