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Shrockworks Jeep TJ ShrockBars

By Shawn Pagan

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On the trail:
The first thing we noticed as we headed out to the trails was the number of comments we got from people about how much they liked the new rocker protection. I must admit they have a very industrial look, which I like. These bars are all business with nothing hanging down or protruding where it shouldn’t.

The first trail we tackled was littered with rocks so we started trying harder lines. The first thing we found was that compared to the previous rocker solution that had been on our truck, these provided much greater ground clearance. In fact, in many places where we used to scrape we had enough clearance to place our hand completely under the vehicle (though we wouldn't recommend doing that). On occasions when we did scrape, the Jeep simply slid right over.

Kilby Steering Skid Plate
Kilby Steering Skid Plate
This particular line was used to scrape our previous rocker guards
This time we passed with inches to spare

As you can see, the external bars provided a great surface to pivot on rocks with and are angled up just enough on the rocker panels that they don’t interfere with rocks passing by below or sliding on the rocker themselves.

Kilby Steering Skid Plate
Kilby Steering Skid Plate
Bars are correctly positioned to use as pivot points
Looking down from the driver's seat I have confidence that I am protected
Kilby Steering Skid Plate
Kilby Steering Skid Plate
No fear when sliding over rocks
The bars are also positioned to be out of the way and above the bottom of the sliders themselves

Final Thoughts:
After several months of running these bars on trails from Las Cruces, NM to Clayton, OK we have almost nothing more than superficial damage. The very leading edge just behind the front wheel has a slight bend from an unknown obstacle but it is only minor and I only mention it to show that you can bend anything given enough opportunity. We can only imagine the damage our rocker would have sustained had we not had the ShrockBars!

Kilby Steering Skid Plate
Kilby Steering Skid Plate
Normal scratches from use
Nothing I wouldn't have expected

I was concerned at first with the fact that these sliders (much like 98% of the other sliders on the market) don’t actually cover 100% of the rocker panel. They don’t extend all the way to the rear of the front fender. While I expected this to be a problem I have not taken any damage in that area. I have, however, seen two vehicles on trails pick up large boulders that traveled around their tires and damaged that very leading edge of their rockers. In talking with various people making these they say that this is not usually a concern and that in many cases they keep the front short so that customers who choose to can trim their own fenders or modify the front without worrying about the sliders themselves. I know that rocks can damage pretty much anything that’s not plated, but since I have not experience this problem myself I can’t make any more comments on whether this is truly an issue or not.

Kilby Steering Skid Plate
The underside is now smooth all the way to the frame
The sliders clean up well and with a blast of air from a compressor I can easily clean out underneath them. While I think that I probably loose a quarter of an inch in ground clearance at the edge of the rocker I think the ability to clean out behind them and the design allows the entire area to be flat to the frame overrides that tiny loss.

The ShrockBars were easy to install, are useable as a step for my wife to get in the Jeep, or as a perch for me to stand on when the trail is moving too slow. They offer above-average protection from the harshest things I can throw at them and they keep my Jeep's rocker panels safe from harm.

I have seen these installed on various CJ’s and Samurais and they simply look awesome. I think they will provide as much, if not more, protection than any other product on the market. In addition, they are usable with virtually any type of suspension or body lift, they allow for front wheel well modification and they can go with your Jeep as it changes from stock to extreme. The rockers they protect will be well-kept and in one piece, which of course, is the goal in the first place.

It appears to me that Shrockworks takes an approach to their products based on years of four-wheeling and the needs created for their own vehicles. These bars are solid, well thought out and probably even a little overkill. Based on the stress and strain we put on our vehicles, though, overkill just seems appropriate now, doesn't it.

On a personal note, I like the Shrockbars a lot. They are cleaner and "more" functional then the bars I have owned previously.  I have used them and hammered on them.  The only negative I see is the same negative trend that has been coming from many manufacturers these days.  This trend is laser cutting the company's name or logo into their products.  In this writer's opinion, companies would be better off knowing that if they build a good solid product their customers will pass on who and where they got it from when asked. For the price this "free" advertising costs to produce, they could reduce the cost of the parts by shipping them without the name cut into them. They might just find out how loyal their customers are and could lower the price of their products due to lower manufacturing costs. If the owners want to show their labels, they can use decals.

Late-breaking Note:  The Shrockbars that I have use one support from the Rocker Guard to the side tube.  Shrockworks now sells their TJ Bars with two tubes for what most call a more pleasing aesthetic view and I would agree.

For most up-to-date information and photos of these please visit Shrockworks' website.


 

Resources

Shrockworks
Houston, TX
(281) 797-5010
Fax - (501) 423-6862
www.shrockworks.com

 

Looking for Shrockworks Products for your Rig? Check out 4x4ROCKSHOP.com

 

Shawn Pagan

Shawn Pagan is a staff writer for ROCKCRAWLER.com as well as Our Land Use Editor. Shawn resides north of Houston, TX.

Contact Shawn at thepagan@rockcrawler.com

 
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