Which Tub is best? (FAQ)

[PVCruiser]

Even though you are in CA and you have salt... My vote would be for Heritage. You can undercoat it with Rhino line, Line-x, or Hurculine....

The AL tubs do not directly bolt-up, they require fitment. Also the interior finsh work leaves a bit to be desired. I'm not a fan of the squared tranny hump.

FWIW, AL doesn't flex line Steel. It will form stress cracking quicker...


My $0.02 is Heritage.

 

[Volunteer]

Heritage and for more reading https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=124492

 

[canadaman5155]

Even though you are in CA and you have salt... My vote would be for Heritage. You can undercoat it with Rhino line, Line-x, or Hurculine....

The AL tubs do not directly bolt-up, they require fitment. Also the interior finsh work leaves a bit to be desired. I'm not a fan of the squared tranny hump.

FWIW, AL doesn't flex line Steel. It will form stress cracking quicker...


My $0.02 is Heritage.

True, I could very easily line the bottom, but how much is the flex difference between AL and Steel. Is it really that much?

The two things that are keeping me from going steel is:
AL is lighter
But most of all: Steel tubs are $$$$$$$

 

[antFJ]

i hate to take the focus away from peterson and aqualu and heritage tubs.. but I've been reading on mud for a month or so now and I'm curious to know why no one has mentioned the body tubs sold by www.cruiserparts.net - they say its a "ready to install body tub with new panels all around from firewall back" for $3500.. I was mainly looking at this tub because its within trailer range (i live in CT) and because my tub is pretty shot from firewall back

just wanted to know what you guys think..

-Ant

 

[jhaha]

Another vote for Aqualu. I just got done with my build, and that is the one single purchase i would definitely do again.

 

[VT Fj-40 Owner]

i hate to take the focus away from peterson and aqualu and heritage tubs.. but I've been reading on mud for a month or so now and I'm curious to know why no one has mentioned the body tubs sold by www.cruiserparts.net - they say its a "ready to install body tub with new panels all around from firewall back" for $3500.. I was mainly looking at this tub because its within trailer range (i live in CT) and because my tub is pretty shot from firewall back

just wanted to know what you guys think..

-Ant

That may be a used tub.... it says "almost like new"

 

[rabid]

I have seen both the aluminum and glass tubs take an absolute beating off road. The glass tub is by no means easier to install than the aluminum. I do not think you could go wrong with either, assuming you use gozzard. Other glass tubs are awful.

As for the undercoating idea to work against rust- the only one that works is oil undercoating, do-able in vermont, not sure about other states. With other undercoatings, it just rusts at the seams and where the sealant is not.

If you go with a steel tub, (one that is of factory thickness), and you drive it in snow and salt- it will be toast within 5 years. You will most likely not get 10 out of it.

There are other tubs out there (search for poor wally) but they require someone else doing the install, and using much thicker steel than factory.

{edit} maybe 5 years is a bit harsh, you might do a little better. But it will certainly not outlast other steel options, glass or aluminum.

 

[canadaman5155]

Well it seems like AL is the way to go yet again (in my location) Thanks a lot. I will look into that poor walley guy too rabid. Also I have read about warping with the AL tubs...... what is that?



Thanks for everything.

 

[gladly]

my truck came with aqualu tub, it has taken some hits that steel would have creased at. it is way thicker and stronger than the stock thickness steel. wally's tubs may be a different story, though.
where in canada are you? in the west, maybe the recurrance of corrosion might not be a huge concern, I'm from nova scotia originally, and replacing steel with steel is a delaying tactic.
if I was going to pay 3000 for a tub, be it steel, AL or composite, I'd want to make sure I wasn't going to pay it twice... which negates the steel!
if gozzard is close/easy for you, don't even think twice, folks that nay say are thinking of cheap 'glass tubs, gozzard are way tougher, marine hull grade, and formed more accurately to the factory contours.

