what to do for rocker protection

[hargraves]

i really like the shrock sliders they worked great with my trail tough yj kit.
I have beat them to death and have yet to dent them. He makes some really good armor.

[ba.gone]

This is what I did. I had a piece bent, and used square tubing  for a step. Bolted it through the rocker and to the frame. I can put a jackal and lift one side up.

[goober]

shrockworks does make really great stuff, however i think paying all that much $ for rocker guards is outrageous.  i can get some angle iron much much cheaper.   

[MaineZuke]

I cut mine out and welded in some 3x4 box tube. a bit heavier, but it's stout.

check out what Chris from Trail gear made - that'd probably be lighter.

[nose]

ok i want to keep the weight down as much as possible but still run skid plates..  i have a tank skid, full belly skid, diff caps, shrock front and rear bumpers, and the rro rocker skids, but the rro skids dont work with the yj plates.  should i just leave them off and what ever happens to the rockers happens,  or should i make a rocker protection so they dont get to banged up.  it will be for trail only with minimal driving on the road.

Hi Goober,

I would not run without rocker panel protection. I do not like the 1/4" angle iron rocker skids as they are heavy (never the less I had to build a set just to not use them...). Maybe that is an inspiration for you: I cut the rockers out and welded 1/8" sheet metal in instead; the whole design uses five brackets within the rocker to stiffen it.

Here is a link showing the evolution my rockers went through:
http://www.twistedintentions.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=821&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=bb1e69aaf0fe5adabf7bd4e147b32cb1

Best regards,

Norbert

[goober]

nose.  i really like that idea, how have the rockers held up in the rocks, and bashing them off of obsticles?

[Mr_DIY]

I like the 1.5" square stuff... weld some legs to the frame and you are done.  be sure to plate the frame for impact distribution... or use round tube/pipe.... whatever is easier for you    Mine are marlin crawler sliders I got for $100 + s/h

[nose]

nose.  i really like that idea, how have the rockers held up in the rocks, and bashing them off of obstacles?

Hi Goober,

the reason I went for new rockers was a Tellico trip. My stock rocker panels were partly cut open from underneath; no damage to the door opening though. Which is why the new design entails 5 gussets that strengthen the rocker a lot; see attached pics.

Since building the new rockers I have not hit Tellico again.
However, the new rockers held up fine in all other trips and are holding up really well. I hope to go to Tellico soon (maybe Thursday?) and put them to a severe test.

In addition to the added strength I think they add ground clearance when leaning sideways while sliding over rocks. I guess I have hit less obstacles with the angled rocker panel compared to the square rocker panel.

Best regards,

Norbert

[Mr_DIY]

nice fab'n nose. 

[Tusker]

Here is what I did.  I used 1x2 box tubing.  Stealthy, but they work surprisingly well.  I can't tell you how many times I have thought, "...there went my rocker panels..." and got out to find no damage. 

[Mr_DIY]

clean work as usual Tusker.. nice

[goober]

my problem is i cant take the rocker guard to the spring hangers.  the yj plates are in the way.. thats why i can not use the rro rails anymore. also im not sure where i can take them to the frame since i have a full belly skid from trail tough. i am either just gonna go the same route nose went or something of the like.