Rock sliders are one of the most popular upgrades for your Jeep Wrangler JK. Instead of the under edge of your Jeep getting damaged on terrain and heavy rock, the best rock sliders will take all the beating.
Of the body panels in your Jeep, the rockers are probably the most susceptible to being the first to get damaged when driving off-road. Installing a set of rock sliders prevents your Jeep from getting all banged-up.
Rock sliders are made from durable materials. Every scrape or dent on a rock slider is one scrape or dent off your Jeep Wrangler. While they are required for function some Jeep owners have them mainly for style.
Whether they are called rock sliders, nerf bars, rocker protectors or rock rails they function to provide your Jeep Wrangler JK with form and function.
Here are our recommendations for the 3 Best Jeep Wrangler JK Rock Sliders on the market:
Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit (TG-JA2J2239B)
The Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit (TG-JA2J2239B) comes with two-step pads. These step pads with specially patented star design come with a textured powder-coated black finish. They are made using the laser cut technology. They fit 4-door 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler Jeep JK models except for the 2018 Wrangler JK Models.
The step pads in the Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit are welded to 2” and 0.12” in diameter wall tubes. The tubes include sealed end caps which function to trap in water, dust, and dirt. They also make the step pads more durable to last for long years.
The Tyger Auto Star Armor kit also comes with a double girder system that provides the rocker panel and underside with protection from hard blows.
These step pads are easy to install as they come with a one-piece design with bolts that do not need any drilling. These black bars are pre-treated for protection against rusts and
The Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit (TG-JA2J2240B)
The Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit (TG-JA2J2240B) consists of two Star step pads welded in metal (patent pending) that helps passengers and driver to step in and out of the vehicle. These step pads fit 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 2 Door models except the 2018 JL Models.
The dual grinder system of these step pads provides superior protection for the rock panel and underside of your Jeep from hard blows. The step pads are welded on 2inch diameter and 0.120-inch thick sealed wall tubes block the entry of dirt and water.
These durable step pads are made using the laser-cut technology. The steps pads also come with a textured and powder coated black finish which will give your Jeep a more stylish look.
The step pads are easy to install in your Jeep as there is no drilling that needs to be done but simply just a bolt-in type installation. The package comes with an easy to follow installation instruction.
The Tyger Auto Star Armor Kit It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
EAG Side Steps Armor Rock Sliders
The EAG Side Steps Armor Rock Sliders fit 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK 2 Door models. This off-road rock sliders provide superior protection to the under and side carriage protection to your Jeep from rocks, brush and all other hazards on the trail. They also serve as a convenient step to get in and out of your Jeep.
These HD rock sliders from EAG are made from heavy-duty steel for maximum rigidity and strength. To add in some aesthetics, these rock sliders come with a textured and powdered coated black finish. They are corrosion resistant too for long-lasting use.
The EAG Side Steps Armor Rock Sliders are easy to install as they have been engineered for bolt-on installation which do not require any cutting or drilling.
How To Easily Install Rock Sliders On A Jeep Wrangler Jk
Reasons Your Jeep Wrangler needs Rock Sliders
Rock sliders are one of the best accessories for your Jeep Wrangler. Rock sliders offer more than just protection for your Jeep Wrangler.
- This is the main reason Jeep Wrangler owners decide to install rock sliders. Rock sliders protect your Jeep from hard blows coming from rocks, debris and other hazards on the trail that can rip a hole or dent the body of your Jeep.
- Rock sliders help you and your passengers get in and out of your Jeep. They are also wide enough to serve as the jumping point to get you on the ground when your Jeep is stuck in deep puddles or mud.
- Kick-out. Some rock sliders are equipped with a kicker which is a tiny bump at the rear side of the slider. Kickers push your Jeep away to keep rear tires out from any obstacle on a rough road
- When your Jeep figures in a rollover, well-made rock sliders can help flip your vehicle back on its tires.
- Fancy Driving. Should you want to do some fancy driving with your Jeep, rock sliders serve as pivot points around obstacles.
Rock Slider Buying Guide
In choosing the best Jeep rock sliders there are some basic requirements that you need to look into.
Materials
The type of terrain you will drive your Jeep, how you get stuck and the manner in which you get unstuck will dictate the type of material you will opt for your rock slider.
- DOM and HREW Steel. These materials are strong, cheap, and widely available. They are good materials for sliders.
- This material is lighter and softer than steel but more expensive.
Dimensions
Here are the best dimensions relevant to the kind of tubing the rock slider uses:
Square tubing: 1.5-2 inches on each side, 1/8 inch-3/16 inch wall
Round tube: 1.5-2 inches diameter, 0.120-inch wall
Panels: 3/16 inch thick
Material thickness
Rock sliders should be able to resist denting, bending at splitting of the tube at the weld seam. The thicker the material, naturally, the more resistant it is to denting and bending than thinner materials.
- Square Tubing – 1/8 inch -3/16 inch thick
- Round Tubing – 0.120-inch thick
Finishing
There are several finishes available the most common of which are:
- Bare metal is the cheapest because it does not need any prep work and coating.
- Black paint or some basic colors
- Powder coated rock sliders may be expensive but they have the good looks
Rock sliders provide both form and function to your Jeep. The best Jeep Wrangler JK Rock Sliders do just that.
