What is this thing on the side of my Jeep?

Franco

Member
Original poster
Joined
Apr 16, 2019
Messages
42
Location
Austin, TX
2005 Rubicon. I'm referring to the black metal plate wrapping around the lower edge of the body. Is that meant to protect against rocks? Is it factory-installed or aftermarket? I must say that it doesn't look very beefy.
IMG_0060.JPG
 
Nothing fancy, just regular ole diamondplate. Lots of people put diamondplate on off-road vehicles to make them look meaner. You'll see some with them wrapped around the back by the tail lights a lot. I guess you could say it would help with rocks. I don't think I would call it an actual rock guard though.
 
It’s factory on Rubicons. People call them “Rubi Rails” … and they absolutely will hide some rust!
 
Did you just recently buy your TJ Rubicon? There are a lot more differences than that from a regular TJ and much more significant.
 
Is that meant to protect against rocks? Is it factory-installed or aftermarket? I must say that it doesn't look very beefy.

Factory (Rubicon) rocker guard.
Not to be confused with a legit slider.
However, I'm sure it would hold up to some hits better than the unprotected sheet metal.
If you take them off, they are desired by some.
 
....
If you take them off, they are desired by some.

One would think so. I had mine for sale for at least 6 months. No one wanted them once they learned that holes needed to be drilled to install them. I ended up giving them away to someone who bought something else from me.