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JK Rock Rail recommendations

10K views 45 replies 35 participants last post by  OffroadZombies 
#1 ·
Hi all, I have a 2015 JKUR and I am looking to get some new rock sliders. I have seen some that keep the stock Rubicon sliders and some that replace them. Not sure why you would keep the stock ones, but maybe there is a reason I don't know. I'm looking for some that are super durable and that can double as a step. Preferably, ones that stick out a few inches from the body so that uncourteous people in parking lots are sorry they parked next to me when they carelessly swing their doors open. Also, it would be great if they end right where the trimmed pinch seam is on the newer JKs and not stick out an inch or two like the factory ones. If I end up keeping the stock ones, I'm going to have to cut off that hang-over piece. You would think they would have adjusted the length when they started trimming the pinch seams. Anyway, any recommendations are appreciated, as well as pics if you have them on your jeep.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I would recommend the ace rock rails there very popular and you can keep your stock rubi rails .the ace bolts to the body of the jeep therefore keeping your stock rubi rails to cover the pinch seem.i was running both for a few years the ace rails are great for a step my short GF used them to get in and out. and I think the same as you about being in a parking lot and someone swings there door open they are going to hit the rails instead of your doors . I would post a pic but im on my work pc and I have no pics uploaded .and the "ace" rails are made in the USA
 
#7 ·
I have the Barricade Enhanced Rubi-Rails on my 15 2dr. I don't have any lift yet so I don't really need them to get in and out but they are quite handy when putting the cab cover on.

They installed quite easily by myself except that I needed to clean paint/powdercoat off of the threads. All of the studs and bolt holes lined up just fine with factory holes.

Not familiar with the overhang you mentioned with the stock rubi-rails, but these only extend about 1/2 in beyond the pinch seams on both the front and back of my 2dr.
 
#8 ·
X4 on the Ace rails. They are very sturdy (heavy) and an easy install. The older version required you to grind the washer on the mounting bolts but the new version eliminates the need for grinding.

Another option are the Barricade rails. These are very similar with a little different style. I have no first hand experience with these but folks seem to give them a good review as well.

Here is a thread that may help;
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/barricade-vs-ace-sliders-1012322.html

If you decide on the ACE rails I would recommend purchasing from a distributor vs. directly from ACE. ACE charges for shipping while many distributors offer free shipping. I've had good luck with Northridge 4x4.
ACE JK Rock Sliders 4 Door - JKRS4DR

If you decide on the Barricade, send a pm to @XTRyan and request a forum discount.
 
#10 ·
Rock Hard Tubular sliders a few months back. Look great and installed them myself pretty simply with no help in less than an hour. I didn't want the headache & hassle of grinding and major adjustments, I've got too many things I'd rather be doing...

They also make for a great step for my wife and kids.
 
#34 ·
These things are the best things going IMO. One of the only ones that cover the pinch seam without also needing Rubicon rails, and provide excellent protection.

Some guys prefer frame mount which are probably stronger but since the body mounts are rubber it is easily possible to flex the body on the frame and bend your pinch seams on your frame mounted sliders. They also offer less clearance.
 
#11 ·
- 1000 for Ace . complete lack of QA and crap customer service
+ 100000 for Rock hard Patriot series.

Yes, I have 2 Wranglers and have both brands.

The Ace hang too low if you don't have Rubi rails...and if you do, the combo of both ads way more weight than the RH Patriot series.

The RH Patriot integrates a Rubi like rail with a slider all in one.
 
#14 ·
I would highly recommend the Rock Hard sliders. They are sturdy, look good, work well as a step, and cover the pinch seam. Rock Hard also has excellent customer service.

I considered the Ace/Barricade sliders with stock rails, but having two separate pieces of equipment didn't make sense to me when one can do the job.
 
#15 ·
#16 ·
Like others have said, the Barricade Rock Sliders will mount under the factory Rubi Rials and don't stick out the back into the wheel well. People like to leave the factory Rubi Rails because they cover the pinch seam so you don't have to look at it!

Let me know if you're interested in a quote on those or if you have any questions!

