Which Armor to Buy Next?

I'm putting a 3" OME lift on soon, and I was pondering which armor to buy next with it. All I have now is a RCI front skid plate and the crappy piece of plastic that covers my gas tank. I wouldn't even call it a skid plate. I was thinking about some RCI sliders before I go with full skids, but what are your thoughts? A new front bumper may be quite a ways out unless someone has a used one they're looking to part with in CO, and I don't have an interest in replacing my rear chrome bumper that I'm very fond of. What are your thoughts?

 

I vote sliders... You will be surprised at how handy they come in. Also a good place to use a hi-lift as your lift will make your factory jack pretty much useless.

 

That's what I've been thinking. And just looking at rocks next to my truck scares me, because I know rocker/door repairs aren't cheap.

 

yep, I crushed a rocker flat, had to be sectioned and replaced... no fun. More than my sliders cost. I see plenty of rocker crushing potential on the trails in CO when I go up there every summer. Ironically I crushed mine back here in TX

 

Definitely sliders. Not even a question.

 

My vote is sliders. Protect your rockers. I'll be ordering some soon myself as my first real upgrade for my truck.

 

The bumpers look cool, but they can wait IMHO. I've wheeled my truck since I bought it new in 09 and I am just now considering a bumper due to some minor damage to my stock plastic. Stock bumpers are cheap to replace... a lot cheaper than doors and rockers.

 

Seems like sliders is the answer. Does anyone have any experience with the ones from RCI? I know there are many different fabricators, but RCI is close and I could pick them up so I don't have to pay out the nose for shipping.

 

My vote is sliders. I like the buffalo chicken ones more than the cheeseburgers, but you definitely can't go wrong either way.

Support your closest vendor if possible!! Just ask what it's made from and how it attaches. Most use "hitch tube" which is almost indestructible. I think as long as the mounting system is good and you like the look, go for it!

 

Sliders!

 

Another nod for sliders. You'll find that the rear bumper will be next to go - our approach angle is better than the departure angle. I drag my hitch occasionally, and I'm just waiting to snag the bumper on something.

 

I'm trying as much as possible to keep my rear bumper because I like the chrome. When you say "rear bumper" are you speaking of a high clearance one? I really don't want to cut my truck.

 

Not necessarily. A standard rear bumper that can actually take a hit is all most of us will ever need.

 

If you do any serious offroading you either cut your besides for HC or end up with crinkled ones from coming off a rock, ledge, etc.

 

I won't be doing any "serious" off roading with it, seeing that it is and will be my daily driver for a while. I'm looking to get more into overland and adventure type trips than short, extreme rock crawling trails. Worst case scenario, I hit my lower bedside and then put one in to get rid of the damage. On top of everything else, I'm VERY nice to my truck and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

 

Diff guard. It's about the cheapest armor available, and ranks very high in priority IMO. Picture this: there's nothing between your ring gear and that rock but a beer can. Now pan out and realize it's reality. Sliders are great and a worthwhile investment. They're second on my list because body bashing = can still get home. Bust up a ring gear and you're done. Right where you are. Typically not in the best of times and places either.

 

Sliders.

 

SLIDERS!!! SLIDERS! SLIDERS!!SLIDERS!SLIDERS!!!!!!SLIDERS!!SREDILS!!!!!!SREDILS!SREDILS!!SREDILS ! SREDILS!!!

 

If it's your DD and you have to ask what to get, you probably don't need any, when you actually need something you will know.