jeepxj412

well my rockers have been like Swiss Cheese for the past year or so and ive been searching around for replacements and i was told about using 2x4 or 2x6 square tubing. seems to me that it is a great idea since i have been wanting rock sliders and this is actually better, clearance wise of course. dont exactly know how strong it will be so the main questions i am asking here is what size would be best as well as thickness and where to cut out the old rocker panel and weld the square tubing to the body (top and bottom). Pictures would be very helpful but its not a problem if no one can post them.

Lightfoot

Here is what I did.
I used 3"x6" x 3/16" tube.

I got this ideal from someone else on this web site and I think they have a write up.

Bustedknuckle

Freakin Aye!!! I need more under shots! Did you secure it to the frame rail at all?

My rockers are rotted out beyond reason, I've been pricing out square tubing to do this exact thing.

What did you do in regards with the pinch weld?

Lightfoot

I cut all the way to the floor and removed the pinch weld.
I did tie into the frame at the spring mount. I will add more frame tie ins later.

I can get more pics later this weekend if needed.

They work real well. Rock tested.

The 6" tube works well. I would have liked 7" tube because it would stick out a little bit more and that would help to keep mud flying up the side of the jeep.

jeepxj412

Thanks for the pictures Lightfoot! did you cut into the fender to make it the entire length between the wheels or just the length of the rocker itself? and if you can, can you show more of where you welded? i dont quite see all of where i should weld.

sandaddik2

this is EXACTLY what im doing to mine next week, i guess great minds think alike

Lightfoot

I cut the fender so I could make the rocker from wheel well to wheel well.
I will take some more pics and post them for you.

I will try and get the pics on sometime late today.

Lightfoot

Ok here are some more pics.
I welded the tube 100% to the body. If it touched it was welded.

Blizit

great job... doesnt come much better

CherokeeForbyer

very nicely done

Lightfoot

Thank for the good words. They work real well. Still working on my doors so I can put them back on.

COSXJFAN

Nicely done!! That thing is screaming for bigger tires, IMHO!! LOL!! Very clean XJ you have there!!

Lightfoot

I only have 3" of lift and I cut my fenders as far as I could and I rub just a little at full flex. I would have to life it an bump stop it and then bigger tires would fit. But I want to keep it flexing before I go taller and get some lockers.

Donald Wilson

What length of tubing? And what angle did you cut the ends? And did you cut out the inner and outer rocker, or just the outer? And your doors dont clear? Or do you just need to paint them or something? I'm looking to do this to my 99 XJ, I do have raw steel outer rockers, but the square tubing looks a bit easier and pretty nice and very solid.

PCO6

Yikes! … old thread, but still interesting. I found it much easier to install 2"x6" tubing than replacement rockers. There was a lot of rust and not much original metal to weld to. The length depends on whether or not you want to cut the bottom off of the front fenders. I didn't because mine saw a lot of winter use and I went for better drainage vs. snow and ice accumulation at the front bottom corners of the doors. If you do more wheeling in warmer weather you'd probably want full length rocker/sliders. I simply measured the length, added a few extra inches, eyeballed the ends to match the fender lines and then welded them in place. As for paint, I primed mine then covered them with a good gravel guard … all rattle can. I both MIG and spot welded the original door sill metal to the tubing. I did it more for comparison and both worked fine.

Good luck with yours!