Slider question

Hi Chris.
A few basics that I have learned. Look at the slider mounting system. Does it spread the load out over the entire rocker. How is it supported underneath. When you come down on a rail or grind your way around a rock it puts a big twisting force on the rail. One that only bolts to the sheet metal will most likely allow some movement of the rocker. How much depends on how hard you hit it. It is a lot more than just what material it is running and the size of the tube. Look at the ones you like the look of and try to see how the forces will be spread during an impact. I think that will give you a better idea of what things are worth than who built it. It only takes one big hit with a bad design to do an expensive amount of damage. A good design will save you money in the long run. You have a long rocker to protect. It is going to want a lot of attachment points to spread that load.
Bob

Definitely avoid the Smitty rails -- I have seen two different people that have done major damage to their rails and pictures of others that have had bad experiences with them. They are not high quality and tend to dent and bend.

I have the Ace + Rubi rails. Ace rails are very high quality. I have slammed down on them hard and bounced (once going down a waterfall in Calico), have not done any structural damage to them.

That said, the only thing I don't like about the Ace is the ground clearance. As a result of being able to mount below the Rubi rails, they are in fact pretty low. So when I wheel, I am ALWAYS on my rails.

I plan to eventually replace my rails with something that welds on, maybe the Evo. Weld on provide better protection. Downside of course, is they're pretty permanent because you have to weld them on. This is long term though, I'm in no hurry to replace the Ace. Other priorities.

Save up and buy them once. My recomendation is the ROCK HARD units. They have the tubular units but I can't speak to them. I can however speak to their other more solid, IMO, units that also provide a nice step to get in and out of the jeep, while also providing a nice platform for washing the roof, putting on and taking off the top etc...

At the top of their webpage there is a blue JK with these installed:

Rock Hard 4x4 Parts - 308-750-4690

They provide a nice 45 degree slope almost down to the frame while keeping boulders and other unwanted hard surfaces from the side of your jeep. We have used them a couple of times and other than rubbin off some paint, no damage to the skid or jeep.

Highly recommend saving your money and buying this item once, whether it is PSC or Rockhard units. Have seen both smitty and ace on the trail get dinged pretty good. Have seen the smitty units just fold into the side of one owners jeep.

Another area you are going to want to look at to protect is your lower rear shock mounts. Don't know what jeep was thinking putting these below the axle but they did.

Rebel Off Road Grinder Rear Control Arm Skid Plates for Jeep JK

Don't mention me or they will double charge you. LoL.

JPi also has these and installs them if you will but they take no time to put in, welder is nice to have. Worth the price and peace of mind know those are protected.