LAST EDIT: 5/4/2024
This is a compilation of my research for rock sliders. I hope it can serve as a guide to others who are looking for the best product for themselves, as well as an avenue for others to add updated data as this forum grows and products develop. This post has undergone several edits, especially after the comments and suggestions of @mrblaine. Thanks to him for his knowledge incorporated herein and under his own post later in the thread.
Function Over Form Sliders
FluxOffroad Price $824.99 (available in Oct 2024)
Model: LJ, TJ in the works
Warranty: N/A
Manufacturing: 3/16” 6061 Aluminum/3/16" Steel
Step: No
Mounting: Side and bottom of the tub, countersunk on all visible hardware with recessed Hex in the bottom side rear portion of the torque box.
Finish: Raw
Weight: unknown
Aluminum Rock slider Kit. Double bends on the lower side of the tub creating more strength and an angled surface to help slide off obstacles. Kit includes both passenger and driver side 3/16" 6061 T6 Aluminum Rocker Base Plate, 3/16" P.O. Steel Rash Guard, .5" Thick Aluminum Inner Tub Braces and M8 Torx SS Countersunk Hardware. Drilling and Rivet Nut Tool Required.
Savvy Rocker Steel Slider ($719)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Aluminum base.
Step: Yes, replaceable
Mounting: Nutserts, reinforced backing plates, all stainless steel
Finish: Raw
Weight: ~69lbs
Savvy, the name says it all. The design incorporates a 45* angle around the edge of the tub. This is far superior to the 90* angle on most rock sliders. It incorporates a two-piece design, the slider and the step, so that if one part is damaged, the whole does not need to be replaced, only one piece. They also have an interior backing plate, making them much stonger than most sliders. This is a great option for someone who will be on the rocks. It provides wheel well to wheel well coverage.
https://savvyoffroad.com/product/rkr-kit/
Genright Mini Boat Side Rocker Guards w/Bars ($899-939) Aluminum Version not for Rocks ($1398)
Model: TJ, YJ or CJ-7
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Laser Cut and CNC Formed from 3/16” steel. Optional backing plate
Step: Yes, with dimple die step plate for traction entering and exiting (4 ½” wide). Side bar is 1 ½” x 0.120 thick DOM tube (angled 15* upward)
Mounting: Side of tub and underneath tub. Bolt heads are countersunk on both for a smooth sliding surface. ww2ww.
Finish: Bare metal.
Weight: ~81 lbs
Genright makes very good products. May require some trimming. The design incorporates an angle at the edge of the tub. They offer an optional interior support bracket, which will mean that your tub will not bend outward when someone uses the step. ww2ww. May require some trimming. Requires minimal modifications to make them better.
https://genright.com/products/mini-boat-side-rocker-guards-w-bars-tj-yj-cj.html
Aluminum version
https://genright.com/products/aluminum-mini-boat-side-rocker-guards-w-bars-lj-tj-yj-cj.html
https://genright.com/products/tj-yj-cj-mini-boat-side-rocker-guards-w-bars-steel.html
Warn ($500)
Model: TJ, LJ, YJ, CJ7
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 3/16” Steel
Step: No
Mounting: Side of tub not countersunk and underneath, but unclear how
Finish: Black Powder Coat
Weight: unknown
JCR Rock Sliders Crusader ($692)
Model: TJ, LJ, YJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: CNC cut and formed from 3/16” steel
Step: Yes, (3 ½” wide)
Mounting: Side of tub and bracket inside tying in to the seat mount locations.
Finish: Bare metal or Black Powder Coat (+ $150)
Weight: 92 lbs for the pair
JCR makes solid stuff for our Jeeps. This mini boat slider has a unique look and claims to provide higher ground clearance than traditional angle steel tube sliders. Has built in Hi-Lift jacking points front and rear. It is wheel well to wheel well and has the interior tub support that ties into the front seat. Made in the USA. Bolts through the torque box into the floor of the tub. Modify by using nutserts in the torque boxes. Add up to 7 or 8 mounting points underneath. The spacer for the rear torque boxes is not high enough. Add an additional 3/16" spacer before installing. Use the provided internal spacer that you ditched for nutserts. Add an additional nutsert near the Jeep emblem on your tub to hold the tub flush against the slider. Requires additional modifications to make it better. The backing plate is ww2ww, but the boatside step is not.
