So I'm finally getting some good rocker protection. Finally. Meaning: I did not heed anyone's advice about getting rocker guards on there ASAP, and opted to create clearance on my own.

Anyhow, Nate (of the Wagoneer in the Ultimate Adventure last summer) offered to hook me up with two things: a traction bar and rocker protection.

The traction bar:



It's purdy. His fab skills are sick...

Then, on to the body protection. He cut out the slightly trail-modified rocker panels:



And got a 4"x4" piece of boxed tubing. Not exactly sure how thick it is, but it's stout stuff. It fits perfectly inside the now-open rocker panels and directly under the door sills:





What you're seeing there is a test fit of sorts. I didn't get enough good shots of how it looked when he started welding everything in pace. Basically, this design gives me much stronger body protection without sacrificing a single inch of clearance. He's also going to tube out the sides a little to give me some clearance on things like Rocker Knocker - just a bit wider than the doors.

The idea? That I don't drop this thing on rocks the way that Aaron does, so no real need to do anything tied into the frame. Since I'd really still like to keep this streetable (as much as possible), we chose to only support the body without tying anything into the frame. And, like I said - there's no loss of ground clearance. That tube fits flush with the inside pinch weld and is welded directly to it.

More pics to follow when it's done...

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- mike

Sweet. Got any pics of the mount to the truck for the traction bar? I imagine it uses a shackle set up, just curious if it was attached to the existing cross member or if a new one was made for it?

Troy

Looks good .... about time <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

He attached the shackle to the existing crossmember, but beefed up a bunch on it. Apparently all my booger welds were cracking a bit after 3+ years of abuse.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I'll get more pics when I get back over there on Wednesday...

- mike

I have wondered when someone would try this. I have seen it done on Toys a few times and figured someone would do it here. Of course, you were the best option. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> , with how beat those rockers were, it made no sense to really protect them...other then to keep you from beating the doors shut permanently.

I look forward to seeing the finished pics...especially how it was welded in place.

Very cool.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Steve