Rocker Replacement or Modify?

[jayhawkcruiser]

OK.. the rig info for reference..1984 FJ60, H55, 4.11's, Lockers, 33" on 16's, a little fixable body damage and very little rust..the question.. I am slowly getting this thing more and more trail worthy. I think that I have decided to NOT do the body lift and 35" tires, because I don't know if I want to mess with the stock steering and I really don't want to spend the cash on more gear. I think that I have found a good used ARB winch bumper, and my next thing was sliders. The stock rockers were great until my last adventure and I smashed the passenger side rear. Before I start any body work, I want to know what you guys think. Should I fix the rocker? Where is the best place to get them? And the main question... has anyone ever heard of cutting out the rockers and making "tube" rockers that also act as sliders???? They would give more clearance, but I don't even know if it is possible. Eventually I plan on a paint job, but this will never be a show rig. Anyone with ideas would be great!
Thanks
Craig

 

[kling-on]

I cut mine off the crawler and did 2x4 square sliders I didnt (realy) attach them to the body and I LOVE the clearance

 

[Dazza]

I have seen a few trucks on here with similar setups
as his.

It's next on my agenda as well. No need for 4" of rocker to hang down there and get all banged up.

 

[Man Jerk]

 

[Wile E Coyote]

More than a few. This a a very common mod. Search and ye will find, brotha.

 

[mikehj60]

That looks really cool...I have now been inspired to cut my rusted hole riddled rockers off and do that...thanks

 

[jayhawkcruiser]

More pics

Can you send me more pics on how it does or doesn't attach below by the frame and under the door. What do you do with all the "lower" stuff under the truck? Thanks Craig

 

[kling-on]

I just cut off the rocker and welded the slider to the frame

 

[kling-on]

you can see in this one were the rocker chop stops in the door jam I tacked the sheet metal to the slider but it popped off

 

[jayhawkcruiser]

That helps

Those pics help. I guess I will just use a dye grinder to cut off the rockers and get the 2x4 and tubes to attached to the frame. Any reason to make mounting plates and bolt to the frame? Any issues with welding to the frame with all the tubes/lines on the other side? I really want to go with bigger tires some day, but I just don't know if I want to spend all the cash for gears, spring over, steering etc...Maybe I should just buy your rig??? I have said all along that this rig will stay streetable and if I get too crazy, I guess that I will buy something else. Any other people with more ideas and pics would be great!
Thanks Craig

 

[kling-on]

thats why I have 2 goto a weldin store and get cut off wheels for a 4 1/2 in grinder works great the sawsall is hard to cut straight the back side is the hardest parts

 

[DavidAW]

I just cut off the rocker and welded the slider to the frame

Hi,
I'm thinking of doing this as well. Can you tell me what you did where the cross member attaches to the inner rocker?
Do you just chop it out, or try to attach it to the new slider?

Thanks
Dave

 

[kling-on]

I just chopped it off its only there for the rocker so with no rocker its not needed worked great for 2 years of HARD wheelin

 

[DavidAW]

I just chopped it off its only there for the rocker so with no rocker its not needed worked great for 2 years of HARD wheelin

Thanks
I took a look at your pictures on Texas4x4.
Looks like the sliders are mounted straight out from the frame, no angle.

I have not welded since high school so I'll probably have someone do it. Is it just a 2x4 1/4 in with 2x2s for the mount to the frame?

Thanks again for the help.