Stock steps/rails vs aftermarket rock sliders

[ekolpack]

I'm rehabbing a "lightly totalled" 08 and need to replace steps/rails on one side. I've found a pair which are chrome/silver colored and look nicer than my stock ones (which are black) and will be coming off of an armored vehicle....and they're only $50 each, which seems like a win. but I got to thinking, would I be better off replacing them with rock sliders at some point? Do the stock rails provide any meaningful protection? Are aftermarket rock sliders really that much better? I'll be doing light to medium duty off-roading, mostly in the PNW and Utah. Thanks!

Pics of sliver/chrome ones available vs. my black ones.

 

[afgman786]

Don't waste your money on the stock steps. They will offer absolutely no protection. They can be rock feelers in best case scenario, but worst case is crunching and causing more damage.

 

[grinchy]

agree. Leave them off and when you’re ready get a slider.

 

[Hatteras]

Yep, also agree. The stock rails are steps and do not offer protection.

 

[ekolpack]

Righto! I'll pass on the ones being offered and hold out for a good set of used sliders or weld some up myself (can't afford new). Thanks fellas!