 

[mrmouse88]

Where in Canada are you?
I'm in BC on Van Isle

Hey man, I just finished installing my aqualu tub...Im not sure if you have called and talked to them, but in addition to not being able to rust, they are 3x stronger than the origional steel. Very thick stuff...Infact (I was encountering this when wanting to add on to it) the alum they use is marine grade. Good stuff. If you want to talk to someone and find out specifics on the Aqualu tub give them a call and ask to talk to Bob (Alumacruiser) here on mud...great guy. The install is easy too.

I would like to know how that the aluminium is 3x stronger then steel? (I'll dig up the specs on 5052 aluminium, would have to know what type of steel toyota used to make the tubs originaly to see the differences in the tensile and compression strengths) Aqualu tubs are made from 5052 aluminium which is gummy prone to stress cracking and corrosion, if they where made from 2024 t3 aluminium maybe, I have seen various aqualu tubs its possible..... But I doubt that they have had the engineering analyzes done to quantify that statement, also if that where a quantifiable statement I would think it would be on they're web site (I may have missed it, but I didn’t see that on there) 5052 is just too soft. 2024 would make a hell of a tub but at 1000 bucks cdn. for a 4x12 1/8 sheet and the difficulty in welding it, it’s just not practical.

I've been thinking over this same problem myself, and found my answer after the first time it froze up after I bought my 77 FJ40, its so light in the a** end that losing any weight due to an aluminium tub would just make things worse, im going to prolly end up with a new steel tub the weight everything lining up and less pissing around to make things fit right are the cinch pin, and as for rust they don’t even salt the roads here any more they're using a liquid de-icer that "shouldn’t" cause rust.

Well it seems like AL is the way to go yet again (in my location) Thanks a lot. I will look into that poor walley guy too rabid. Also I have read about warping with the AL tubs...... what is that?]

The warping is "generally" caused from the welding when they build the tub, easiest way to see it is look down the side of an alu. tub it will have a waving look to the metal, thats the warping caused from welding.

 

[SLOonTheGo]

I think what mountain cruiser is trying to say is that in comparison the new aluminum tub due to its increased thickness is just as if not stronger. The main thing to worry about using aluminum is changes due to temperature. Al is has a much stronger reaction to changes in temperature than steel. Assuming that the tub is made of 5052 Al it has a modulus of Elasticity of roughly 10thousand Ksi. This is rather hard, but compare that to steel which is at roughly 2900ksi depending on what you choose. Now stress and strain within the material varies "linearly" for a portion of loading. It is possible to have something made of aluminum be just as strong as something from steel if the changes in dimensions are adequite. Either way though it comes down to the fact that it is a cruiser. It's meant to be beat on and the tub comes down to your choice. Will the aluminum stand up to a beating. Yes, it will. It's all arguing a deaf point here folks. In terms of strength and durability both steel and Al tubs are going to last you quite a while. Its preference after that.


If my cruiser were in worse shape rust wise I would go for the Al tub. But, thats me and mine is by no means going to be a show rig.

 

[LukeO]

TLC is using aluminium tubs on their Icons which is something to consider. I'm sure Johnathan chose Aluminum for a good reason and the Icons are built in SoCal where rust is not really an issue.

Of course I've never gotten around to asking where they get their steel body parts from for their restorations. Or if I did, I forgot.

I had been unable to decide between aluminum and steel tubs too when I get around to rebuilding my 72 FJ40 (which I had planned to restart this spring). However my wife being pregnant with quadruplets decided I'll be using the original tub, as is, unless I want to have to wait another 20 years (it's been sitting for almost 10 now).

 

[FJ40Jim]

I would like to know how that the aluminium is 3x stronger then steel?

it's generally accepted that AL is stronger than steel, by weight. The actual strength factor varies w/ different types.

Aqualu tubs are made from 5052 aluminium which is gummy prone to stress cracking and corrosion.

They us ALclad marine grade aluminum, which is finished w/ a layer of pure aluminum, which is corrosion resistant in an ocean environment.

I've been thinking over this same problem myself, and found my answer after the first time it froze up after I bought my 77 FJ40, its so light in the a** end that losing any weight due to an aluminium tub would just make things worse,

The AL tub weighs the same or more than the OE steel tub. Aluminum is less dense than steel, but there is a lot more (by volume) of it in the aqualu tub.

as for rust they don’t even salt the roads here any more they're using a liquid de-icer that "shouldn’t" cause rust.