https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/SWBSL-CR.html
Warn is a well-known and reputable company, mostly for their winches. This slider has a rounded edge as it wraps around the tub, making it a functional slider. See post #74 on page 4 of this thread for pictures. Not ww2ww. There have been complaints about the slider warping, so, if your going to be playing hard in the rocks, avoid. https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/warn-slider-body-bowing.30626/post-493480 Best in class for price point, but with some possible weaknesses.
https://www.warn.com/truck-suv-mounting-protection-body-armor
Rock Sliders/Nerf Bars
Rock sliders are an important armor component for protecting your tub between the front and rear fender. They come stock on the Rubicon, but those sliders are so minimal that if you touched the tub to a rock or tree you would likely damage your tub. If you plan to wheel in conditions that put your tub in danger, you may want to consider aftermarket rock sliders. These are different than nerf bars, which simply bolt to the frame and serve as a step for ingress/egress. IF that's all you want this guide will not be any help. If you're looking for rock sliders, keep reading.
Many considerations go into choosing the best rock sliders for your application. Are they mainly for looks? Are they required for function? A good driver can use them to pivot over rocks. Would you like a step to help get into the Jeep? Or that lady friend, wife? Does a step really help much? How much protection do you need underneath? How do they mount to your Jeep? Do they mount to the tub, the body mounts, or a combination? Tying into the body mounts can endanger and wist the frame. Do they provide an internal bracket that limits tub flex and deformation? Are you considering aftermarket flares? Or do you already have some? It may be best to purchase sliders from the same company that made your flares so everything ties in well. Or you may have the skills to fabricate a way to fit the different parts together. Does the mounting hardware leave a head extended or are they countersunk? Which is really better? Does it matter? An extended head near the lip of the tub could snap off if you hit a rock, but if tucked farther back would not pose a problem, and much stronger. The torque boxes are not a 90* bend from the lower tub edge, so how does the slider accommodate that difference? Is the edge a 90* angle that might dig into an obstacle and stop movement? Or does it have an angled edge designed to fit the tub and more easily slide over objects? And of course, what is your budget? How you answer these questions helps determine what is best for YOUR Jeep and YOUR use! Or, just get Savvy.
Below is a list of more well-known rock sliders available as of June 2023. If you find others I’ve missed or haven’t considered, and are worthy of being posted, please let me know and I’ll add to the list. If there are data points missing that you can fill in, please let me know. The sliders are divided into two classes, those with more form and less function and those with more function. Most are in the first category. So, if you are looking for function, only the last few are really going to save your rig on the rocks! Some of them even require modification to provide needed protection.
Form over Function Sliders
Barnes 4x4
Model: TJ
Warranty: ?
Manufacturing: 3/16” Steel Plate
Step: No
Mounting: side of tub, countersunk. Underneath, ties into body mounts
Finish: Raw
Weight: ?
Very cost friendly. These sliders are ww2ww. Give minimal undercarriage support. Tie into body mounts that could cause undue stress.
https://barnes4wd.com/products/tj-rocker-guards
ARB ($585)
Model: Short Wheelbase TJ’s only
Warranty: Two years materials and workmanship
Manufacturing: Tough, 1.25 diameter schedule 40 tubular steel
Step: Yes (@30* upward from tub) or no
Mounting: Side and underneath tub. Internal mounting bracket.
Finish: Powder Coat Black
Weight: 63.5 lbs for the pair. Sounds dubious, but if they really are only 1/8" thick, then that possibly explains the relative light weight.
ARB has a long-standing reputation in the Jeeping community for making great products. However, this slider has been criticized for being only 1/8" steel in some places. It has resulted in severe damage (See post #278 on page 14 of this thread). The internal bracket is supposed to eliminate body roll when pressure is exerted on step. Has a double bend. They are not ww2ww.
https://arbusa.com/jeep-wrangler-tj-1997-2006/bumpers-protection-equipment/side-rails-steps/
Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers with Sliders ($375-415)
Model: TJ, LJ, YJ or CJ-7
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Laser Cut and CNC Formed from 3/16” plate steel.
