OEM Mopar rock sliders or side steps
 

I just bought a set of Rubicon rock sliders real cheap on Ebay. I had time to hang one on the passenger side and now I not sure it I want to keep them.

The Mopar rock sliders look great but offer no protection to the side of the Jeep from road dirt/gravel off the front tire. I really don't do any hard core off roading where I would need a rock slider but I like the looks of them.

The Mopar steps look ok and offer some protection to the side of the Jeep but I really never use them as a step. I really hate getting out of the Jeep in the winter with those steps sticking out. I always get crap on my pant legs.

So my question is:

Keep the steps for protection from road dirt/gravel off the front tires or use the Rubicon rock sliders because they look great and would offer great protection if I hit something offroad?

I would go with the sliders. They look better and if you do any off-roading at all the extra clearance will be welcomed. :yup:

I know in the owner's manual it says to remove the steps. I don't think that's true with the sliders.

rock sliders look great offer more protection offroad and also will offer some protection from rock chips.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like 100% votes for the rock sliders. I can't believe that the steps don't have any votes.

I voted for side steps just because no one else did :bleh:

If you're using em more for looks than whatever their fuctional purpose is, then for for what looks best :) I like the looks of the side steps personally, but if I did get into any real offroading I would definitely change them

The side steps break easily. I cut the corner of a small snow bank (made by my plow) and the steps fractured. The snow bank barely touched the side steps. I looked around and notice several other JK's had the same problem. :naw:

If I didnt have anything, Id buy the OEM Rock rails with additional tube welded to the side, it offers protection from other car doors and serves as sliders...
the cost is ~$500

http://www.jeepsareus.com/Merchant2/...20(Custom).jpg

use the rock rails and get some mud flaps :D

Another vote for the rock rails.

Mopar Rock Rub Rails
 

Not the greatest picture, but gives you an idea on how they may look.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...9_edited-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...mited_0003.jpg

What about the mopar side steps? or are they the same thing?

http://www.mopar-accessories.com/jee...JK74_3157.html

I can say with certainty that the factory rails protect from rock chips, because I routinely hear rocks bounce off of them. I have them mounted in conjunction with the Shrockworks rails and there is a difference in the tone between the two.

I would definately prefer the sliders, but because I have to transport my mother to dialysis twice a week I am currently running the steps so that she can get in and out. I have the sliders in the garage though, and when I go up in the mountains to play the steps come off and the sliders go on.

That's just a tube type step. I am talking about the plastic side steps that come stock on the Sahara.

x2. I am looking for some mud flaps though. Getting a lot of stuff all over the side, and it isn't even door's-off season yet!

Looks like the rock sliders are winning!

I still haven't put them on yet. With the Sahara painted flares I am worried that my rears would be blasted the first time I hit a gravel road.

Their is no way I am putting mud flaps on.

Anyone use the 3M clear tape? How does it work?

After seeing these I think my decision is final for my Greystone:yup: OR-Fab Rocker protection 850.00 for JK's
Where will I find the$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

How hard would it be to put on some tubs on the factory rockrails so there is a step and also so there is protection from rocks for my door hinges(4dr).

I can get two new rock rails off a rubi for $75 and IDK howmuch and how hard it would be to add a little extra tubing. Are the mopar stock rock rails that good anyway?