Rock Rail Suggestions

[Formattc]

I'm hoping to get ideas on rock rails for my JLUR. The Jeep is ordered and my dealer has agreed to install my accessories as part of the deal. I'd like something that is frame mounted and that's also a functional step. I'd also prefer to have something that hides the pinch seam like the stock ones, but doesn't look like concert lighting beams hanging from the side of the Jeep. I really like these but I wasn't really planing on spending $800:

https://lodoffroad.com/products/jee...k-sliders/2018-jl-destroyer-rock-sliders.html

All suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!
Matt C.

PS: I was looking at these because they provide a nice step and I like that the gussets will provide a little protection from debris thrown up by the front tires, but upon closer inspection they are body mounted and the pinch seam is completely visible.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QHD8YST/

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[Formattc]

Guys, I'm in analysis paralysis here. I know there are a couple of lengthy threads here on this subject but I still can't decide.
I've been looking at these two:

https://www.roamoffroad.com/product/roam-jl-rock-rails-jeep-wrangler-jl-rock-sliders/

https://lodoffroad.com/products/jee...k-sliders/2018-jl-destroyer-rock-sliders.html

I love the look and step functionality of these two, but I've read stories about early rust with both. I've also read stories about both flexing and allowing body damage on trails. I won't do a lot of serious off-roading but I might here and there. I also go camping in very remote places and down trails that can barely be described as a trail, so I do want something that offers body protection. At the same time, the Rubicon is just tall enough to be a bit uncomfortable to enter/exit, so I really want a step.

What I'm seeking:

1: Functional step while still providing good lower body protection.

2: Hidden pinch seam, it looks hideous exposed.


So, is there anything out there that fits that description or am I expecting too much?

Thanks again!

 

[Roky]

Guys, I'm in analysis paralysis here. I know there are a couple of lengthy threads here on this subject but I still can't decide.
I've been looking at these two:

https://www.roamoffroad.com/product/roam-jl-rock-rails-jeep-wrangler-jl-rock-sliders/

https://lodoffroad.com/products/jee...k-sliders/2018-jl-destroyer-rock-sliders.html

I love the look and step functionality of these two, but I've read stories about early rust with both. I've also read stories about both flexing and allowing body damage on trails. I won't do a lot of serious off-roading but I might here and there. I also go camping in very remote places and down trails that can barely be described as a trail, so I do want something that offers body protection. At the same time, the Rubicon is just tall enough to be a bit uncomfortable to enter/exit, so I really want a step.

What I'm seeking:

1: Functional step while still providing good lower body protection.

2: Hidden pinch seam, it look hideous exposed.


So, is there anything out there that fits that description or am I expecting too much?

Thanks again!

LOD is what I recommend.

 

[rickinAZ]

Have you looked at ACE Engineering? They retain the OEM Rubi rock rails to cover the pinch seams. I also seem to recall a few LoD finish issues, but I have no first-hand experience.

 

[Wabujitsu]

Smittybilt XRC Rock Sliders https://www.quadratec.com/p/smittyb...hhCqmy_s0dbc4h3GFheASPBwx2FkZrPBoCVDsQAvD_BwE Below is a picture of them installed on my Jeep Unlimited JL. They’re currently selling for around $334 a pair. I bashed one of mine pretty good, with the weight of the Jeep resting on the rail. There was absolutely no damage to the rail, or to my Jeep.

 

[Formattc]

[rant on] If the trails you run really are bad, the cutout for the steps is also a bad design idea...but I get that people think the step in height is too high...which is consequently why mfgs of 4wds keep making it lower and lower. [rant off]

Yeah man, I would't change a thing about the ride height, except to maybe raise it.

 

[Roky]

[rant on] Frankly, all the options out there suck. They all drastically reduce the clearance afforded by the factory "rock rails" (in quotes b/c they aren't really designed to be used in the rocks). Jeep really screwed up the design of the tub in this area making it so thin, it can't easily be reinforced and companies have taken to making them "frame mounted" by incorporating the body mount into the designs.

If the trails you run really are bad, the cutout for the steps is also a bad design idea...but I get that people think the step in height is too high...which is consequently why mfgs of 4wds keep making it lower and lower. [rant off]

Your rant is why I chose the rails I did. I only lost a 1/2” of clearance. I’m not the welder / fabricator you are so I’m at the mercy of the market, lol.

 

[Formattc]

Your rant is why I chose the rails I did. I only lost a 1/2” of clearance. I’m not the welder / fabricator you are so I’m at the mercy of the market, lol.

Which ones are those?

 

[Roky]

Which ones are those?

Lod signature series ...

 

[Formattc]

Lod destroyer ...]

Aren't those the Lod Signatures? Now see, I haven't seen a photo of those before that show the step plate. I like it, a lot.

Edit: Ah, but they show the pinch seam.

 

[Roky]

Aren't those the Lod Signatures? Now see, I haven't seen a photo of those before that show the step plate. I like it, a lot.

Edit: Ah, but they show the pinch seam.

I’m sorry, they’re the signature series , I keep getting them mixed up, my bumper is the destroyer...........
Yeah the pinch seam is not a big deal for me, hard to see it anyway. But some guys cover it with black vinyl before they put the rails on. Looks pretty good.

 

[Dano36]

LoD Destroyers.

 

[melman8r]

https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/performance-style-rock-rails-jeep-wrangler-jl

 

[Formattc]

I had a brainstorm. What if I went with something like the Lod Signatures and then masked off the pinch seam and shot it with bed liner? Would this make it more prone to rust? Would it look like hell?

 

[Roky]

That bar is under the pinch seam the factory slider attaches to. Which means you lost the thickness of whatever sits below it (though there's a 1/2" from the bottom of the seam to the bottom of the factory rock rail when you include the air gap. I'd say from the pics, it's considerably more than 1/2" that you gave up.

My apologies, according to your math, I stand corrected.i thought the rubi rail hung lower than a 1/2 inch below the pinch seam.

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