Rock sliders are one of the more practical upgrades for an FJ Cruiser that actually sees trail use. The stock running boards that come on many FJ builds are decorative more than functional they are attached to the body rather than the frame and will not hold the vehicle weight if you need to jack from the side.
Real rock sliders serve two purposes. First, they protect the rocker panels which are one of the most vulnerable parts of the FJ body on rocky trails. A hit to the rocker on a stock FJ can cause expensive body damage. Second, they give you a solid jack point when you are stuck and need to lift the vehicle from the side. On a lifted FJ this matters more since the ground clearance makes standard jack placement harder. On fjcruiserforums and r/FJCruiser the advice is consistent: if you are doing any serious trail work, skip the decorative running boards and go straight to frame mounted rock sliders. The price difference is real but so is the protection difference.
Things to look for when buying rock sliders for the FJ Cruiser: frame mounting rather than body mounting, wall thickness of the steel tubing, and whether the design includes a step for getting in and out of a lifted truck. Some sliders are step sliders that combine both functions, which most owners find more practical for daily use.
#1. Tyger Auto – Off-Road Side Steps for Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Tyger Auto side steps are compatible with all Toyota FJ Cruiser models from 2007 to 2014. Featuring patented STAR metal step pads, this side step provides excellent support for entering and exiting off-road vehicles. The powder-coated finish gives it an attractive appearance. Furthermore, installation is a breeze since it requires no drilling and can be bolted on easily.
The dual-coated powder finish lends to an attractive look. With easy bolt-on installation, this side step does not require any drilling.
Even those off-road enthusiasts that are very tough on their SUV will see the Tyger Auto will withstand the most difficult terrain. These running boards are built to last! Each one has been coated with a special solution inside and out and has been pre-treated to remove any impurities.
- The tubes are sealed to keep out any dirt, water, and debris
- These side steps feature a US patented design
- No drilling required with the easy bolt-on installation
- Maximum underside protection due to the dual girder system
- Metal side steps assist individuals in getting in and out of higher lifted trucks and SUVs
- Meets or exceeds OEM quality standards
- Have a 500-pound rating
- Comes with a five-year warranty that is “no-hassle”
- Easy installation
- Unbeatable quality for the price
- Very sturdy
- Has a hardcore look to them
- Rust has been an issue with some consumers
#2. N-FAB – Textured Side Steps for Toyota FJ Cruiser
The N-FAB textured side steps are designed to make a statement and catch people’s attention. These off-road nerf bars are built to withstand the toughest terrains, thanks to their four-stage powder coating process. Additionally, they come with a 5-year finish warranty for added peace of mind.
While these will not provide you with any protection when you rock crawl, they do make it easier for passengers to get into your Toyota FJ Cruiser, especially if you have a lift on it.
- Long-lasting finish due to the 4-stage powder coating
- Provide superior stability and traction in the elements
- Five bolt installation
- 100% welded construction
- Innovative hoop and step mounting system
- Quick installation
- Looks exceptional
- Makes getting in and out of the car easy
- Built solid
- Won’t fit doors with cladding
- Bolt to the running boards, not the frame
- No instructions included
#3. MaxMate – Toyota FJ Cruiser Nerf Bars
MaxMate side steps are designed to fit 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser models. Their wide step pads are UV-resistant and non-slip, providing easy access to the SUV for shorter individuals. Manufactured following OE standards, these steps ensure a perfect fit and are easy to install.
- Black powder-coated 3 inch round tubing
- Rust resistant
- No drilling installation
- Five-year warranty
- Zero vibration
- Heavy duty
- Has a no-hassle warranty
- Has excellent customer service
- Easy to install
- Holes line up perfectly
- The bolts at the bottom are visible
- The underside may disintegrate after several years
#4. Smittybilt – Toyota FJ Cruiser Rock Sliders
The Smittybilt side steps are compatible with all FJ Cruiser models. These steel running boards have an innovative four-step drop-down design and are built with a welded plate that is resistant to cracking or breaking. They also feature a durable powder-coat finish for long-lasting protection against corrosion and other forms of damage.
Smittybilt is committed to providing excellent products that last a long time. This is why their steel side steps have a rating of 445 pounds the highest in this class.
- Manufactured with 304 marine grade stainless steel
- No drill application
- Corrosion-resistant
- Heavy-duty heel to wheel coverage
- Easy installation
- Fully functional
- Good quality
- Excellent price
- May corrode after several years
- Support was not stellar
- The coating is a bit on the thin side
#5. APS iBoard – Aluminium Side Steps for Toyota FJ Cruiser
APS iBoard running boards are the best aluminum side steps we have found. They will support up to 300 pounds on each side and were designed to be used on 2007-2014 models.
These off-road nerf bars were developed with safety in mind. The rigid rubber top makes it easy to step in and out of the vehicle, making it harder to slip. And if these step bars get dirty, which you know they will, they are very easy to wash down with a hose.
- Clean and modern design
- Run across the entire length of the bar, making it easier to access the windshield and rooftop.
- Holds up to 300 pounds
- No drilling required with bolt installation
- All mounting hardware is included
- Sturdy
- Attractive
- Easy to install
- Low profile look
- Decently priced
- People will be constantly bugging you about where you got them
Bottom Line
Rock sliders are one of those upgrades that FJ Cruiser owners who actually trail their trucks rarely regret. Rocker panel damage on an unprotected FJ is expensive and common on rocky trails. Tyger Auto is the pick for owners who want a solid frame mounted option at a reasonable price. For more serious builds there are heavier duty fabricated options, but for most FJ owners Tyger Auto hits the right balance of protection, step functionality and cost. If you are running any kind of lift and doing real trail work, rock sliders belong on the truck before a lot of other accessories people typically buy first.
Video: Toyota FJ Cruiser Rock Rails Installation
FAQs
What is the difference between running boards and side steps?
Running boards and side steps are often used interchangeably. However, there are some noticeable differences between the two. Running boards generally are mounted flush on the rocker panel, with no gap exposed where side steps will have a gap between the step and the vehicle’s body. Generally, this gap is about two inches.
What is the point of side steps?
Side steps provide a place to step when getting into a vehicle. They work best on larger automobiles, such as an SUV or pickup. Some individuals will place them on smaller SUVs as they add an aesthetic value.
What is the purpose of nerf bars on an SUV?
Nerf bars are installed on SUVs to protect them from flying rocks or other road debris that may chip the paint on your vehicle. These nerf bars will protect the doors and side panels of your car by not allowing the rocks through.
Can rock sliders be used as steps?
Rock sliders are designed to protect the sides of a vehicle from damage when off-roading, and they are typically intended to be used as steps. Rock sliders are usually made of heavy-duty materials such as steel or aluminum, and they are attached to the frame of the vehicle for added strength.
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About the Author
Anton has owned a Toyota FJ Cruiser since 2015 and created FJCruiserHub in 2020 to help fellow owners find the right gear without the guesswork. Every review on this site is based on hands-on research and real-world experience with the FJ Cruiser. Learn more