-Ryan
 
#22 ·
Ordered 2 sets of barricade sliders from Ryan, a set for my dad's jk willys and my JKU willys, were on my doorstep literally within a day of ordering. We installed them last night in a half hour total. We kept the rubi rails, they look fantastic, I'll post pics soon. Definitely recommend!
 
#17 ·
Rampage Retractable Rockguard Step

The OP asked for something really sturdy, so this recommendation isn't for him. For others that may be looking for a Side Step that doubles well as a Rock Rail I'm going to suggest the Rampage Retractable Rockguard Step $370 on Amazon. I love mine. My main reason for ordering was to help my 7 & 8 year old daughters climb in the back. I love that they sit lower than normal rock rails to make a good step, but fold up to give better clearance. The second smaller bar in the back also makes me feel like I'm less likely to get hung up on a rock by the mounting arms than with many other products out there.

Attached images are:
1. Before
2. After (up)
3. After (down)
 

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#18 ·
I like my new Barricade Rock Sliders I haven't used them on rocks yet as such only been on a day or so, actually only drove my jeep once to the store since installing them (hard to transport groceries on a bike)...
but they seem sturdy, I am much heavier than I should be and I jumped up and down on them and there was no flex or anything...

it was the diagonal support runner things that really sold me, it just looks better than the standard perpendicular ones to me... looks sleeker...
 
#19 ·
I have a 2015 Rubicon Unlimited and bought the Barricade Rock Sliders. I love them so far.

I bought them from an ebay Seller that sells open box items etc and paid $224.00 SHIPPED. It was a steal of a deal. He has lots of jeep items.

In fact he has another set now.

Check it out...
Jeep Barricade Rock Sliders 07 15 Wrangler JK 4 Door | eBay

People already bid on it so the buy it now went away but they sometimes go for good prices.
 
#23 ·
go with frame mount rails if you're going to get in the rocks and really use them. I have Ace w/ my Rubi rails and I'll eventually switch out to some frame mounts.
 
#24 ·
i started with Ace rails paired with the OEM rails and they worked great for a couple years i had them. as i got into more and more rocks though the lower clearance started to get in the way. have since upgraded to PS Brawler Knockers which still have the step ability but allow more clearance and are much sturdier.

IMO it all depends on if you plan on running rocks and if clearance is an issue for you. if no to lots of rocks and you need some functional sturdy steps i would go ACE
 
#26 ·
I have the ACE Rails and Modified the Rubicon Rails for tire clearance - had this for the past 3 years - ACE works great as a step and protects the side of your jeep from door swings BUT IMHO the ACE or Barricades don't look aesthetically pleasing without the Rubicon rails hiding the pinch seam - look at pics and you'll see what I mean.
BUT - using both isn't necessary from a functional aspect and only adds unnecessary weight to the Jeep. Using the ACE / Barricade sliders also hangs down farther - if clearance is a concern.

I may be looking into the ROCK Hard Patriot sliders as they seem to solve both issues - just not sure how much they protrude out compared to the ACE so that its a functional step for my children/ wife to enter the jeep easier.
Plus it seems to clean up the lines of the jeep ----- still debating
 
#27 ·
I may be looking into the ROCK Hard Patriot sliders as they seem to solve both issues - just not sure how much they protrude out compared to the ACE so that its a functional step for my children/ wife to enter the jeep easier.
Plus it seems to clean up the lines of the jeep ----- still debating
You gain a functional and heavy duty 3.5" step (from side of body outwards).



Like you mentioned, clean lines (pre-trimmed for the trimmed pinch seam on all newer Wranglers).



Pinch seam fully covered:



And with 3 body mount tie-in points plus the pinch seam mounting points, unbelievably strong.

 
#29 ·
Here a pic of my Barricade sliders with the rubi rails that I cut a couple off inches because of bigger tires. Some will say it makes it heavier and they are right but I like the look. Give the Barricades a look ....
 

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#30 ·
People who have ACE rails plus Rubicon rail are carry an extra 100 just to cover the pinch seam.

Then you have how they are mounted. Using only the body mounts, only 3 bolts mounted vertical. If you actually used the sliders where all the weight of the vehicle is supported by the sliders that is a lot pressure on those bolts in the wrong direction.
 
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