Ford Ranger rock sliders and side steps

Side steps and rock sliders can provide a wide range of advantages for Ranger owners. The added ground clearance, for example, can improve the vehicle's off-road capability by providing better approach angles and reducing the risk of getting hung up on obstacles. Side steps can also provide an aesthetic punch many owners desire.

• What it is: Metal bars that fit along the sills of the car, which can take the car’s weight and prevent panel damage. Rock sliders can take the weight of the car; side steps may not, but they do offer some protection.
• Why you need it: Sooner or later, your Ranger will run out of ramp angle, and that could mean expensive panel damage. Rangers have a fairly long wheelbase, particularly the next-gen models, so the risk is real. Even if it doesn’t run out of ramp angle, at some point you’ll run over a rock or log and it could bounce up and damage the lower bodywork. Some rock sliders can make good jacking points, too.
• Buying tips: Rock sliders can, by definition, take the weight of the vehicle, so don’t confuse them with simple side steps which aren’t load bearing. Ensure the sliders are airbag-compatible, and high-lift jack points are a bonus.

Here are four products we recommend. They’re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of what’s available. We’ve included information on Ford Australia’s genuine accessories, in case you’d prefer to stick to OEM.

Ford Australia/ARB licensing agreement

Ford Australia has a licensing agreement with ARB. Order ARB accessories when you order your next-gen Ranger and they’ll be covered by Ford’s five-year warranty. So if you have a warranty issue, there will be no grey areas about which company is responsible.

If you order ARB accessories after purchase (through a Ford dealer), they’ll be covered by the remainder of the warranty period.

If you’d like to know more about the Ford/ARB partnership, check it out on the Ford website.

ARB Summit frame-mounted side steps

ARB Summit frame-mounted side steps

Specifications:

• Tube diameter: 60.3mm
• Airbag compliant: Yes
• Compatible with scrub rails: No

Find out more on ARB

TJM side steps

TJM side steps

Specifications:

• Tube diameter: 63mm
• Airbag compliant: Yes
• Compatible with scrub rails: Yes

Buy now from TJM

PHAT Bars angled rock sliders/side steps

PHAT Bars angled rock sliders/side steps

Specifications:

• Tube diameter: 50mm
• Airbag compliant: Not specified
• Compatible with scrub rails: Not specified

Buy now from Phat Bars

Ironman 4x4 steel side steps

Ironman 4x4 steel side steps

Specifications:

• Tube diameter: Not specified
• Airbag compliant: Yes
• Compatible with scrub rails: Not specified

Buy now from Ironman 4X4

How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what's the best product across each price point.

We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.