XJ rocker upgrade

[pre4runner]

So because i put off making my own parts, this time rock rails, i put a small dent in my rocker panel. :hehe;

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0005.jpg

Looks like crap! So I just cut it out, i love body work
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0672.jpg

The plan is to replace it with the 2" square tube that was suppose to be for my rock rails. I might even do boat sides, not sure yet. I have to see what is lying around the garage. I do want it to keep the original lines for awhile still.

Here is an idea of what it will look like.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0670.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0677.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0676.jpg

And this is why rockers rust out. I had no visible rust yet but look at what came out of them.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0673.jpg

[xj97sport]

i hate it when power steering fluid gets in ur rockers lol

i do how ever like the new set up ur looking at doing

[MuddyPaws 3.0]

How did an ear plug and a bottle of power steering oil get in the rockers?

[pre4runner]

the power steering fluid and ear plug don't surprise me at all, its that bucket sized pile of dirt i'm confused about

[xj97sport]

cat litter as well?

[pre4runner]

there was a little absorb all on the floor already.... maybe thats where it all came from

[MuddyPaws 3.0]

hahahahaha

I think it was from this...

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/SpringFling08/2008springfling4wheeling031.jpg

[pre4runner]

hmmm maybe but which time i think thats the 3rd or 4th event i've sat in there and the 50th try

[pre4runner]

Got one side partially welded into place. I decided to add some supports to it but instead of adding 3 or 4 per side like most people i am going to just try one in the front and back so there is nothing to hang up on

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0684.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0685.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/IMG_0687.jpg

The tube fenders will also get attached to the new rocker. Trying to stay away from looking like an exo cage if i can.

[Beefy]

Nice work Kyle looks good

[pre4runner]

Finished up on the passenger side tonight, Hopefully finish the rest tomorrow if i have time

[ckupq]

I've got these plans in the works too. Let me know if you have any hangups putting them in. I'm liking the look plus you could probably run an inner rail to between the outer and the frame as a slider and not worry too much about boat sides.

if that makes any sense at all.

[pre4runner]

hmm thats not a bad idea, and i haven't seen anyone do that. I'll see what it looks like. I think i have some tubing that might fit that.

[ckupq]

I dunno, I kinda figured if you put something down there that would keep it away from the frame and gussets it might help. I don't know if it will work or not.

[pre4runner]

it would work but for the hardcore guys it is going to bend and push into the body a bit. I was looking at some peoples boat sides on naxja and a few guys had wrinkled there b-pillars because the sides weren't part of the cage. Pesonally i can't see my self bouncy on rocks that bad to do that much damage.

Also i got a lot done today, shoud be finished by the next time i work on them.

[ckupq]

are you done yet?

[pre4runner]

Yup i finished them yesterday then had to take off to pick up a trailer. I'll get some pics up tonight

[pre4runner]

Here are the pics after paint
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/XJ/IMG_0767.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/XJ/IMG_0768.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/XJ/IMG_0769.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/Pre4runner/XJ/IMG_0770.jpg
Gap is a little nicer on the side that didn't get all smashed up

[Blue Bulldog]

Looks great. Get that window in and some outer (and inner) protection from flying objects :hehe:

[Bronco4-Play]

Nice job.

[pre4runner]

thanks. I think a built in tool box is next up on the list. Would be nice to have everything organized in the back

[ckupq]

Look into a green military footlocker. I have one in the back, I can put everything in it and load up my spare and be ok. http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=35925

[hunter2005]

still no window, thats a nice a/c vent,,,

[pre4runner]

The rockers had a decent test this weekend, slammed them on a couple rocks at ostc and bounced on a clay shelf, other then missing some paint all is great

[feva4u]

I think I like the 2" better than the 3" look. For reference:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e47/CheapThrillsOffRoad1/5-3-08%20Badlands%20trip/DSC00800.jpg
They have held up great though!

[ckupq]

So what did you do about the pinch seam at the bottom? Did you fold it up and flat?

[pre4runner]

I didn't really mess with the pinch seem at all... i'll let the rocks sort that out

[feva4u]

I folded mine flat.