rock rail questions

welderman

welderman

Active Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Location
locust
I have a question for all yall. What are you building your rock rails with. I have some 2"x3"x1/4" angle and was going to use that for the slider and ,have it come to the bottom of the door. Basically cover the rocker with the angle. Would this work and what would be best to tie into the frame with? I thought about using 2" square tubing with a 1/4" wall, but is this too much? I tend to over-build things, but need them to hold up with out warping. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks, Aaron
 
What vehicle?
4Runner - Mine are 1.5" sq tube, 1/8" wall I believe - double ladder style, one ladder leg galls right below the pinch seam, so when/if the weight is on them and it flxes, it snugs against the seem and will stop there. Otehr ladder is out about 3"from that so it's just enough to be a step if needed by short people (e.g. wife) or push out/protect rocker panel.
IMO 3/16th is plenty strong, I feel ok w/ 1/8 even, I wanted to keep the total weight down.
 
the vehicle is my chevy 2door tahoe. I figured that 1/4" wall tubing was a little much. I just want them to work. I have seen several that have bent and pinched the rocker, thats what I dont want to happen.
 
1/4" is not too much, especially for something like a tahoe.

Square tube will be much better for your application than angle. Just make sure it is mounted solidly enough, or it doesnt matter if you make them of tin foil or 1/4" tube.
 
I built my rails out of 2" square tube 1/4" thick walls with three legs running to the frame. I have lifted the truck with floor jacks and overhead lifts using the rails. It runs just under the pinch seam from the front wheel opening to 6" behind the cab where it ties into my homemade bed frame (which is 8" C channel). I just welded the legs to the frame but some people weld on plates that can be bolted on. I then stuck out 3" from that with some 1.5" pipe for the stickout protection/pivot point.

I didnt tie the bars into the body since it is on rubber mounts independent from the frame and its so rusty I worry the flex would rip it apart. The rails did stiffen the frame significantly however, but sometimes the rails tap the pinchweld when I bump over large objects.
 
Back
Top