How hard is it to install the factory rails or side steps? It took me quite a long time to install my rear hitch since I did not raise the Jeep but I have got to believe these would be easier due to lighter weight and modular bracket and rails.

Did a search here but it was unclear as to whether all KJ's have holes predrilled for the mounting brackets. Do you have to drill?

Do you have to jack up the Jeep to mount these?

Jeep states approx 1 hour install time?

Anybody do this install?

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I sold my Renegade side steps to a fellow L.O.S.T. member who had a Liberty Sport. Apparently he did have to do some drilling into the frame rails. Check under your vehicle and see if the holes are predrilled. Should be two sets of four holes.

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2002 Jeep Liberty Renegade
3.7L V6 4x4, 5-speed manual
*Draw-tite class IV hitch
*Mopar rock rails
*Clear turn signals
*Mopar mud flaps
*Husky cargo liner
*'Trial Rated' and 'Renegade' emblems
*Bazooka 200 watt subwoofer

SR,

Thanks for the reply. I will have to peek under there but didn't know where they would be situated.

Since you got the Mopar Rock Rails, I assume they mount at the same points so you didn't have to remove the brackets but simply removed the side step and then attached the rock rails?

I don't do much off roading except the gravel logging roads so I thought the steps would be more practical than the rails since clearance was not going to be an issue for me.

Would you happen to have pix of your steps and your rails?

Thanks again

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( . )( . )

Hare on my Chest

Should be two holes about 2in apart under the front door, and another pair of same holes under the back of the rear doors. Other set of holes would be on the inside of the sill facing inward, just above the others for a total of eight holes on each side of the vehicle.

If you don't offroad, the steps are fine. They're really for appearance more that functionality. They are good for small kids climing up into the back seat however. Adults don't need them, the Libby sits low enough to get in with no problem.

I got the rock rails from a Jeep dealer. Someone who bought a new Renegade didn't want them so the dealer took them off and kept them. Sold them to me at a nice discount. I prefer the rails over the steps because they don't affect the clearance of the vehicle and they do offer some protection for offroading. With the steps, you really have to remove them before going offroad or they will surely take a beating. They probably take about 2in off the clearance.

When it comes down to it, if you don't offroad at all, just pick whichever you think looks the best. If you PM me your email address I'll try to send you a couple "before and after" pics. The avatar pic is with the rock rails btw.

Hope this helps.

_________________
2002 Jeep Liberty Renegade
3.7L V6 4x4, 5-speed manual
*Draw-tite class IV hitch
*Mopar rock rails
*Clear turn signals
*Mopar mud flaps
*Husky cargo liner
*'Trial Rated' and 'Renegade' emblems
*Bazooka 200 watt subwoofer

Say that to hefty people that get in my jeep with my ome lift. They have killed the edge of my seat from sliding their big butt over them trying to get in and out. I have seat covers now but the padding is still getting broken down.

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

OKay, I got both a set of the chrome side steps and the graphite rock rails and regretably I have to drill into the frame to install ARGHHHH.

At least if I don't like side steps, I could install the side rock rails using the same brackets.

The 1 hour Jeep install time will result in 2 weekends in my non mechanically inclined hands. Maybe I will just use Peanut Butter!!!!

_________________
[_|_, [""""""]
l--- L---ollllllo-
( )_)-( )_)-o-)_) Liberator

....o_o_o_o
../| ,[_____],
|¯¯¯L--↨|||||||↨
()_)¯ ()_) ¯¯¯ )_)

(\__/)
(='.'=) <]{
(")_(")

( . )( . )

Hare on my Chest