JCR sliders, nerf bars or whatever dilemma

[ALScott]

First off just got first Jeep end of Feb, an LJ. I added a 2" spring lift with Rancho's and 31's and that's where it will stay. It has the factory chrome tube bumpers and it's a bit difficult for my wife getting in and out, not terrible but want to make it easier. I can get a set of brand new JCR sliders for nothing. Should I get those and mount a retractable step to them or should I just get something like NFab Nerf (uses body mounts) or RKR bars (looks to partially mount to underside of tub) with steps on them? At first I was kind of horrified by the idea of drilling into the LJ but that's probably not as big of a deal as I am making it. Doing that just screams "future rust spots" to me. I don't plan on any rock crawling primary purpose is hunting but I don't want to have to worry about beating up the bottom of the tub on logs, etc.

 

[SvtLdr]

As much as I'd like to recommend the JCR sliders (very nice product), I'm afraid you'll find the step bar not as convenient as you'd like it to be. Step bars that are mounted high on the tub aren't very easy to use. If you're primary need is easy entry/ exit, I'd recommend a step bar that is lower to the ground.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

There are plenty of tub-mounted sliders with steps available that are far better and significantly stronger choices than frame mounted nerf bars or sliders are.

 

[qslim]

There are plenty of tub-mounted sliders with steps available that are far better and significantly stronger choices than frame mounted nerf bars or sliders are.

What can you recommend? I want to ditch the nerf bars because they're getting all kinds of beat up but my wife needs all the help she can get climbing in.

 

[Midtenn]

@JMT has the JCR and if I recall correctly, he would go with the warn.

 

[Midtenn]

What can you recommend? I want to ditch the nerf bars because they're getting all kinds of beat up but my wife needs all the help she can get climbing in.

I use the OEM steps that use a hook and nutsert into the frame. It’s not a long term solution but it’s the best I’ve seen so far. But I need a step more so than a slider.

 

[ALScott]

As much as I'd like to recommend the JCR sliders (very nice product), I'm afraid you'll find the step bar not as convenient as you'd like it to be. Step bars that are mounted high on the tub aren't very easy to use. If you're primary need is easy entry/ exit, I'd recommend a step bar that is lower to the ground.

That's my issue. Virtually all slider steps I have seen are level with bottom of tub. The factory tubes on it now are lower than that. That's why I was thinking free JCR and add those retractable and removable steps to those.

 

[ALScott]

There are plenty of tub-mounted sliders with steps available that are far better and significantly stronger choices than frame mounted nerf bars or sliders are.

These seem like they may be an option but I am unsure of how they attach. https://n-fab.com/rkr-step-system/2004/jeep/wrangler The instructions from website are less than clear to me:

1. Find the driver and passenger sides; the front step is further away from the front bend.
   1. If you have a Sahara or Rubicon with the rock rail you have to
      modify or remove the Rock slider.
   2. Hold the bars up to the underside of the truck... you can use the
      self-tappers to hold the bar in place (small holes) .Pull up the carpet. Mark the holes on the floor pan that line up with the threaded holes on the bracket.
   3. Drill 1⁄2” holes where you marked. Holes only go to the underside of the floor pan. You will use the self-tappers in 2 holes in the stiffing rib.
   4. Bolt the 3/8”X1” bolts through the flat bar provided with the holes in it-this will act as a larger foot in case you drag the bars across rocks and logs. Once all bolts are in tighten them.
   5. Repeat the process on the other side. You are now DONE!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

They're very easily installed, really.

Once you get them in place like this you just drill holes through the slider holes, pass bolts through them then install the washers and nuts and you're done. Mine don't have steps but you get the idea.

 

[Mike_H]

I have the JCR sliders... They are not great for steps. In your situation, I would look up the drop-kick slyders, which are not made anymore, and show them to a fab shop.

Here is a thread about someone else making them DIY

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/diy-rock-sliders-dropkick-slyders-clone.25655/

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

First off just got first Jeep end of Feb, an LJ. I added a 2" spring lift with Rancho's and 31's and that's where it will stay. It has the factory chrome tube bumpers and it's a bit difficult for my wife getting in and out, not terrible but want to make it easier. I can get a set of brand new JCR sliders for nothing. Should I get those and mount a retractable step to them or should I just get something like NFab Nerf (uses body mounts) or RKR bars (looks to partially mount to underside of tub) with steps on them? At first I was kind of horrified by the idea of drilling into the LJ but that's probably not as big of a deal as I am making it. Doing that just screams "future rust spots" to me. I don't plan on any rock crawling primary purpose is hunting but I don't want to have to worry about beating up the bottom of the tub on logs, etc.

How much height from the floor you think you need the step to be able to bring entry comfort to the LJ?

Did your LJ does not comes with the OEM side steps?

Pretty much all below the tub is mounted on the body mounts. Some are better than others.
I do also have the JCR sliders, the step is above the tub bottom line so not will make things easier. On the other side, nothing will damage the bottom of the tub for sure.

 

[Fouledplugs]

Virtually all slider steps I have seen are level with bottom of tub.

Not sure it’s what youre looking for, but I have a set of factory Mopar side steps for a TJ in Alabama. PM’d you.

 

[1904-06LJR]

31's with a mild lift will be fine for the JCR's. I'm speculating we are all in the opinion the tub mounted "steps" don't really function that way after a 4" lift, tummy tuck and 35's.

In your scenario though, you aren't off the ground too much. If you like the looks of the 2-peice JCR's then go for it! Add the ATP handles and your wife will get in and out alot easier. A friendly reminder it's a Jeep helps coping with the idea it will never have full running boards.

Not sure what your tube bumpers have to do with getting in and out of the Jeep. I'm not really a fan of them but I congratulate you for being Old School!

If you wanna sell off another car, you can always get these:

https://www.quadratec.com/products/12562_1001.htm

 

[JMT]

@JMT has the JCR and if I recall correctly, he would go with the warn.

I like the Warn except for they are not ww2ww and some of them have warped. I’m staying with the JCR and are happy.

 

[JMT]

What can you recommend? I want to ditch the nerf bars because they're getting all kinds of beat up but my wife needs all the help she can get climbing in.

You need sliders and an alternate solution. @Plumber1 has a good removable step solution. You can purchase through CarID. Maybe he’ll chime in.

I used stirrups for awhile. Just removed them this week because no one was really using them. But they work if you’re careful.

 

[ALScott]

31's with a mild lift will be fine for the JCR's. I'm speculating we are all in the opinion the tub mounted "steps" don't really function that way after a 4" lift, tummy tuck and 35's.

In your scenario though, you aren't off the ground too much. If you like the looks of the 2-peice JCR's then go for it! Add the ATP handles and your wife will get in and out alot easier. A friendly reminder it's a Jeep helps coping with the idea it will never have full running boards.

Not sure what your tube bumpers have to do with getting in and out of the Jeep. I'm not really a fan of them but I congratulate you for being Old School!

If you wanna sell off another car, you can always get these:

https://www.quadratec.com/products/12562_1001.htm

The tube bumpers are what came on it and they are really low enough to be helpful. That's why I was looking at something like Nfab with removable steps or using JCR's and somehow attaching one of the retractable steps out there or just any single step. I have already put in the GraBars. Also, these JCR's are one piece if that matters.