Desertfox1023

So I got all my stuff together now to build my rock rails except for one issue.

How am I going to mount them?

My original plan was to do an L bracket around the uni body and do 4 in the side and 2 from the bottom. However the fuel lines run along the drive side of the jeep which keeps me from running a bolt all the way through the frame. What is the solution to this problem:

I was thinking a shorter bolt possibly, however how would I put the nut on the back of the bolt and tighten down the bolts with it being inside the frame rail.

Other option is to use self tapping bolts, but where can I get those?

I thought about just welding them to uni-body, but would rather have them bolt on encase I want to change something about them down the road.

How has everyone else mounted theirs? Links and pics are most appreciated.

mark's91-XJ

this is the way its done:1/4 bolted to the pinch seam and
5/16 self taping bolts

Desertfox1023

Ya, I've gone over that setup however where can I get the self taping bolts from?

Steelcityfan29

Local hardware store is a good start.

a1racer

Just drill and tap the holes much easier

Desertfox1023

Hmm... why didn't I do something like this before making a big deal on the internet about it... Just kidding with you man but seriously checked and they didn't have what I wanted. Just some screws that I wouldn't trust as I would also like to use these as a high lift jack point.

That's what Im thinking of doing. The bolts I'm going to use are Grade 8 3/8" bolts. So what size hole do I drill so that the bolt will thread through it?

lil'whiteXJ

3/8 bolts with 16 threads per inch, 5/16 drill bit, and a tap to match bolts. Probably cost about 6-8 bucks for bit and tap.

Billy

93XJRay

like you said yourself, make some custom brackets and weld that ***** right to the frame. probably cant beat that with a bat if youre a half decent welder

Desertfox1023

I would but I want to be able to take them off. I know I eventually want to do boat sides on down the road. I think I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to do now. Thanks everyone for the advice. Tommorrow is D-day, hopefully I'll have a finished project to post up.

a1racer

there is no frame on a xj and welding to the unibody is a very hard job please do not do this unless you are a professional welder with sheet metal experience if not your unibody will look like Swiss cheese. and just get the tap for the hole you need they come with drill bits or tell you what bit to get

broncofire75

Its not hard to weld to the unibody. Just if you know how to weld and set it right. Alternate sides and dont let a weld get too hot and youll be fine.

Refer to my post on NAXJA on bolts...

a1racer

true but most don't have that much experience to weld like that. oh and Desertfox1023 any pics yet

Desertfox1023

I worked on the rockrails for a good while yesterday. Got all the mounting brakets made and the rails are cut. Took a long time to drill 24 holes through 3/16" steel even with a drill press. So now I just have to drill the holes in the frame and tap them all. After that tack all the peices together and make sure she's going to fit right. It's off to church right now. I'll through a few teaser pics up later this afternoon when I get back.

a1racer

yeah it took me a few days to make mine as well since i don't have a drill press it was like 4 hours of drilling holes in the tubing and unibody but after i was done i was very happy with what i had made

Desertfox1023

I moved the rock rail stuff into my build thread so check there for the latest updates on them

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showth...?t=4784&page=4