A few folks have some complaints about the paint on the sides getting chipped, especially on the rear door hinges. Plus the JK is really bad about throwing mud and puddlewater all over the sides. I live on a long gravel road, and these complaints came quickly to me after I bought my JK. Mine was an X Unlimited, no steps or rockrails. I decided on Sahara steps and installed a set. These block about 50% of road splash and stones, but because of a large gap between the front fender flare and the step stuff still hits the sides of the JK. My solution was to cut a panel of heavy plastic about 2'' larger around all sides than the gap so that screws could attach it to the splash shield and the front of the steps. About every 2'' I drilled a 1/8'' hole and screwed in a coarse thread phillips head screw. This stops ALL road splash and ALL stone chips on the sides. As you can see in the photos it is not noticable when looking at the jeep.A cheap set of black vinyl floor mats or rubber floor runner cut with shears will work just fine. If you like sidesteps this will stop side damage....I'm also running 1 1/2'' wheel spacers and the sides still stay clean.

 

Good idea TINMAN

 

I also live on a dirt road and have a Sahara with side steps and a set of Mopar mud flaps and I am surprised how clean the JK stays. The mud flaps completley seal off the open area as well. The only part of the jeep that gets real dirty is the back window/tailgate and the top of the front bumper.

I would recomend the side steps to anyone I am sure this is what stops the majority of it.

I hate dirt roads, but love living out in the boonies so I put up with it.

 

The Sahara steps work great for stopping debris. I run the Mopar front mudflaps and it helps with the gap.

I want to get a set of the Teraflex rock sliders, but Im afraid they wont protect the side from mud sling as well. Plus, Im not sure how they will help as a step.

 

LoD sliders are about the closest thing to date and with the rock/splash guard it just might work ok, not yet for 2dr mdl's yet. :(

Would either of you guys with the factory flaps post picts please? I didn't think they would fit the Sahara steps. Plus it would give me a good idea on whether or not a slider will work.

I am considering whether or not to make a set of my own design.

 

They even stick out a little further than the steps.

 

kntr you gotta stop postin' pics

great idea for the write up,

how much do the front flaps run and can they be easily taken on and off?

 

You could take them off in about 2 minutes with a short screwdriver. They arent to spendy. I think I paid $40...

 

kntr, thanks for the pics, well sort of....;(

I looked at the rear of your Jeep and looked carefully and it looked like a "Jeep" rear bumper. The bumper seems tight to the body for good clearance and it fits nice. I am considering getting one like it, especially since the local dealer appears to have a 15% off on niceties like that. Not that you've had it awhile. any thoughts? Was it as easy to install as it appears?

I'm thinking of ordering it for the tire rack, but not getting the rack and build one myself.

I'm debating the Jeep splash quard or the rubber self made typs but the Jeep quard would rule in case I got a slider.

 

Ya, my rear bumper is the Mopar. I like it. I had the local 4x4 place Line X it and install it. They also filled in the JEEP cut out. They said it was easy to install as compared to the front bumper. I dont have any rattles to speak of.