Step: Yes, DOM tube
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath tub at the body mounts and ribs, etc…for smooth sliding surface, but not needed
Finish: Bare Steel
Weight: Unknown
Poison Spyder has a good reputation. This rock slider is popular, but not a good choice because they tie into the body mounts which could create undue stress. Good price point. Works with a body lift without a resulting gap or misalignment.
https://shop.poisonspyder.com/TJ-Rocker-Knockers-with-Sliders-p/14-08-060.htm
Motobilt ($275 no step/$475 step)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 3/16” steel plate
Step: Optional, also offer Standard length or Notched for Motobilt fenders.
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath attached to body mounts
Finish: Bare steel
Weight: unknown
Cost friendly. Made in the USA. Minimal underbody protection. Tie into body mounts that could cause undue stress.
No step
https://www.motobilt.com/jeep-tj-rocker-guards-with-stock-flares.html
Step
https://motobilt.com/products/jeep-tj-full-length-rocker-guards-w-step-97-06-wrangler-tj-bare-steel
C&C Fabrication ($450-563)
Model: TJ, LJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 3/16” steel plate
Step: Yes, 1 ¾” x 0.120 DOM with nice plate for step.
Mounting: Side of tub. Underneath NO MOUNTING BOLTS, 2" lip underneath the edge.
Backing Plates: No
Finish: Bare metal
Weight: ~40 lbs. This is what I was told over the phone, seems incorrect though.
Minimal underbody protection. Hard to tell much from the pics online. Not mass produced. Allow 7-10 days for build and 3-5 days for shipping. They have several options, including a DIY version. One option for ww2ww with their fenders. Another that is not ww2ww.
http://shop.ccfabs.com/Rock-Sliders_c8.htm
Rugged Ridge ($314)
Model: 04-06 TJ
Warranty: 5 year limited
Manufacturing: 3/16” steel plate
Step: Yes (integrated 4"). 2” on some applications (?)
Mounting: Side of tub. Bolt heads are not flush. Underneath unclear
Finish: Tough Black Texture
Weight: 68lbs for the pair
Cost friendly, works with most aftermarket flares, has cut outs for use of a Hi-Lift jack, includes rubber welting to protect the paint and body. However, the welting could permit the slider to move which would be a con. No internal brace (you can fab one). Bolts up through the torque boxes and through the floorboard (discouraged). Better to use nutserts into the torque boxes.
https://ruggedridge.com/p/xhd-rock-sliders/
Warrior Rock Sliders ($405)
Model: TJ
Warranty: 180 days materials and workmanship
Manufacturing: 3/16” plate steel
Step: Yes, tapers from front to rear, or no.
Mounting: Side of tub. Underneath unclear
Finish: Black Powder Coat
Weight: Unknown
Warrior Rock Sliders provide 6-7 inches of protect under the tub.
https://warriorproducts.com/jeep-tj-rock-sliders-90990.html
Rock Hard 4x4 ($449-499)
Model: TJ
Warranty: Lifetime
Manufacturing: Laser Cut 3/16” steel
Step: Yes or no. 1 ¾” x 0.120 DOM
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath countersunk for a smooth sliding surface, but not necessary
Backing Plates: No
Finish: Black Powder Coat Semi-Gloss 20% Texture
Weight: 60 lbs
Rock hard is 100% made in the USA, not the 75% legal standard. There is no welding or cutting required and can be used with 99% of flares and all body lifts. Since black powder coat is included, this is another slider that is hard to beat at that price point. Not ww2ww. They boast about it. LOL.
No step
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-3001-c.htm
Step
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-3001-sc.htm
Metalcloak Rocker Rails ($559)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 7GA hot rolled steel plate
Step: Yes, 1 ½” x 0.120 steel tubing
Mounting: Side of tub in two linear paths, one above the step and one below.
