Factory Rock Rails or Wait for Aftermarket Rails + Steps

[sjp]

I want the rock rails on my 2-door Base, but with a Sasquatch, I may need to add a step at some point and am wondering whether it will be possible to add a step over the rails.

Alternatively, I could hold out for after-market rock sliders like these, for Jeep.

Any experience with these? Thoughts on the Ford rock rails - wide enough to double as a step? Able to add steps later?

ACE JK Rock Sliders (2 Door)

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[rdperez9411]

following, along with bash plates

 

[Rcarpen22]

This is exactly the question I came to ask. And for the experts, while we’re talking about rock rails, feel free to opine on the steel modular bumper vs aftermarket as well. This is one of the last questions I have to answer; add rock rails and modular bumper to BaseManSquatch or go aftermarket.

 

[Apples]

In terms of performance off-road, aftermarket mounted to the frame rather than body will be far better. However, we don't know how long it's going to take for the aftermarket to spin up on stuff like this. So you may end up waiting a bit.

I go back and forth on the modular bumper. An aftermarket will almost certainly be stronger but strength isn't as important on a bumper compared to rock sliders. The modularity offered may out weigh the strength increases.

Personally I'm definitively going aftermarket for both. I need a winch and the Ford option is ugly, blocks the front camera, only comes with steel line, and is incredibly overpriced for what it is. I'm close to a 4x4 fabricator who should be able to make some steel sliders and an aluminum front bumper for me.

 

[UncleBuck]

I will eventually remove the Badlands rock rails and install aftermarket sliders that will bolt to the frame, protect the body, and provide a little bit of a step for my short wife.

 

[da_jokker]

For me, the moment I saw the factory rails I knew I did not want them and it was aftermarket. Rails need to stick out at least a little bit. And like you, I want something that is also a step. These are the ones I want if they ever make them

 

[sjp]

For me, the moment I saw the factory rails I knew I did not want them and it was aftermarket. Rails need to stick out at least a little bit. And like you, I want something that is also a step. These are the ones I want if they ever make them

Yes! That's what I need. So, a couple of questions (for you or anyone):

1) Do the current factory rock rails bolt onto the body or the frame?

2) Has anyone seen the factory rails up close, or seen any specs on them? I can't find anything. Maybe I just don't know where to look.

Thanks, folks.

 

[da_jokker]

There was a video or pic that showed the underside..
Pretty sure it was frame only. Now ford has said it will support the weight of the bronco..
But still... i want a rock rail with some meat...not body armor.

 

[Xodric]

Here's a picture of my Bronco with aftermarket rock rails and bash plates. After I get aftermarket treads for winter I will get a vinyl wrap for my Bronco in green. Here's a pic of it with all those add-ons with the modular top, gunners hatch is taken off.

 

[Squatch]

Exactly what I'll be doing. I'm sure there will be a ton of soft-roaders who don't really need them.

 

[Headsong]

I wish they'd give us the option of leaving them off when they're included.

 

[da_jokker]

I just hope the aftermarket sliders help protect my doors for a-holes in the parking lots. So hard to have nice things with idiots everywhere!

 

[lobbs611]

Me waiting for a good looking aftermarket set of bumpers/rock sliders for the Bronco tho. I'm sorry, but the vast majority of aftermarket bumpers are ugly as all get out.

 

[sjp]

Check out the photos in this thread: Race Red 4-Door Wildtrak

Those don't look like the rails in the B&P tool.

 

[5280Bronco]

Check out the photos in this thread: Race Red 4-Door Wildtrak

Those don't look like the rails in the B&P tool.

Its because those are the steps, not the sliders.

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