Install corner armor with sliders or later?

[PNW_LJ]

Is it a bad idea to install corner armor at a later date than sliders? Thinking in terms of making everything looking straight.


My 20 year old LJ tub isn’t so perfectly straight anymore, so some trimming is expected, but how hard is it to make everything looking good, if installing them at different times? My “not make stuff look like shit” skills aren’t the best.

Ideally I would do both at the same time, but budgets exist and I’ve got a Moab trip coming up relatively soon.


Planning to go with Genright sliders/corners, if that matters.

 

[JMT]

I had no trouble installing Corner Armor 4 years after Rock Sliders. The rear fit right into place. The front I had to measure and cut some of the slider (JCR Sliders and Genright Corner Armor and 4" Flares). I'm sure it will all relate to what sliders and armor you're installing as far as how well they fit together and what trimming you may have to do. I felt like Rock Sliders were more important earlier in the build since they are easily exposed to rocks.

 

[jjvw]

Sliders get installed before or at the same time as corner armor. The slider height is not adjustable and you want a straight line all the way across. The corner armor can be slightly trimmed and slightly adjusted for height.

 

[mudmaster]

Sliders get installed before or at the same time as corner armor. The slider height is not adjustable and you want a straight line all the way across. The corner armor can be slightly trimmed and slightly adjusted for height.

THIS

 

[PNW_LJ]

Sliders get installed before or at the same time as corner armor. The slider height is not adjustable and you want a straight line all the way across. The corner armor can be slightly trimmed and slightly adjusted for height.

Gotcha, thank you. What’s the usual solution if the corner needs to be extended to meet the slider? I don’t have the capacity to weld aluminum so not sure.

 

[PNW_LJ]

I had no trouble installing Corner Armor 4 years after Rock Sliders. The rear fit right into place. The front I had to measure and cut some of the slider (JCR Sliders and Genright Corner Armor and 4" Flares). I'm sure it will all relate to what sliders and armor you're installing as far as how well they fit together and what trimming you may have to do.

That is helpful. Thank you

I felt like Rock Sliders were more important earlier in the build since they are easily exposed to rocks.

I totally agree. I am however terrified of crunching my corners ever since installing a minimalist bumper:

 

[JMT]

That is helpful. Thank you



I totally agree. I am however terrified of crunching my corners ever since installing a minimalist bumper:

View attachment 434605

That's the one drawback of the minimalist crossmember bumpers IMHO. They can be remedied by modifying the end or adding corner armor like you are planning. I can't figure out why they didn't just extend that bumper over to give some protection to the corner.

 

[jjvw]

Gotcha, thank you. What’s the usual solution if the corner needs to be extended to meet the slider? I don’t have the capacity to weld aluminum so not sure.

Some have done a filler piece stuck in there in some manner.

 

[jjvw]

.... I can't figure out why they didn't just extend that bumper over to give some protection to the corner.

Wide bumpers get in the way of stuff.

 

[PNW_LJ]

That's the one drawback of the minimalist crossmember bumpers IMHO. They can be remedied by modifying the end or adding corner armor like you are planning. I can't figure out why they didn't just extend that bumper over to give some protection to the corner.

I prefer the finished product (minimalist bumper and corner armor), especially on an LJ. More clearance over fat bumpers.

Drawback is as you said, you risk damage if doing things in stages.

 

[JMT]

Wide bumpers get in the way of stuff.

The tub corner is not far above! I'd rather hit a bumper (if I didn't have corner armor)!

 

[JMT]

I prefer the finished product (this style bumper and corner armor), especially on an LJ. More clearance over fat bumpers.

Drawback is as you said, you risk damage if doing things in stages.

It's true my Warn rear bumper gets scraped and beat on. I've probably repainted portions of it 10 times. Biannual maintenance, especially before Winter. Frame tuck soon will alleviate some, but not all scraping.

 

[PNW_LJ]

The tub corner is not far above! I'd rather hit a bumper (if I didn't have corner armor)!

I used to think that too, but this BFG garage video of @jjvw’s rig made me a believer.



I’m amazed that corner armor could take a direct hit like that!

 

[mudmaster]

I've scraped my bumper plenty and I don't care, paint is cheaper than tub damage.

 

[PNW_LJ]

It's true my Warn rear bumper gets scraped and beat on. I've probably repainted portions of it 10 times. Biannual maintenance, especially before Winter. Frame tuck soon will alleviate some, but not all scraping.

It scrapes, but has it ever stopped you from making an obstacle?

 

[JMT]

It scrapes, but has it ever stopped you from making an obstacle?

no

 

[jjvw]

It scrapes, but has it ever stopped you from making an obstacle?

My old big bumper was enough of an irritation and nuisance that I needed to get rid of it. Then I needed corners.

 

[jjvw]

I used to think that too, but this BFG garage video of @jjvw’s rig made me a believer.



I’m amazed that corner armor could take a direct hit like that!

Descents off things like that are much nicer the sooner the tires can touch the bottom. Before the little bumper and frame raise, the rear spent much more time in the air and dragging the big bumper off the rock.

With the small bumper,I could make that drop without hitting the tub. But it is so much nicer having armor and not having to be as concerned about damage, and just focus on driving.

 

[PNW_LJ]

My old big bumper was enough of an irritation and nuisance that I need to get rid of it. Then I needed corners.
View attachment 434671

Well that’s not encouraging. It’s down to either GR corners or a rear locker before my trip.

 

[PNW_LJ]

Descents off things like that are much nicer the sooner the tires can touch the bottom. Before the little bumper and frame raise, the rear spent much more time in the air and dragging the big bumper off the rock.

With the small bumper,I could make that drop without hitting the tub.

So what hits the most now, gas tank then bumper then corners?

But it is so much nicer having armor and not having to be as concerned about damage, and just focus on driving.

Absolutely. Sorta like getting off the Rubicon in pitch black darkness with no oil pain skid is pretty stressful, ask me how I know.