Finish: Raw steel or Black Powder Coat (+ $159)
Weight: 94 lbs for the pair
Metalcloak makes decent stuff and is known for good customer service. These rockers have a deflector plate, high lift mount location, and are designed to integrate with the MC fenders, but can be used without them. There are two versions, make sure you get the right version for your rig.
https://www.metalcloak.com/Rocker-Rail-Pair-TJ-p/2312.htm
Cav Fabs ($250)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Laser Cut 3/16” steel
Step: No
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath not countersunk.
Backing Plates: No
Finish: Raw steel
Weight: 64lbs
These rock guards claim to tie into the body mounts for extra stability, but they also claim to notch around that area, so it is unclear. They have countersunk holes, which is not necessary. Only 4 mounting locations underneath, so you’d need to add several more. Do not appear to be ww2ww. Do have a slight double bend as the outer tub wraps under toward the torque boxes.
https://cavfab.com/products/tj-rocker-guards
TNT Customs Standard Rocker ($500-875)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: CNC cut and formed 3/16” steel plate
Step: Yes or no. Step is 3.5" wide
Mounting: Side of tub and underneath, neither countersunk. Explanation from TNT is that it weakens the steel at that point. They have never had a bolt head damaged to the point it could not be removed. Optional internal brace ($150).
Finish: Bare steel
Weight: 72 lbs
TNT Customs rock sliders look pretty beefy. Gives full underbody coverage and is body lift compatible. There is a double angle as the slider comes around the edge of the tub. It is not as demarcated as the Savvy and Genright's below, but is superior to the previous rock sliders in this list. ww2ww. Fits with their flares. A decent option for someone looking for something that is pretty good.
https://tntcustoms.com/product-category/jeep-tj/rock-sliders-jeep-tj/
Apologies for leaving others off like UCF, Nemesis, Smittybilt, Ace Engineering, et. Al., as well as some of the alternate versions specific to your TJ or LJ, flare set up, etc...However, I hope this helps folks find what’s out there and make an informed decision. My personal opinion of the best overall sliders in order are; Savvy, Genright, JCR, Cav Fabs, TNT, and Warn. Hope to see you on the trails!
This is a compilation of my research for rock sliders. I hope it can serve as a guide to others who are looking for the best product for themselves, as well as an avenue for others to add updated data as this forum grows and products develop. This post has undergone several edits, especially after the comments and suggestions of @mrblaine. Thanks to him for his knowledge incorporated herein and under his own post later in the thread.
Function Over Form Sliders
FluxOffroad Price $824.99 (available in Oct 2024)
Model: LJ, TJ in the works
Warranty: N/A
Manufacturing: 3/16” 6061 Aluminum/3/16" Steel
Step: No
Mounting: Side and bottom of the tub, countersunk on all visible hardware with recessed Hex in the bottom side rear portion of the torque box.
Finish: Raw
Weight: unknown
Aluminum Rock slider Kit. Double bends on the lower side of the tub creating more strength and an angled surface to help slide off obstacles. Kit includes both passenger and driver side 3/16" 6061 T6 Aluminum Rocker Base Plate, 3/16" P.O. Steel Rash Guard, .5" Thick Aluminum Inner Tub Braces and M8 Torx SS Countersunk Hardware. Drilling and Rivet Nut Tool Required.
Savvy Rocker Steel Slider ($719)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Aluminum base.
Step: Yes, replaceable
Mounting: Nutserts, reinforced backing plates, all stainless steel
Finish: Raw
Weight: ~69lbs
Savvy, the name says it all. The design incorporates a 45* angle around the edge of the tub. This is far superior to the 90* angle on most rock sliders. It incorporates a two-piece design, the slider and the step, so that if one part is damaged, the whole does not need to be replaced, only one piece. They also have an interior backing plate, making them much stonger than most sliders. This is a great option for someone who will be on the rocks. It provides wheel well to wheel well coverage.
https://savvyoffroad.com/product/rkr-kit/
Genright Mini Boat Side Rocker Guards w/Bars ($899-939) Aluminum Version not for Rocks ($1398)
Model: TJ, YJ or CJ-7
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Laser Cut and CNC Formed from 3/16” steel. Optional backing plate
Step: Yes, with dimple die step plate for traction entering and exiting (4 ½” wide). Side bar is 1 ½” x 0.120 thick DOM tube (angled 15* upward)
Mounting: Side of tub and underneath tub. Bolt heads are countersunk on both for a smooth sliding surface. ww2ww.
