The areas in the pictures are optional, most of the trail is actually pretty tame.
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Need some input from people who know more than me.
I need some sliders for the new jeep and trying to decide. Don't plan on heavy rock climbing and the kids need a step to help get in.
Will the ACE be stout enough if I hit a rock?
https://www.aceengineeringandfab.com...html#contactus
http://www.metalcloak.com/OverLand-R...oor-p/3351.htm
http://shop.poisonspyder.com/mobile/...rmor-s/40.htm=
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I would not recommend the Ace ones.
So I was in the same boat a year or two ago. How old are your kids?
Looks like you still have the rubi rails on your jeep, plus you have the AEV 3.5 or 4.5 lift, right?
Best cheap option: Keep the rubi rails, and get the tube kit for them. The rubi rails are honestly pretty darn great for what they are at protection, and the tube will give you a little extra "step"
One very nice expensive option you didn't list: RSE step sliders
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...amp;permPage=1
I would probably look at Nemesis step sliders over Poison Spyder. PS went through some changes a few years back - they still make good stuff, but have seen some issues with fit and quality control in the last couple years. Maybe they have it under control now.
Metalcloak aren't bad at all.
I would probably skip Ace but might be ok for your needs.
What I did: put in some extra grab bars behind the headrests. LOL. The kids love climbing in and out of the jeep. They think it's "cool". (For reference, I have a 6 and 11 yr old, with a couple years experience on my 4.5" lift with 37" tires).
If you can wait, I'd drive it a while longer to see if you get used to it without them, and maybe consider joining myself and others for a trip out to Moab for EJS in late March or the All4Fun here in Colorado, where you can really see a lot of different configurations first hand. I'm assuming you're probably pouring over all the boards, looking at pics and reading reviews, etc. My impression was that a lot of the options looked and behaved different than I thought they would when I saw them in person, and I spent a lot of time on the boards when I was building my rig up.
This is a cheap, (maybe temporary?) option too, if you need something now but don't want to invest in a full set of new armor/steps:
http://www.mountainoffroad.com/_e/Hi...ide_A_Step.htm
One last thing to think about - weight. Those bumpers you have aren't light, and I don't remember what tires you're running but the Toyos I have are super heavy. If you add something too heavy just as a step (and don't really plan to need it for hardcore armor, etc.) then you might find yourself having a hard time on a hot summer day as you drive west out of the mountains into the Eisenhower tunnel. It's frustrating to have your awesome rig start driving like a dog so you have to pull into the slow lane with the semis. :) I have that probably about every third time in the summer, and am very aware of the weight I'm adding to the rig at this point. Sure you can probably adjust it with re-gearing, but the cost is not attractive.
Kids are 5 & 8. Jeep has the aev 3.5" lift.
I like the handle idea! I'll try the handles for a short term fix.
I like the look of the metal cloak and the added protection for trails, door dings etc.
Thanks for the help!
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The main question I have with the metal cloak ones are how the tubes attach to the rocker. I like being able to change the angle, but does it provide enough strength?
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6 grade 8 bolts.
Let me know if you have any trouble finding them. There are a ton of options, lots of companies make something and there are DIY options out there too for saving a few bucks. I went for a more OEM-look and have them on the roll bars and behind the headrests too.
I also have a buddy who put stirrups on his. They drop down when needed, and pull up into the jeep when not needed. Not sure that it would match the fancy AEV jeep look though... :)