So I'm building my JKU mainly as an expedition style rig with a 3.5 AEV lift and planning on 35s and was wondering if the stock rock rail is to long for bigger tires. Here is a pic with the back half of the lift installed and the stock Rubicon 32s on.



I wanted to add a simple extended rock rail like the ACE engineering unit which retains the stock rail and bolts below. It just looks a little close and wanted to know are there any know issues with the stock Rubicon rock rail and bigger tires.

 

I run 35's with 2.5" lift on my jkur and cut about an inch and half off the end of the rock rail. Never had an issue. the rear tire goes away on compression. I used a band saw and to cut mine.

 

If you do not trim the Factory Rock Rails they will rub. I installed the AEV 2.5" DualSport XT Suspension and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 315/70/R17 Tires and I trimmed 1.0" off each rail and had no issues off-roading. I also trimmed a friend's Rock Rails off his Rubicon and he running BDS 3.5" Lift and MT APZ P3 315/70/R17 Tires. The easiest way to trim Rock Rails is use a metal blade in Compound Miter Saw and you will need Blue Locktite to reinstall the Rock Rail bolts/nuts. Also need masking tape and Rust-Oleum Flat Black Spray Paint to touch up the end of the Rock Rails after cuttimg them.

 

Thanks for the replies, I thought it looked close. I don't own that kind of saw only a sawzall I will just take my time

 

I used a sawzall with metal blade to cut 1.5" off and it turned out great. Take your time and enjoy the mod!

 

Just take your time and cut slow. Use a vise or find some way to anchor it and it will turn out just fine.

 

Run them by a shop with a band saw. Or, check with friends. If you lived nearby, I'd toss them on my band saw for free. Would take 5 min and give you a perfect cut. More important, there's no heat, so the paint near the cut won't get screwed up.

 

Agree the cut is easy and quick. I did mine with a sawsall I spent a lot more time researching what to do than the 2 mins it actually took, lol

Btw I would not run 2 sets of rails you are carrying 70 extra lbs around all the time for no added function. I would run just the ace or for the price of the ace you can get another single rail to replace the Rubi rail and will give you protection you need.

 

Now that it was mentioned, best plan is to sell those and get a good set of frame mounted sliders. Ace can flex enough that they bend the pinch seam. Check out the LoD or VKS Prerunner. Awesome sliders that also have an integrated step. And they look sweet too.

 

Never had to cut mine. I have a 5.5" lift with 37s. I used my adjustable control arms to re-center my rear tire in my wheel well....absolutely no issues.