Rock Rails/Bull Bars

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 12:30 pm

Do rock rails/Bull Bars tend to rust out easily?

I would like to add them to my Jeep but as I look around I noticed that a lot of SUV's have them but they are rusted out. I'm assuming it's from hard off road use, but if I am going to spend the money I would like them to last and look good as well.

Probably thinking of the Bull Bar first, anyone know a place that has them at a good price?

Thanks

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 1:35 pm

Do you mean ARB's Bull Bar or a grille guard?

If you mean the latter, then I'd say don't get one at all. They use the mounting points for the front tow hooks and are not strong enough to pull from.

As for rock rails, if you use them they're going to get rusty. You can always just buy a can of black spray paint and go over them every once in a while. I highly reccommend All-J's Boulder Bars. www.boulderbars.com

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 1:56 pm

I liked the Bull Bar to protect the front end and undeneath, you dont think they are worth it? I dont have any tow hooks as of yet, I was debating on that or rear, but now that you sent the link to the site I kind of like the front hidden hitch.

Thanks for the info and the link!!

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 3:36 pm

No problem. Regular bull bars and push bars really won't protect the front end of the Jeep at all. If anything they will increase damage, as in an accident (or if hit on an obstacle) they will be pushed into the grille, radiator and fenders, and will act as a lever on the mounting points, possible damaging them.

The front hitch is the best idea IMHO, as you can use a reciever shackle or even a hitch mounted winch. If you get the Drawtite hitch it even has built in tow rings on either end.

Guest · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 3:42 pm

FreedomKJ wrote:

The front hitch is the best idea IMHO, as you can use a reciever shackle or even a hitch mounted winch. If you get the Drawtite hitch it even has built in tow rings on either end.

What he said!

winkelhawk · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 5:21 pm

Acutally the ARB Bull Bar mounts to the locations of the factory bumper not the tow hook mount. The ARB bumper mounts will also crush similar to the factory bumper. I can tell you, from personal experience, that the area where it mounts will hold up to quite a bit of punishment. I hit a concrete barrier doing 60 after a winter storm. The Highway department did not do a very good job clearing 1 spot on the Highway and I happen to drive in to it. Their was very little damage to the unibody in that location. You can also see some accident pics on ARB's website and how well the bumper holds up. The ARB is Zinc plated under the podwer coat, so it will stand up pretty well to rust. But defintally buy what you think you will use. I just prefered the bumper over the Hidden Hitch. I'll say one thing, you will save alot of money by going with the Hidden Hitch.

KJTX · **Joined:** Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:56 pm **Posts:** 216

FreedomKJ wrote:

Regular bull bars and push bars really won't protect the front end of the Jeep at all. If anything they will increase damage, as in an accident (or if hit on an obstacle) they will be pushed into the grille, radiator and fenders, and will act as a lever on the mounting points, possible damaging them.

I have a regular bull bar, that will be coming off soon, and from looking at the mounting location, FreedomKJ is right. I'm glad I haven't hit anything yet, but it does look like it would greatly increase damage.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2005 10:35 pm

Rock rails and the like will get scratched and then surface rust. BUy a good rust encapselating paint and put a layer on every once in a while. I do and it looks great.

ALSO, i have an extra set of Rock Rails sitting in my garage. BRAND NEW, unopened! First $200 takes them! (plus shipping costs).

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:47 am

winkelhawk wrote:

Acutally the ARB Bull Bar mounts to the locations of the factory bumper not the tow hook mount. The ARB bumper mounts will also crush similar to the factory bumper. I can tell you, from personal experience, that the area where it mounts will hold up to quite a bit of punishment. I hit a concrete barrier doing 60 after a winter storm. The Highway department did not do a very good job clearing 1 spot on the Highway and I happen to drive in to it. Their was very little damage to the unibody in that location. You can also see some accident pics on ARB's website and how well the bumper holds up. The ARB is Zinc plated under the podwer coat, so it will stand up pretty well to rust. But defintally buy what you think you will use. I just prefered the bumper over the Hidden Hitch. I'll say one thing, you will save alot of money by going with the Hidden Hitch.

I wasn't talking about the ARB Bull Bar (which really isn't a bull bar at all, it'a a bumper.) I was talking about actual bull bar grille guards, like those made by Manik, etc.

Rock Rails/Bull Bars

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