Finish: Bare metal.
Weight: ~81 lbs
Genright makes very good products. May require some trimming. The design incorporates an angle at the edge of the tub. They offer an optional interior support bracket, which will mean that your tub will not bend outward when someone uses the step. ww2ww. May require some trimming. Requires minimal modifications to make them better.
https://genright.com/products/mini-boat-side-rocker-guards-w-bars-tj-yj-cj.html
Aluminum version
https://genright.com/products/aluminum-mini-boat-side-rocker-guards-w-bars-lj-tj-yj-cj.html
https://genright.com/products/tj-yj-cj-mini-boat-side-rocker-guards-w-bars-steel.html
Warn ($500)
Model: TJ, LJ, YJ, CJ7
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 3/16” Steel
Step: No
Mounting: Side of tub not countersunk and underneath, but unclear how
Finish: Black Powder Coat
Weight: unknown
JCR Rock Sliders Crusader ($692)
Model: TJ, LJ, YJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: CNC cut and formed from 3/16” steel
Step: Yes, (3 ½” wide)
Mounting: Side of tub and bracket inside tying in to the seat mount locations.
Finish: Bare metal or Black Powder Coat (+ $150)
Weight: 92 lbs for the pair
JCR makes solid stuff for our Jeeps. This mini boat slider has a unique look and claims to provide higher ground clearance than traditional angle steel tube sliders. Has built in Hi-Lift jacking points front and rear. It is wheel well to wheel well and has the interior tub support that ties into the front seat. Made in the USA. Bolts through the torque box into the floor of the tub. Modify by using nutserts in the torque boxes. Add up to 7 or 8 mounting points underneath. The spacer for the rear torque boxes is not high enough. Add an additional 3/16" spacer before installing. Use the provided internal spacer that you ditched for nutserts. Add an additional nutsert near the Jeep emblem on your tub to hold the tub flush against the slider. Requires additional modifications to make it better. The backing plate is ww2ww, but the boatside step is not.
https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/SWBSL-CR.html
Warn is a well-known and reputable company, mostly for their winches. This slider has a rounded edge as it wraps around the tub, making it a functional slider. See post #74 on page 4 of this thread for pictures. Not ww2ww. There have been complaints about the slider warping, so, if your going to be playing hard in the rocks, avoid. https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/warn-slider-body-bowing.30626/post-493480 Best in class for price point, but with some possible weaknesses.
https://www.warn.com/truck-suv-mounting-protection-body-armor
Rock Sliders/Nerf Bars
Rock sliders are an important armor component for protecting your tub between the front and rear fender. They come stock on the Rubicon, but those sliders are so minimal that if you touched the tub to a rock or tree you would likely damage your tub. If you plan to wheel in conditions that put your tub in danger, you may want to consider aftermarket rock sliders. These are different than nerf bars, which simply bolt to the frame and serve as a step for ingress/egress. IF that's all you want this guide will not be any help. If you're looking for rock sliders, keep reading.
Many considerations go into choosing the best rock sliders for your application. Are they mainly for looks? Are they required for function? A good driver can use them to pivot over rocks. Would you like a step to help get into the Jeep? Or that lady friend, wife? Does a step really help much? How much protection do you need underneath? How do they mount to your Jeep? Do they mount to the tub, the body mounts, or a combination? Tying into the body mounts can endanger and wist the frame. Do they provide an internal bracket that limits tub flex and deformation? Are you considering aftermarket flares? Or do you already have some? It may be best to purchase sliders from the same company that made your flares so everything ties in well. Or you may have the skills to fabricate a way to fit the different parts together. Does the mounting hardware leave a head extended or are they countersunk? Which is really better? Does it matter? An extended head near the lip of the tub could snap off if you hit a rock, but if tucked farther back would not pose a problem, and much stronger. The torque boxes are not a 90* bend from the lower tub edge, so how does the slider accommodate that difference? Is the edge a 90* angle that might dig into an obstacle and stop movement? Or does it have an angled edge designed to fit the tub and more easily slide over objects? And of course, what is your budget? How you answer these questions helps determine what is best for YOUR Jeep and YOUR use! Or, just get Savvy.
