Project XJ

[Jeff]

Based on the hardware that held the step bars onto my last Ranger, I would look into the hardware that connects the step bars to your unibody to make sure they won't get blasted off on a rock. Mine were connected by some cheap 1/4" plate welded directly to the bar with no bracing. The bars were also too thin to support the truck.

I also don't think step bard should/could be substituted for rocker protection, but that's just based on the ones that I had on my Ranger. Isn't the point of rocker guards is to keep dents away, but to also allow the body of the truck to slide across rocks?

By the way, I love mildly lifted XJs, looks great.

These are aftermarket steps marketed as "rock rails" They are not however "rock sliders." Rock rails are supposed to be heavy enough to take a hit from a rock if you come down on one unexpectedly. But they will be damaged if hit to hard. They are also designed to be a step. Now a "rock slider" is a 2x2 box tube that rides below the rocker panel and is designed as an aid for rock crawling as well as protection. You can actually use them to slide around on tall rocks that are above your break-over angle. They are much stronger built and do not stick out like steps. You can jack from them and they are designed to support the full weight of the vehicle regularly. They are not really the sort of thing I need. You "use" your rock sliders if that makes sense?