Difference Between Rock Sliders And Side Steps If you plan on doing any off-roading, the bottom side of many SUVs and Jeeps can be a vulnerable spot. This area of the Jeep is where the body meets the frame and is held together partly by a pinched seam that isn't visually pleasing. Some Jeeps come equipped with plastic side steps or slim steel rails that can hide or protect the pinch seam from very light trail use.
The purpose of this infographic is to identify who may benefit from 3rd Gen Tacoma Rock Sliders and rocker guards, as well as the differences between these two types of modifications. What are the differences between Rock Sliders and Side Steps? Some of the limited edition SUVs and Jeeps are equipped with side steps. If you do not have the Jeep with side steps, you can purchase aftermarket side steps. Generally, these steps are made of plastic and aluminum. They offer a sturdy platform to get into and out of a Jeep, but offer very scant protection from rocks and other harsh surfaces. Additionally, the Jeep's side steps cover the pinch seam and give it a neat and finished look. However, they are attached along the pinch seam with thin aluminum brackets designed to support only the weight of the occupants getting in and out of the Jeep. Rock sliders also provide a sturdy platform for getting in and out of the Jeep and covering the pinch seam, but they differ in construction and attachment points. Most rock sliders are constructed with steel tubing that has been plated in a corrosion-resistant black powder coat. This makes them incredibly durable and capable of deflecting or sliding off extremely rough surfaces, such as rocks or tree trunks.