Do I have to take the rock rails off to put step bars on my Gladiator?

[JimsJT]

+1 for NXTGEN cross terrain.

I got both IAG and NXTGEN and returned the IAG. Wife was getting impatient during the NXTGEN production because she's only 5'2'' and I have a lift and bigger tires.

The IAG are the somewhat cheaper of the 2, but they felt exceptionally overpriced. The coating, color match, packaging, hardware, instructions, step build quality is all night and day better from NXTGEN. IAG does not provide any tools, no extra hardware.

As a step, my wife felt the IAG actually made getting in and out worse. With my setup, the middle of the rail where the ez step sat is almost 23 inches off the ground. So for her having to step up almost 2 feet to get on the step is awkward. She felt it was easier to just jump in.

The IAG one sticks way out too, so it is in the way and awkward to get around if you don't use it. It makes getting out weird, because it's right below the door. It's not much of a step down, but it sticks out almost 8 inches. So you have to get on it and still step way down. The IAG and NXTGEN are almost exactly the same length and width for the actual step part, but part of the NXTGEN in under the rail so it only sticks out about half the amount.

With the NXTGEN one, she only has to step up about 15 inches to the step, then another foot from the step into the cab. When it is time to get out, 1 foot down to the step and then about 15 inches to the ground instead of almost 2 feet.

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[daveb]

my nexgen solution

 

[Chasm]

At stock height on 33's, I think most of them would be a hassle for me, but the wife would like something at only 5'1".
I agree it looks like the AIG stick out too far (for me to step past them) but the nxtgen look like they hang too low for a JT without any lift.
I can't tell if those Carr Custom hang as low as the nxtgen or not.
I really like that Hide-A-Step. It would be great if it fit somewhere as a bed step too.

 

[daveb]

loving my nxtgn

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

At stock height on 33's, I think most of them would be a hassle for me, but the wife would like something at only 5'1".
I agree it looks like the AIG stick out too far (for me to step past them) but the nxtgen look like they hang too low for a JT without any lift.
I can't tell if those Carr Custom hang as low as the nxtgen or not.
I really like that Hide-A-Step. It would be great if it fit somewhere as a bed step too.

Chasm,

Actually they are the perfect drop height for stock vehicles on 33s. We have 100's of customers with bone stock vehicles. The gap between the bottom of the rail and the top of the step is about 3.5 inches. This is the same as pretty much all aftermarket replacement rails that have drop steps welded on. The difference between ours and theirs, is that our steps are extremely strong comparatively. And with a few screws, they come right off the clamps if you need full rail height.

We have also had a lot of customers report switching over from the IAG step, because:

- The IAG was too high to help entry and exit

- The IAG was very wide and made exiting the vehicle awkward if you did not use it.

We specifically designed our step for these exact points to have a very helpful and comfortable entry and exit height. We designed them for stock vehicles and that only scales with lifts. The position of the step is tucked and tapered to the rail and partially under it, so that it is there when you want it, but causes zero issues, interference or awkwardness if you don't use it.

We hope that helps,

The NXTGEN, Inc Team

 

[Josh00333]

Get the MORE steps. I just did the front two, if you use the rear seats a lot you can get 4.

https://mountainoffroad.com/product...v-6t48fC3cUCdmRfO8wjnwnIgaWiHFLjFyNIFWjmTRds6

 

[JimsJT]

Get the MORE steps. I just did the front two, if you use the rear seats a lot you can get 4.

https://mountainoffroad.com/product...v-6t48fC3cUCdmRfO8wjnwnIgaWiHFLjFyNIFWjmTRds6

When they a few dollars more per step vs the Nxtgen ones why?

I wear a size 11 shoe and I could stand on my Nxtgen step securely with 2 feet all the way in the step and I can use it when I am cleaning the roof, taking the tops off, strapping stuff down.

It’s way more useful and a way better valve.

 

[Texbaz]

When they a few dollars more per step vs the Nxtgen ones why?

I wear a size 11 shoe and I could stand on my Nxtgen step securely with 2 feet all the way in the step and I can use it when I am cleaning the roof, taking the tops off, strapping stuff down.

It’s way more useful and a way better valve.

The M. O. R. E. hide a step is the minimalist approach. Plus it's just a cool design. Can be completely removed via a PIP, style hinge pin so the entire rock rail takes the impact. M. O. R. E. Is U.S. Made another bonus.

Any of the steps are good just depends on your priorities and what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

The M. O. R. E. hide a step is the minimalist approach. Plus it's just a cool design. Can be completely removed via a PIP, style hinge pin so the entire rock rail takes the impact. M. O. R. E. Is U.S. Made another bonus.

Any of the steps are good just depends on your priorities and what you are trying to accomplish.

We fully make the NXTGEN Cross Terrain steps in the USA and the folks at IAG do as well

- The NXTGEN TEAM

 

[cuteangel1007]

MORE makes this step that can be removed and it springs up close when installed. No problem with OEM rock sliders

I've been looking at getting these eventually. I was wondering if they are all the MORE site says they are.. Seems like a yes? Thanks for the photos. These are much less expensive than a full rock step change out, and seem like a good option in the interim, at least until I get the lift, tires, and rails I want.
Thanks for the post and photos.

Michellee

 

[Texbaz]

Cuteangel1007, hears my observation on why MORE created this type of step.

Many hardcore offroaders don't want Bona fide side steps, they simply want a functional step they can use when not wheeling and the ability to completely remove in a few minutes.

My wife is 4'8, sometimes it's tough when she was trying to get in the Mojave. So I saw these liked the design and functionality.

One of the forum members had said they were planning to sell a pair half price. That's something to think about in this thread might want to see if it's something you might be interested in.

 

[Bbannongmu]

Ace Rock rails work with factory Rubi rails.

 

[KennyGolub]

Here's what works for me. Factory rock guards had to be removed for this one.

 

[Splenda]

Do I have to take the rock rails off to put step bars on my Gladiator?

Ace Engineering goes right over the rubi rail. ACE JT Gladiator Rock Sliders - Ace Engineering & Fab

 

[Brad.Clarkston]

"We’ll be driving down the highway and hear a PING!!! That’s one of the stones coming out of the tire and hitting the slider steps."


I was driving a bit to fast out in the Badlands last week and had a rock spin off the driver side back tire and hit the rear door. Sounded like a gunshot. I have the strangest little dent in the middle of the door now.

The funny part is I have a pair of RockHard4x4 full length rock slider steps setting in the garage just waiting to be put on. I broke both of the middle frame bolt housings trying to get them off with a 1/2" breaker bar. Got to find someone to open them up, re-spot wield 'em and put it all back together.

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