4x4 / Off-Road TechThis section contains all discussion related to taking the FJ Cruiser in Off-Road situations, 4x4 applications and any armor modifications.
Location: native California gal, now expat in Germany
Posts: 1,850
choose oem rock rails, or?...
Ok, YES, I have been to the "complete slider thread". I must admit I could not get through it ALL. I am still debating between the Toyota rock rails and something like the Expedition One sliders. I guess my question is: for light duty offroading, do the rock rails really give you much protection?? I asked the dealer and they said "they protect your paintjob from flying rocks". I'd like to know from *your* collective experience what protection they honestly provide. The only reason really for my consideration of the Exp 1s is so I can access the Thule box on the roof. I don't see what real protection those are going to provide on dirt roads... but please, do feel free to enlighten me.
They will protect your lower rocker panels from getting dented and offer a little tire throwing protection, but they really don't work as a step. Other brands like the Allpro would offer better lower door protection and funtion as an adequate step IMO
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[b]GOFJGO has been sold but I plan to stay with the forum and possible wait to see if they come out with a new model
Location: currently Huntsville, AL, originally from Honolulu
Posts: 1,640
Re: choose oem rock rails, or?...
IF you already have FJ and are looking to add, then based on what you have said above, I say get the exp-one sliders. IF you are about to buy FJ and they have one with OEM rock rails, then get them to include that in your deal and use 'em until they're smashed. I have wheeled with OEM rails and have been on trail with others with same kit and we have been fine over rocks and such.
Sounds like your salesman does not know too much about rock sliders if he says it is to stop flying rocks
Regardless, aftermarket offerings on rails are superior to Toyotas. However, the TOyota's are not $hit either, IMO.
The sliders are a lifesaver for any degree of offroading. I would probably be replacing my drivers side door this week if it wern't for my trail gearz. Instead I got a dent and about a 4 inch crack on the rail itself that can easily be welded. even if I did need to replace a rail, $150 is much better than the endless hours of labor it may have cost. OEM are ok but if you ever need to jack from the side you are waaay close to your door. I'd definitley reccomend some of the aftermarket ones. The extra distance is also nice as a step.
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Ok, YES, I have been to the "complete slider thread". I must admit I could not get through it ALL. I am still debating between the Toyota rock rails and something like the Expedition One sliders. I guess my question is: for light duty offroading, do the rock rails really give you much protection?? I asked the dealer and they said "they protect your paintjob from flying rocks". I'd like to know from *your* collective experience what protection they honestly provide. The only reason really for my consideration of the Exp 1s is so I can access the Thule box on the roof. I don't see what real protection those are going to provide on dirt roads... but please, do feel free to enlighten me.
rock rails, a nicely designed set, not only protect you offroad, but protect you in parking lots from door dings.
the factory ones hug real close to the body, offering minimal offroad and no parking lot protection. I really think they were designed more by designers and less by off roaders, they are a nice beefy set, but they do not stick out enuff.
I prefer the rail to stick out from the body 2 or 3 inches and be at an upward angle, that way they push the body away from the obstacle and if you are on something you can slide off. I have the Demellos on the FJC. I like them a lot, I bought mine soon after the FJC was released, I since have seen a few others I like.
About parking lot protection, a set of sliders that stick out some inherently help in parking lots, this is a plus for running sliders, I hate door dings.
I've just ordered some ARB rock rails for my FJ. Won't be in til @ mid-March but just didn't really like the OEM and ARB has a solid reputation.
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A true patriots job is to protect his country from its Government. Ed Abbey
86 4Runner (With 319,000 miles.)
96 Ford F250 Diesel (The farm truck.)
2000 4Runner (Wife's, 156,000 miles.)
07 Black Cherry FJ...MT, roof rack License Plate: AHHMOAB
Oh yeah, forgot to mention; protection. Yes! It only takes once. You get too close to some solid rock and body damage will occur. Rock rails protect without a doubt!
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A true patriots job is to protect his country from its Government. Ed Abbey
86 4Runner (With 319,000 miles.)
96 Ford F250 Diesel (The farm truck.)
2000 4Runner (Wife's, 156,000 miles.)
07 Black Cherry FJ...MT, roof rack License Plate: AHHMOAB
IMHO... An after market RR will give allot more
protection due to width, not only from rocks,
but from trees too...
I change from OEM to the AP's after seeing an
81LC slide along a tree and then pivot around it
doing a 90 degree turn on the kick out of the
AP's where I had do do all sorts of maneuvering
to make it around with the OEM...
I don't see what real protection those are going to provide on dirt roads... but please, do feel free to enlighten me.
but I plan to stay with the forum and possible wait to see if they come out with a new model
- Chris 
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