Below is a list of more well-known rock sliders available as of June 2023. If you find others I’ve missed or haven’t considered, and are worthy of being posted, please let me know and I’ll add to the list. If there are data points missing that you can fill in, please let me know. The sliders are divided into two classes, those with more form and less function and those with more function. Most are in the first category. So, if you are looking for function, only the last few are really going to save your rig on the rocks! Some of them even require modification to provide needed protection.
Form over Function Sliders
Barnes 4x4
Model: TJ
Warranty: ?
Manufacturing: 3/16” Steel Plate
Step: No
Mounting: side of tub, countersunk. Underneath, ties into body mounts
Finish: Raw
Weight: ?
Very cost friendly. These sliders are ww2ww. Give minimal undercarriage support. Tie into body mounts that could cause undue stress.
https://barnes4wd.com/products/tj-rocker-guards
ARB ($585)
Model: Short Wheelbase TJ’s only
Warranty: Two years materials and workmanship
Manufacturing: Tough, 1.25 diameter schedule 40 tubular steel
Step: Yes (@30* upward from tub) or no
Mounting: Side and underneath tub. Internal mounting bracket.
Finish: Powder Coat Black
Weight: 63.5 lbs for the pair. Sounds dubious, but if they really are only 1/8" thick, then that possibly explains the relative light weight.
ARB has a long-standing reputation in the Jeeping community for making great products. However, this slider has been criticized for being only 1/8" steel in some places. It has resulted in severe damage (See post #278 on page 14 of this thread). The internal bracket is supposed to eliminate body roll when pressure is exerted on step. Has a double bend. They are not ww2ww.
https://arbusa.com/jeep-wrangler-tj-1997-2006/bumpers-protection-equipment/side-rails-steps/
Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers with Sliders ($375-415)
Model: TJ, LJ, YJ or CJ-7
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Laser Cut and CNC Formed from 3/16” plate steel.
Step: Yes, DOM tube
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath tub at the body mounts and ribs, etc…for smooth sliding surface, but not needed
Finish: Bare Steel
Weight: Unknown
Poison Spyder has a good reputation. This rock slider is popular, but not a good choice because they tie into the body mounts which could create undue stress. Good price point. Works with a body lift without a resulting gap or misalignment.
https://shop.poisonspyder.com/TJ-Rocker-Knockers-with-Sliders-p/14-08-060.htm
Motobilt ($275 no step/$475 step)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 3/16” steel plate
Step: Optional, also offer Standard length or Notched for Motobilt fenders.
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath attached to body mounts
Finish: Bare steel
Weight: unknown
Cost friendly. Made in the USA. Minimal underbody protection. Tie into body mounts that could cause undue stress.
No step
https://www.motobilt.com/jeep-tj-rocker-guards-with-stock-flares.html
Step
https://motobilt.com/products/jeep-tj-full-length-rocker-guards-w-step-97-06-wrangler-tj-bare-steel
C&C Fabrication ($450-563)
Model: TJ, LJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 3/16” steel plate
Step: Yes, 1 ¾” x 0.120 DOM with nice plate for step.
Mounting: Side of tub. Underneath NO MOUNTING BOLTS, 2" lip underneath the edge.
Backing Plates: No
Finish: Bare metal
Weight: ~40 lbs. This is what I was told over the phone, seems incorrect though.
Minimal underbody protection. Hard to tell much from the pics online. Not mass produced. Allow 7-10 days for build and 3-5 days for shipping. They have several options, including a DIY version. One option for ww2ww with their fenders. Another that is not ww2ww.
http://shop.ccfabs.com/Rock-Sliders_c8.htm
Rugged Ridge ($314)
Model: 04-06 TJ
Warranty: 5 year limited
Manufacturing: 3/16” steel plate
Step: Yes (integrated 4"). 2” on some applications (?)
