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Rubicon Rock Rails

9K views 47 replies 32 participants last post by  mathew85 
#1 ·
I swapped the factory rock rails from the Rubicon with factory Side Steps. I still have the rock rails with me. How much of a benefit would it be to swap it back in whenever I go off roading?
Is it worth the work?
 
#2 ·
I swapped the factory rock rails from the Rubicon with factory Side Steps. I still have the rock rails with me. How much of a benefit would it be to swap it back in whenever I go off roading?
Is it worth the work?
Sell the side steps, put the rails back on and buy Ace sliders to go with the rails.
 
#16 ·
Ace sliders were my first mod on my Rubi.

To answer your questions - much benefit if you think you might be bouncing off some rocks. The steps could get you snagged up.

Only you can decide if it's worth the work but I would put something on that wouldn't require swapping out if you are wheeling very often.




Oh...and X43!
 
#19 ·
I have been following the Ace slider thread as well. I would like to have more protection on the sides (I have the Sahara steps now), but am getting mixed answers on the effectiveness of the sliders as steps. Does anyone have pics of before (steps) and after (sliders)?
 
#22 ·
Has anyone suggested ditching the plastic side steps in favor of using an Ace/Rubi rail combo? :rofl:

In all seriousness, if you already have the Rubi rails, desire to use them, and ever intend on taking the jeep offroad, then that is the only sensible thing to do. And the good news is that you can sell your plastic side steps on Craigslist for $200 or so to offset some of the cost of the Ace rails.

The plastic steps serve no purpose offroad. If you hit them on a rock or groundswell, they will break and perhaps damage something (or someone) else. They're just a step for a person, and absolutely cannot handle the weight of a 4000 lb jeep. Many people don't realize that even the owners manual advises you to remove them before going offroading.

The only people that should have the plastic Mopar side steps are those who do not intend to take their jeep offroad. Of course, many folks have them and do go offroad (I did before I sold them in favor of JCROffroad Stage 2 sliders), but they should understand that when they do that they're in reality simply hoping that they don't hit them on anything.
 
#23 ·
I put my ace sliders on this last weekend. I had the rubi rails already. They work great as ding protectors. I have not figured out a good way to use them as a step yet though. It ends up being easier to just step right into the jeep and skip the ace rails. But that is just me.
 
#24 ·
pat_smith1969 said:
I put my ace sliders on this last weekend. I had the rubi rails already. They work great as ding protectors. I have not figured out a good way to use them as a step yet though. It ends up being easier to just step right into the jeep and skip the ace rails. But that is just me.
My JCR rails are similar. I think most of the "real" armor and side protection options like Ace, etc. are really about being protection that *happens* to be usable as a step, rather than being a step that also works as protection.

Making the step portion wider would increase its likelihood of catching on something and would increase the leverage on it if it did end up supporting the jeep's weight. As a result, the "steps" offered by the aftermarket protection options aren't as big, wide, and flat as the plastic side steps.

You can still use them as a step, but you've got to be more deliberate with your foot placement.
 
#28 ·
I found out first hand that the stock side steps on our Altitude provide no protection and are easily damaged. We happened to be out and just one hit on one of the driver side rail supports, the mounting hardware bent and popped the anchors out of the plastic step. Fix = Rubi Rails + Ace Sliders
 
#29 ·
i ordered my ace rock rails recently. i have also been looking at the rubi rails. i found a used pair in great shape for $150 that i am thinking of getting to go along with the rock rails. what looks best to everyone? ace rock rails alone or paired with the rubi rails?
 
#33 ·
I have Ace sliders and the Shittybilt version of the Rubi rail combo on mine. Love the sliders but didn't like the open pinch seam area. Both work nicely together. Would have got the Rubi rails but none were around for sale and stealership wanted like $310.

I really wish Ace made a simple, little, black strip that mounted to the stock holes simply as a cosmetic little piece to cover the pinch seam. Something like an inch in width in the same finish. That would be classy.
 
#35 ·
Pictures anyone?

Ok, so just to verify,
this is the product we're talking about right?
ACE JK Rock Sliders (4 Door)

I'm going to buy this soon.
Does anyone have pictures with the Rubi Rock Rails + Ace Rock Sliders combo on? Can you share, so I can see how this will look once done?

Also, the instruction video on that page talks about grinding the washers to fit the mounting holes. Is this required? Can I not just step into the local hardware store and pick up another set of washers?

Thanks much
/matt
 
#42 ·
Ok, so just to verify,
this is the product we're talking about right?
ACE JK Rock Sliders (4 Door)

I'm going to buy this soon.
Does anyone have pictures with the Rubi Rock Rails + Ace Rock Sliders combo on? Can you share, so I can see how this will look once done?

Also, the instruction video on that page talks about grinding the washers to fit the mounting holes. Is this required? Can I not just step into the local hardware store and pick up another set of washers?

Thanks much
/matt

Here is a picture. JK, 23R, Standard/Stock Rubicon Sliders, ACE JK Rock Sliders.

I left the picture large, hosted elsewhere:



And here's another large picture taken while rolling down the trail today where you can kind of see how they look.



As a fan of old-school, weld on sliders, this is a very good combination for the money and the added function of a step. In the bottom photo, you can see my bootprints on the rail :)

Grinding the washers off is very easy with a cheap grinder (or borrow one).

The install will go easy with another set of hands, but I did it with two jackstands on blocks.

Edit, a JKU will look the same, only longer and a few more doors on the Jeep.
 
#36 ·
#37 ·
So if I understand this correctly, the rubi rock rails mount onto the body.
Whereas, the Ace rock sliders mount onto the frame.

Is there a benefit in installing the rock sliders over the rock rails? Or is it better to just have the sliders & no rails?

And anyone figured any easy way about the "grinding the washers" step?
 
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