My dad has a buddy who has rock slides that are just a 3/16 sheet metal wrapped around the factory rockers. has anyone seen this or have there opinions on whether this would be a good idea or to build tube rockers. I would love to see pics. (tube or like this.)

 

It's better than nothing at all but not the greatest form of protection.

Build them with square or round tubing and bolt them to the frame on both sides and also on the pinch seam under the rockers.

http://www.ajsoffroadarmor.com/XJ_Rockrails_About.html

 

So do people just drill right through both sides of the frame rail/chassis rail and use some long bolts right through? the attachment to the seam of the rocker/sill does seem all that strong to me - what are peoples experiences?

 

Most rockers use self tappers on the framerail and bolts on the pinch seam. It's plenty strong. I can jack up the jeep on the rails and it doesn't even groan or tilt.