Mounting: Side of tub. Bolt heads are not flush. Underneath unclear
Finish: Tough Black Texture
Weight: 68lbs for the pair
Cost friendly, works with most aftermarket flares, has cut outs for use of a Hi-Lift jack, includes rubber welting to protect the paint and body. However, the welting could permit the slider to move which would be a con. No internal brace (you can fab one). Bolts up through the torque boxes and through the floorboard (discouraged). Better to use nutserts into the torque boxes.
https://ruggedridge.com/p/xhd-rock-sliders/
Warrior Rock Sliders ($405)
Model: TJ
Warranty: 180 days materials and workmanship
Manufacturing: 3/16” plate steel
Step: Yes, tapers from front to rear, or no.
Mounting: Side of tub. Underneath unclear
Finish: Black Powder Coat
Weight: Unknown
Warrior Rock Sliders provide 6-7 inches of protect under the tub.
https://warriorproducts.com/jeep-tj-rock-sliders-90990.html
Rock Hard 4x4 ($449-499)
Model: TJ
Warranty: Lifetime
Manufacturing: Laser Cut 3/16” steel
Step: Yes or no. 1 ¾” x 0.120 DOM
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath countersunk for a smooth sliding surface, but not necessary
Backing Plates: No
Finish: Black Powder Coat Semi-Gloss 20% Texture
Weight: 60 lbs
Rock hard is 100% made in the USA, not the 75% legal standard. There is no welding or cutting required and can be used with 99% of flares and all body lifts. Since black powder coat is included, this is another slider that is hard to beat at that price point. Not ww2ww. They boast about it. LOL.
No step
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-3001-c.htm
Step
https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-3001-sc.htm
Metalcloak Rocker Rails ($559)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: 7GA hot rolled steel plate
Step: Yes, 1 ½” x 0.120 steel tubing
Mounting: Side of tub in two linear paths, one above the step and one below.
Finish: Raw steel or Black Powder Coat (+ $159)
Weight: 94 lbs for the pair
Metalcloak makes decent stuff and is known for good customer service. These rockers have a deflector plate, high lift mount location, and are designed to integrate with the MC fenders, but can be used without them. There are two versions, make sure you get the right version for your rig.
https://www.metalcloak.com/Rocker-Rail-Pair-TJ-p/2312.htm
Cav Fabs ($250)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: Laser Cut 3/16” steel
Step: No
Mounting: Side of tub countersunk and underneath not countersunk.
Backing Plates: No
Finish: Raw steel
Weight: 64lbs
These rock guards claim to tie into the body mounts for extra stability, but they also claim to notch around that area, so it is unclear. They have countersunk holes, which is not necessary. Only 4 mounting locations underneath, so you’d need to add several more. Do not appear to be ww2ww. Do have a slight double bend as the outer tub wraps under toward the torque boxes.
https://cavfab.com/products/tj-rocker-guards
TNT Customs Standard Rocker ($500-875)
Model: TJ
Warranty:
Manufacturing: CNC cut and formed 3/16” steel plate
Step: Yes or no. Step is 3.5" wide
Mounting: Side of tub and underneath, neither countersunk. Explanation from TNT is that it weakens the steel at that point. They have never had a bolt head damaged to the point it could not be removed. Optional internal brace ($150).
Finish: Bare steel
Weight: 72 lbs
TNT Customs rock sliders look pretty beefy. Gives full underbody coverage and is body lift compatible. There is a double angle as the slider comes around the edge of the tub. It is not as demarcated as the Savvy and Genright's below, but is superior to the previous rock sliders in this list. ww2ww. Fits with their flares. A decent option for someone looking for something that is pretty good.
https://tntcustoms.com/product-category/jeep-tj/rock-sliders-jeep-tj/
Apologies for leaving others off like UCF, Nemesis, Smittybilt, Ace Engineering, et. Al., as well as some of the alternate versions specific to your TJ or LJ, flare set up, etc...However, I hope this helps folks find what’s out there and make an informed decision. My personal opinion of the best overall sliders in order are; Savvy, Genright, JCR, Cav Fabs, TNT, and Warn. Hope to see you on the trails!
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Personally I like the PS/GR style since they do not rob any ground clearance. I'd pass on the extra $$ for powder coating since they are likely to get beat up and need repainting anyway.
