What about for us Rubicon owners? Are the stock skids on the Rubicon sufficient for moderate wheeling? What would be the recommended upgrades (i.e. diff covers, shock tower skids, etc.)?

 

No difference between rubicons and other models skid wise. They all have the same stock skids.

 

Well last time I went off road my plastic side steps took a beating so I want to replace them..

I'm worried some of the rock sliders are for show and won't actually hold up...

I'm considering the smitty bilt SRC Side Armor with step Smittybilt 76634 - Smittybilt SRC Side Armor in Textured Black for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited JK 4 Door - Quadratec

And the smitty bilt SRC Rocker guard Smittybilt 76644 - Smittybilt SRC Rocker Guards in Textured Black for 07-14 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited JK 4 Door - Quadratec

Is there something that will get me more bang for my buck?

 

If you want something built for show and not for go then Smittlybilt is the choice. There are lots of quality sliders on the market and you will find every one with search.

 

I found these sliders from VKS that weld directly to the frame, these look like they can take a pounding as long as the weld job is good... I just contacted Vick last night.

My worry with the Smitty's was exactly that Dirtman - I was worried they were for street queens - where they connect to the jeep looked weak and bendable - like if my jeep actually came right down on them they'd flex up and hit the rocker panel., I'm looking for something that can potentially support the full weight of the jeep. Even the factory rubicon mopar rails look like crap in my opinion.

It took a lot of searching and I came across LOD, white knuckle and VKS. VKS doesn't have a website it seems, but their rock sliders look beastly.

I have a couple friends and some guys in my jeep club that can weld, seems like a pretty straight forward job.
http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90307

 

on a rubicon I think the first order of business is getting the sway bar disco motor protected either by flipping or by armor. Also on my jku with 1.5" lift and 33's about the only thing underneath that would hit was both lower control arm brackets when sliding off rocks and/or bad placement. I was kind of amazed at how well everything else is protected. On my jkur I did put the mopar front skid in place of the plastic air dam and ordered the RR control arm brackets f/r

 

I just got the VKS sliders installed, you will not be disappointed in them, beefy as hell, DOM steel and David Vick at VKS gives very good customer service

 

I'm sold, thanks White, VKS it is.

 

They look like Evo knockoffs but better priced. They get good reviews. My buddy just ordered a set so I'll have to do a side by side comparison.

Sent from my super cool Note 3

 

I have these side armor guards. They are better then smittybilt cuz I've seen people hit the smittybilt ones on the ground and they hit against the rocker panel because they are so close to the body. I have hit mine on the ground climbing around and they have done great in protection. I also will be looking for skid plated soon.

Jeep JK Wrangler 4-door RRC Side Armor Guards - 11504.20