Congrats on your new purchase. I don't know what your plans are for your new rig, ie. Rock crawling, but if not the AMP power step is pretty nice for kids and adults esp if you decide to lift.

This step is one of my families favorite mods. Kinda pricey but really convenient.

Ps. I like that your weeks out from delivery and already looking at mods, it reassures me that I am normal. LOL

 

those are really quite cool. My wife wasn't as impressed, I don't think she has caught the mod bug yet!!

Right now I'm planning on doing the following mods as soon as I can - led headlights, tow hitch, new head unit, backup cam and replace the bbear rails with side steps.

I am thinking that I will eventually lift and put bigger wheels on... but I have to take it easy to get buy in.. I haven't even floated that idea with herself yet!! :banned:

 

I installed Rock Slide Engineering step sliders. They open and close with the doors, have two good steps and and are solid rock sliders, rock rails. Not cheep but worth it.

 

If you have any lift at all these are the top of the line. They are actual working sliders with a auto step built in...I didn't go this route but went with the non automatic steps from Rock Slide Eng....but I will be selling mine soon and upgrading to these...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQg8-ie9ge0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od3WLhajDfI

SC

 

If $$ is no object I say go with what I have, TNT Adventure Sliders/Steps. 2 thinks about the besides the price ($588 at Northridge 4x4). 1) They come in bare steel so you will need to get them coated with the coating of your choice. I went with Line-X with their UV coating ($200). 2) To be installed they need to be drilled and bolted to the frame so it take more work then other options out there but will last a lifetime. I decided on the TNT's because I liked the full run of a step and also that they're bolted to the frame. Here's a few pics





I won't hesitate to buy them again, built to last and are bombproof. Also perfect for my 5'3" wife to get in and out easily, add some Grabars and you'll be all set.

 

those are the best looking rails / steps that I have seen. I think they would look awesome on the black bear especially with those door handle inserts that you have. I am just not sure that I am ready to drop close to $1k on that setup.

I figure I will most likely end up getting a cheap set of mopar steps - takeoffs or a trade with someone who is looking to get bbear rails would be sweet.

 

I use this from the depot. Works for the vertically challenged and it's foldable.

 

:lmao:

You, sir, are a genius!
I can definitely see us doing that for the first few weeks.

 

We have a bunch of Side Steps and Side Armor. The steps will usually sit lower and not be as rugged, but give the kids an easy to access step with a large stepping area. The armor will be closer to the rocker (higher off the ground) and usually sacrifice some "stepping comfort" for durability off road.

Let me know if you see anything that interests you or if you'd like a quote on anything!

-Ryan

 

I have an 8 yr old and a 5 yr old (in addition to a 13yr old and 11yr old). I have the Barricade rock sliders on my Willys. My 5yr old girl is about average height. She had some trouble in the beginning but has gotten the hang of it. She can climb in on her own. When getting out, I help her out. My 8 yr old has zero problems. I would recommend you get some kind or knotted rope or long handle that hangs from the head rest to start instead of spending too much money on something your 5yr old probably won't need in another 6 months.

some good ideas here: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/rear-door-entry-issue-with-kids-1409794.html

 

get the sahara steps .....they protect the side from splatter look good and work great

 

Here are some that I don't see mentioned often (if at all) but that I'm personally looking at: Magnum RT Steps - iciwebart. They can be found for under $400 and I like the fact that they cover up the pinch seam and use square tubing instead of rounded. Obviously not good 'sliders' since they have protruding steps.

 

Here are some that I don't see mentioned often (if at all) but that I'm personally looking at: Magnum RT Steps - iciwebart. They can be found for under $400 and I like the fact that they cover up the pinch seam and use square tubing instead of rounded. Obviously not good 'sliders' since they have protruding steps.

Looks good, I want to do these eventually.

 

x2 on TnT Customs sliders. I've had mine on for the last three years and they've been great on taking a beating. I too have a 5 and 8 year olds and they can get in using the step ( 2.5 lift and 35").

 

I have a six inch lift and 38s. I also keep a step stool in the back for my mom and grandpa.

I say get whatever steps you like. Kids love to climb, they will figure it out.

 

I am going with this, adds protection and I like the steps are removable.

Steps are seperate, $29 a piece

 

What steps are these? I like that they are removable.

 

Nfab side step. Very happy with them

 

Those do look great.

 

I got the smittybuilt ones. Heavy duty and will protect against idiots and their door dings/ T boned.

Amazon.com: Smittybilt 76634 SRC Textured Black Side Armor, Pair: Automotive

 

I have them as well. I love the fact that when someone is rude and flings there door open the steps protect the jeep. I love it even more that the steel steps dent the heck out of theirs! A little karma.

 

If you don't need rock protection, the Sahara steps working great, keep the snot off the side, install easily and are cheap on Amazon

 

Has anyone tried the rampage retractable steps? I have a set of src's on my jku but me being 6'2" they are essentially useless. They are a little to high to step on and a little to high for my kids to get up on. Thinking the rampage might fit the bill.

Rampage Products Retractable Side Bar/Rocker Guard in Textured Black Powder Coat | Jeep Parts and Accessories | Quadratec

 

I also went with the Smittybuilt on our Black Bear. I've got a 6 & 7 year old that have no problem getting in and out. Also added a set of grab handles front & back ( my wife is 5'1")

 

those look really great!

Are those steps a good deal wider than the original black bear rock rails?

I ended up getting the mopar sahara style side steps. I ordered them from amazon and I was disappointed to find that they were quite a different shade of black to the fenders on my black bear.
The seller on amazon was not interested in taking the back and my wife liked them once they were installed, so I am left with steps that I don't love. At least for now. lol.

I'm thinking that I might put my original black bear rails and my sahara style steps on craigslist or ebay and try to recoup the price of a nice set of those smittybuilt that you are running. They do look sharp on the black bear.

 

I went with ORFAB.

Love that they cover the pinch seam for a clean look and do not take away ground clearance like the smittys do.
Also make a great step for my 5 year old and wife.

 

We opted for the AMP steps...
Although a little 'thicker' than most, we've had great service out of them and some dropping on rocks have not hurt them SO FAR

 

One thing I also like about the Smittybilt is that fact that they mount to the body mounts and don't use the pinch seams. They don't mess up the paint or bend the body when banged around.

 

I'm a huge fan of 4wd.com, their customer service is outstanding and they have a store right down the road from me. I order online (through rapidrewards.com - if you fly southwest ) and get airline points for my purchase then pick up in store. I earned a couple free flights just from the points earned from ordering jeep parts! The store always calls me a few minutes after my online order goes through to let me know they got the order and when I can expect the parts. Shipping is always free & they have a 0 hassle return policy.

 

This works! This was taken the 2nd day we had it. I have now had it for about 3 weeks and she can get in by herself now. If it's cold, raining, or I'm just in a hurry I will go ahead and put her in myself. Getting in seems to be easier than getting out for the little ones. She has gotten out herself a few times but I'm afraid she is going to fall and bust her face on the ground so I do help her jump and land upright. Hope you find something that works for you! Good luck!

 

They should make some kind of quick inflate/deflate slide, like in an airplane emergency, for kids to get out of a lifted jeep. Just throwing it out there.

 

I went with amp powersteps

 

I installed Rock Slide Engeneering step slider. It's both a rock slider and a motorized step. Works great for both issues. Wife, daughters and granddaughters love them.

 

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but I find with vertically challenged passengers of all ages some kind of grab handles are important too. I worry about someone losing balance or slipping on a step, as much as not being able to reach. Both will serve them well, giving them multiple points of control and assistance.