If I lived out west then I'd probably go with sliders, but for the type of wheeling and terrain here in PA, a bumper easily comes first. I've never put sliders on my 3rd gen and never hit the rocker panels either, but my ARB bumper has saved me more times than I can remember. Since you're in TN, I'd likely go with a bumper first. More trees and deer to hit. Plus you can fit a winch and driving lights to an aftermarket bumper.