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One of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can install on your 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL is the addition of some premium aftermarket running boards! Not all running boards, side steps, and rock sliders are built the same, so it's important to know and understand your particular intentions before making any sort of purchase. Here at NorthRidge 4x4, we offer an abundance of side step and rock slider options that feature various designs, styles, constructions, and finishes you can acheive the perfect look and function for your custom Jeep JL build. In today's article, we'll be running through our top side step and rock slider options for your Jeep JL, and discussing which ones might be the perfect addition to your particular setup. Take your ride to new heights and start adventuring where only the fearless dare to go with our premium performance parts and accessories!

Jeep Wrangler JL Side Steps vs Rock Sliders

2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL Side Steps

Starting out, we'll be taking a look at the best possible side step upgrades currently available for your 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL. Side Steps are most notably known for helping out when entering and exiting your Jeep's cab, giving your ride a secure and sturdy footing area for both you and your passengers. Aside from their improved step access, a high-quality set of side steps will help block dirt and debris from getting on the sides of the door and scratching the exterior of your Jeep. Moreover, side steps help prevent accidental bumps and bruises to the sides of your Jeep, averting any rogue shopping carts or potential door dings from damaging your ride. The biggest downfall that comes with equipping your Jeep with side steps is that they install on the Jeep's body pinch welds and can't handle the full weight of the truck. While this does make a set of side steps more affordable than a set of rock sliders, it certainly isn't the best option for those navigating aggressive terrain and challenging off-road obstacles. If you're simply looking to acheive a more convenient and comfortable everyday ride, start by checking out the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL 4WD Rough Country Wheel to Wheel Nerf Steps. These high-quality running boards extend from wheel well to wheel well and help hide any exposed frame you see under the truck. This offers additional protection to your JL's rocker panels against anything that gets kicked up along your journey. Additionally, these steps are positioned high and tight up against your vehicle's cab for a better fit and cleaner exterior look without compromise. Built from a single piece of .084 wall tubing, the Rough Country Wheel to Wheel Nerf Steps are tough enough to handle the rigors everyday adventures and are perfect for those who need a simple yet effective upgrade. Another formidable option includes the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL N-Fab W2W Textured Black Nerf Steps! These are extremely similar in nature to the Rough Country side steps with their drop down step design and high-and-tight fitment, but come standard with a textured black finish that adds a whole new appeal to the exterior of your ride. The black powder-coating also helps combat the damaging effects of both rust and corrosion to give your Jeep and lasting appeal you'll be sure to love. Not to mention installation is also extremely simply for these units as they install using your Jeep's existing mounting points for a simple and straightforward process you can complete at home. Moving on, we'll be taking a look at the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL Go Rhino Dominator Xtreme D1 Side Steps as another potential option for your specific applications. These aftermarket running boards feature a full-length drop down step design that is especially useful for lift kits or those running larger tire and wheel combinations. Aside from their ideal setup for lifted applications, the Dominator D1 Steps are also fitted tightly against your vehicle's cab and provide impressive protection to the rocker panels and sides of your Jeep. Without any drilling or cutting required, these steps can be installed in practically no time to give your ride an immediate performance upgrade that will be sure to make a difference. The final option we offer in out inventory is the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL AMP Research Powerstep Electric Running Boards. These running boards take your ride to the next level by giving you an automatic power step that helps deliver a fantastic blend of convenience and style. These board automatically extend when a door is opened, and retract when the doors are closed to provide plenty of gourd clearance when you head off the beaten path. High-strength die-cast, aluminum-alloy linkage components and construction ensure these steps are tough enough to handle extreme driving conditions. The durable construction of these units also result in an impressive 600 lb. load rating per side, giving you a sturdy footing place for you and your passengers. Getting in your Jeep JL shouldn't feel like climbing Mount Everest, so pick out your favorite set of side steps to start adventuring like a pro each time you get behind the wheel.

