Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Rockers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 13, 2008 | 01:21 PM
  #1  
theangler's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default Rockers

Anyone know of where I can get a cheap set of rockers for my 4 dr. xj? If not, I was thinking about just using diamond plate along the entire rockers. Anyone know where I can find that at a good price / how to bend cut if I just buy a sheet.

Thanks
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2008 | 01:27 PM
  #2  
Kyle's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 5
Model: Cherokee
Default

Define cheap?
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2008 | 01:37 PM
  #3  
theangler's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default

Hopefully less then 100
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2008 | 01:38 PM
  #4  
JakeWI's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

have you tried a junkyard. i had a couple laying around from parts jeeps ai bought, each of those jeeps i bought for under $200 and both had great rockers.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2008 | 03:13 PM
  #5  
Kyle's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 5
Model: Cherokee
Default

Ya you arent going to find a new set for under 100. Heres a pretty decent set though.

http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/...?idproduct=672

Or you can get thicker material for 20$ more.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2008 | 03:19 PM
  #6  
theangler's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default

After reading some different rocker mods like the ones on madxj.com, I think that eventually I'll try completely cutting out the rockers and making some out of 3.5 x 3.5" boxed steel. This takes care of the old rotted out ones, and as a bonus allows for good rocker strength without sacrificing ground clearance as putting on rocker guards does. Anyone here done anything like this? The guys on madxj had made the rockers into portable air tanks which I think is also a pretty BA idea.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2008 | 06:24 PM
  #7  
Kyle's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 5
Model: Cherokee
Default

Originally Posted by theangler
After reading some different rocker mods like the ones on madxj.com, I think that eventually I'll try completely cutting out the rockers and making some out of 3.5 x 3.5" boxed steel. This takes care of the old rotted out ones, and as a bonus allows for good rocker strength without sacrificing ground clearance as putting on rocker guards does. Anyone here done anything like this? The guys on madxj had made the rockers into portable air tanks which I think is also a pretty BA idea.
Yup, I really like what he did but to my knowledge no one on the board has done this mod yet. Keep us updated with your decision/build.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2008 | 06:36 PM
  #8  
BlueXJ's Avatar
Renix Super Guru
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 19
From: In yourz postez fissin jurr spelinzs
Year: 1990XJ/1989MJ
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0L Renix
Default

Someone has changed theres to heavy metal. I think it was XJ Stryker. Check with him. There are sites which have done boatsides and they are pretty strong and give added clearance too. Just a thought you might like to look into before making a decision.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2008 | 08:28 PM
  #9  
TrueBlueXJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 2
From: West Virginia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L I-4
Default

Rock Auto has rocker panels for $52 per side. Part # CH1601101.

http://www.rockauto.com

That's where I get almost all my Jeep parts.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 03:35 PM
  #10  
theangler's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default

So I'm not much of a welder (at all), but I want to start. Do you think I'd be able to get away with a cheap ARC welder that runs off of 110 for a mod like this? Would I need to MIG it? Also trying to pick out my first welder... What do you guys think? They've got cheapo's at sears for like $150 that have good reviews.

Thanks
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 03:47 PM
  #11  
87xjco's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0ltr
Default

It's actually alot harder to weld with an ARC welder than with a MIG, especially thin stuff, if you're gonna start with an ARC welder, practice on alot of thick material and gradually make your way down to thin stuff, but it takes months usually to get the hang of welding thin stuff with an ARC welder, more like weeks with a MIG welder.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 04:01 PM
  #12  
TrueBlueXJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 2
From: West Virginia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L I-4
Default

Yeah, ARC welders are pretty finicky on the tin stuff. You can get a cheap 110 MIG and do a MUCH better job. The thin stuff will still be a learning experience, but the quality and cleanliness of the welds will be much easier to control. JMO!
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 05:06 PM
  #13  
Howler_GT's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 7
From: Schnecksville, PA
Year: 94 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Get a 110V MIG with shielding gas (or one that can be added later)
Shielding gas makes for alot nicer and somewhat stronger weld.

DO NOT get the Cambell/Hausfeld MIG. That is the one I have and it is JUNK.
Constant live. (Meaning the wire is always charged) Trigger only works the wire feeder. REAL dumb design.

Keep clear of the Fowler Co.(No relation) mig wire has alot of impurities and will do nothing but splatter.

Had to throw out (2) 5lb spools...couldn't even tack with it.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 05:45 PM
  #14  
theangler's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Year: 1991 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H.O.
Default

Thanks guys, I'll go with a MIG. That'll be nice especially for body panels (floor boards and whatnot). My only concern is whether or not a 110 MIG will weld 1/8 - 1/4" boxed steel? From my understanding, It's tough to weld together sheet metal with a thicker metal for example, but it's do-able. Will a 110 MIG handle semi-thick welds like this?

Thanks again
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 05:51 PM
  #15  
muddeprived's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,883
Likes: 6
From: W-PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=XJS
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:54 PM.