Originally Posted by
FauxMako
Alum there would bend where plastic will break. Bent parts aren't any good. The plastic parts are also going to be much cheaper than alum so replacing a broken plastic part is still better than replacing a bent alum part.
If you are breaking steering knuckles, c-hubs or front arms, get the X-ray hard bumper. It's a drop in upgrade and will protect the front end much better than the stock bumper. It's a little thicker than the 3racing bumper, a couple of 3-4mm spacers on top of the bumper posts fill in the gap between the posts and the top plate. The 3Racing TT01/TB03 CF bumper plate fits the Sakura Zero as well.
+1 stay away from aluminium knuckles and c hubs. Tamiya parts can be made to work but it definitely isn't worth it. You need flex and a breaking point. Not a soft bending point. Remember that although these are toys they are precision toys. As Mike said bent parts are no good and they can not be reliably straightened.