Hey 2G4R,
When rock crawling, the chances of getting body damage is there and unfortunate.
Too many times I’ve seen owners of beautiful brand new 4x4s begin their rock crawling journey and in less than 2 years their vehicle would be considered totaled by any auto insurance company.
I’ve done the Ruby twice in my 1986 Longbed automatic, on 33’s. Locked front and rear.
No rocker panel protectors, no diff covers, stock bumpers.
Both times with no body damage.
My buddy and shotgun was a highly experienced wheeler and excellent spotter.
Trails change, so maybe today the Rubicon is a terrifying rock crawling terminator?
Typically, there are 4 things that can cause body damage – the rock, the driver, and the spotter. Oh.. the 4th thing is stupidity.
You probably can’t move the rock, but you can usually move your path or tire placement.
Unless you have eyes in your front bumper, rear bumper, rocker panels, and wheel wells, I’d recommend a very knowledgeable and highly trusted spotter.
That’s just my opinion – it may be worthless.
Gnarls.