Rough Country Wheel to Wheel Nerf Steps

2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL Rock Sliders

Side Steps certainly aren't fit for everybody's intended applications, so we'll be covering why you might want to choose a set of rock sliders over the previously mentioned standard running boards. True rock sliders are specifically engineered to handle the entire weight of your vehicle, making them the strongest option for tactical off-road situations such as rock crawling and steep terrain. Rock sliders install directly onto the frame of your Jeep JL, giving you a handy pivot point when you need to get around or over an obstacle. Rock sliders also help bear the weight of the entire vehicle while spreading out the load so you can easily navigate challenging obstacles without a ton of hesitation. While it sounds like a no brainer to pick up a set of sliders over a basic set of steps, most rock sliders tend to be more expensive and much more difficult to install. Before you make your decision, let's start out by taking a look at the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JK Rock Hard Patriot Series Tube Slider Rocker Guards! These premium sliders bolt on just like the Rubicon sliders, but provide you with much more capability both on and off the trail. Each bar is crafted from 2" x 3" .120 thick steel tubing that makes them indestructible rock crushes, ensuring they can take a ton of abuse when you're out pushing things to the limit. Moreover, each slider's end cap is welded shut to prevent debris, water, and dirt from getting inside and further wearing the sliders. The angled up design even helps protect the body panels of your Jeep from any accidental mishaps that happen out on the trails. Included in the kit comes shims and heavy-duty hardware that perfectly aligns with your Jeep's existent mounting points for a look that can't be beat by "one size misfits all" imports. Next up, we'll be taking a close look at the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL Mopar Performance Rock Rails, and why they might be the perfect fit for your particular setup. Designed to be both functional and decorative on your 4 door Wrangler JL, these rock sliders were engineered with the serious off-roader in mind as they provide the much needed body protection from flying rocks and road debris. These rails are manufactured from heavy gauge steel and rolled formed for superior strength and durability in every situation, giving you more peace of mind the next time you come across a challenging environment. Each rock rail was crafted with a 3-1/2" wide steel area on the top face, giving your Jeep extra protection and a solid step for easier access in and out of the cab. What's more, the rails are finished in a zinc coating and paired with a protective bed liner finish that provides extreme protection and durability in every situation. Another formidable options for your rig includes the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL LOD Signature Series Frame Mounted Rock Sliders as they feature a much more sporty and modern appearance. These rocker panels offer up the best of both worlds when it comes to cab access and rock slider functionality, giving you a healthy balance of both convenience and performance for your ride. Each rock rail features a 4" wide stepping area and raised perforations that make it incredibly easy to enter and exit your truck in wet and icy conditions. Bolts directly to the frame and includes all of the necessary hardware and instructions, the Signature Series Rock Sliders will serve you well over practically any terrain on the planet. Finally, we'll be taking a peek at the 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL Rock-Slide Engineering 3rd Gen Step Sliders as they are certainly the most advanced option we currently offer in our catalog. These rock rails are completely electric and retractable, giving you improved access and better functionality in a clean and effective package. The steps automatically drop down up to 12 inches each time you open your Jeep's doors, making it one of the best slider options for lifted vehicles. After closing the door, the slider will automatically retract and sit flush with the body of the step slider, making your life that much easier. Additionally, the steps are constructed from 11-gauge, laser-cut steel that offers up plenty of strength and durability for a range of applications. With this type of build, the steps are able to handle the daily beating of your Jeep's harsh driving conditions while handling a load of up to 650lbs on each step. It's certainly easy to see why many choose rock sliders over a basic side step setup, and just how they can help out on all of your overland excursions. Rock Sliders even permit you to use Hi-Lift Jacks since they can withstand the weight of the vehicle, allowing you to lift a wheel off the ground to help get you unstuck in any recovery situations. A set of new rock sliders is the pinnacle of convenience and utility for your Jeep JL, so pick out a set today to leave all of your off-road buddies in the dust. Each one of these steps comes with a Limited Warranty to help keep your investment protected.

LOD Signature Series Rock Rails

Final Thoughts

Now that we've covered the best side step and rock slider options avaliable for your 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL, it's time to make a decision. If you find yourself treating your Wrangler more like a highway princess and less like an off-road machine, pick up one of the side step options as it will be an overall cheaper and easier option in the long run. Since side steps only mount to the body pinch weld, there's much less hardware and time required for the mounting process. On the other hand, if you're somebody who is constantly pushing the limit of overland adventures, you're probably going to want a set of sturdy rock sliders when you find yourself in challenging situations. All of the rock slider bolt directly to the vehicle's frame to help better support the weight of your Jeep. This all comes with the cost of more durable and expensive materials and can be quite the hassle to install. Whatever your style is, we're confident you'll find exactly what you're looking for, right here at NorthRigde 4x4.

2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL Side Steps & Rock Sliders