I have two larger projects that need to be done, they will both be done eventually but I was just looking for some advice as to which I should knock out first. I don't have the skills to perform either of these tasks on my own so they are going to be done professionally, and I can't afford to do both at once so here's the situation. My last trail ride I destroyed my stock rocker panels, no big deal I knew they were going sooner or later, so I need to replace those. Along with that, my rear lower quarters are rotted (past the point of cut and fold) so those also need to be dealt with. The second project needed is a re-gear. (98 XJ HPD30, C8.25(29spline), and 33's) I drive mainly as a DD but re-gearing has always been in my itinerary. I'm going 4.56, keeping the rear open but locking the front with an OX cable locker since I need to swap out the carrier regardless.
SO. Should the body work be tackled first or should my priority be re-gearing? The time between each of these jobs is likely going to be several months.
For reference, these are my quarter panels ATM.
http://picpaste.com/20141119_131316-4RRM0RfM.jpg

Any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Regear it

 

Fix rust IMO. dont drive like a maniac and the gears will be fine.. Rust however spreads quickly.

 

I'm so torn....lol

 

Gears. Then do 2x6 rocker replacements then you can still do a cut and fold even with rust.

 

Dont do a 2x6... Buy actual rocker replacements, theyre cheap

 

Why, so then he can bash them in again and have to replace them once more...?

 

2x6 is cheaper if you know where to buy it.

 

also a cheap way to do it IMO. If youre worried about beating them up get rock sliders.

 

Lol. My 2x6 rockers are my rock sliders. How is a piece of 2x6x3/16 steel tied into the frame with 4 2x2x3/16 and 1/4 wall square tube legs not a better option?

 

Exactly what I'm doing. It's not goin anywhere

 

Yeah I'm not doing stock replacements. I have someone that can do custom sliders for me for around 700 bucks

 

$700?!?!?! Holy crap! I don't charge nearly enough to do rocker replacement sliders, apparently! Lol

 

He wasn't doing the standard 2x6 slider install. I considered it reasonable enough because prefabbed sliders are usually around that price. Well at least jcr, tnt etc. What do you typically charge? Location?

 

I would do the bodywork first, rust spreads like cancer.