Anyone have any pros / cons on the manufacturer running boards vs aftermarket? Found a nice pair of nerf bars that I liked. Would end up saving about $350 and I like the idea of chrome breaking up the black. Only downside I can really see is mud kicking up easier since its a bar that leaves the side of the jeep open..

 

Specifically looking at a pair of these, New Jeep Wrangler 2007 2013 4DR Chrome 3" Side Step Nerf Bars Running Boards | eBay

 

I have a set of Rugged Ridge side steps, but don't use them. I have on the Mopar factory steps. I don't care for the chrome so I don't plan on using them again. PM me if you're interested.

 

I have two negatives against them..

1. I find they get in the way.. Getting into the jeep my pant legs always would rub against them. I had them on my f-150 and the whole winter I'd have salt stains on my pants..

2. They take away ground clearance and are not strong enough to support weight of the jeep without denting.

 

Thanks, positive outweigh the negatives here. Appreciate the input! I'll probably hop right in without even using them, it's the misses who really needs em'. As for ground clearance, not a heavy duty off road jeep-er. Think i'm gonna go ahead and buy them, might need to get some mud flaps though which sucks because they're all pretty ugly in my opinion :/

 

If you don't take the Jeep off road, then it doesn't really matter much lol None of the rock slides or tube steps really protect the sides of the Jeep from dirt or rocks if you're going down Forest Service Roads. The stock ones cover up the area the most, but rocks get past them. I'm trying to find rock sliders that stick out enough to incorporate a step into them for the fiancee as well, as she's only 5ft tall on a good day and her JK is lifted 5" with 35" tires. Hopefully get some 37s for her, but it's a big step up for a short person lol

I wouldn't even both with mud flaps. The stock fenders are huge and do protect from most items and unless you're hauling ass down dirt roads, you really don't have much use for mud flaps if you're mainly driving on the street. And yes they are ugly lol