I'd like to see some 3rd party documentation of that. Around here it's a potassium chloride solution, which is still corrosive.

Well it seems like AL is the way to go yet again (in my location) Thanks a lot. I will look into that poor walley guy too rabid. Also I have read about warping with the AL tubs...... what is that?

The warping is "generally" caused from the welding when they build the tub, easiest way to see it is look down the side of an alu. tub it will have a waving look to the metal, thats the warping caused from welding.

IME, it is a minor or nonexistent problem. No worse than the bobbles on the side of a spotwelded tub, neither of which is objectionable in a utility vehicle, IMO.

 

[canadaman5155]

Well I have now heard about steel, AL, and glass, heres what I got from it: (i might have left some things out)

Steel:
First of.... its steel! strong stuff
O.M.E. tub material
flex line
no warping
no heat temp changes to deal with
fits great

but.......
it RUSTS
Expensive
The place its sold is not near me

Glass:
Light
Cheapest of two
Gozzards are marine grade and strong
fits good
doesn't RUST
the vendor is in Canada

but.......
Its not metal
If you get hit..... it breakes off
not as strong
can't weld onto it
cracking happens
May be too light

AL:
Strong tubs
A good fit in some cases
kind of weldable
DOESN'T RUST
Marine grade
cheaper than steel
Strong
Seems like it has a good rep.
The vendor is in canada
comes with a nice little video

But.....
It warps (kind of)
you get a box crowl
not to flexy
wierd temp. changing side effects (if i read right)
bad fit in some cases

So I am puzzled, I wont go with glass (can't bring myself to do it) So steel and AL are the two i have to decide on. It's a hard choice but I am leaning towards the AL because I will never ever have to deal with the rust again, tub wise. Although it does have some flaws. But steel is just too rust friendly and expensive. But i'm still deciding. Please keep your comments up, I like to hear what everyone has to say about the subject, i'm learning a lot and it's helping me make my decision.

I use to mine up and over in the northwest territories and in Alberta but now I am still deciding if i should move back with my family to Ontario or go back to Alberta. I'm currently located in Manitoba.

thanks guys

 

[steverb]

I've had my al tub for about 12 year now and its still like new. I've had to weld 1 seem and that's it. That's with a lot of wheeling. I am not easy on truck it get a good beating. I recommend to under coat the bottom and rhino coat the inside to eliminate some road noise and also help with insolating. I give al 2 thumbs up.​

 

[jm599]

I also have aqualu fj45 tub and bed and agree with the incredible strength.

I watched a line drive baseball strike it in mid panel....no dent.
I also saw an aqualu CJ that had rolled in MOAB with minimal damage. to even the windshield frame.

the MIG welded seams do stand out with glossy paint, so plan on spending some time working on them or use low gloss paint. no biggy.

aluminum can corrode, so use heavy undercoating on the underside and stainless hardware.

 

[Johnnymiz]

well, i have an aluminum tub and it's great
dont mind the boxy trans hump
8 degrees f here this morning and it didn't shrink
no rust
no cracks

 

[78Crusher]

If you think the glass tub is light
Go pick up a glass truck cap and then pick up a al truck cap.

I have had my Aqualu tub for ten years now and had no problems what so ever.

Just my .02

 

[gladly]

I think that the cold shrinkage is a non issue. we get real cold (-40 and colder) up here, and the tub has been on for at least ten years with no issues

 

[SLOonTheGo]

Sorry about the temp explanation I should have been more clear. All metals react and change size dependant on temperature. Even though Al is more reactive to temp change it wont be noticable in the tub. By eye you won't be able to tell. The temperature change would have to be rather drastic as well in order to get a noticable change. All my metal experiances come from my structural analysis classes and the changes in length from temperature were always done with an added load onto the material and it still deflected less than a quarter inch. Most of which is from loading. So, in other words an Al tub is just fine in most any temperature range. Unless you plan on hanging about a 3 tons off your tub at a single point.