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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: bandit86 on November 18, 2008, 08:30:19 PM

Title: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: bandit86 on November 18, 2008, 08:30:19 PM

good enough or should I go thicker on this

I figure the thin meatal gives me that much more ground clearance, it is a 4 door

Title: Re: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: BRD HNTR on November 18, 2008, 10:29:21 PM

They won't be as strong as the 2X4, but as it is welded to the body (using it for rigidity) I doubt if you will notice the difference.  Bending the rockers to meet the 1X4 will be more work.  My 2X4"s are still higher then my frame bottom.

Title: Re: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: bandit86 on November 19, 2008, 02:07:52 PM

I'm sure the sawzall can fix that.  good point though  should I drill drain holes on on the bottom of the body to let out water trapped in the body?

Title: Re: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: rascott on November 19, 2008, 08:37:09 PM

i'm planning this same project.
i can still open my doors, but i've beat those rocker panels up pretty badly.
i was thinking 2x3 in. and am considering thickness(gage?) of the tubing.
thought i'd open up the panel to weld the tube right up to the sill, cut off the excess.
i think it will work- and look ok also.

Title: Re: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: bandit86 on November 20, 2008, 04:39:47 PM

becaiuse it's not a heavy truck and I dont offroad like a maniac, I'll go with something fairly thin, 1/8th thickness I'm thinking.  maybe a bit thicker, but no way I'll go 1/4 inch. 

Title: Re: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: olija on November 20, 2008, 05:25:36 PM

1/8th is fine. I run that on my 4 door, I DO off road like a maniac and I have used a high lift jack on my rocker panels several times with no damage to the rock rails. Can't say the same for the rusted out body mounts though! I put a new meaning to the term "body lift"!

Title: Re: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: BRD HNTR on November 20, 2008, 11:06:26 PM

I found Jimiweld's writeup and used it when i replaced my rock panel's.  I have added my thoughts to his very helpful instructions http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=22395.0 (http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=22395.0). 
2X4X1/8" is solid enough.  I have dropped my Tracker on quite a few rocks without any damage.

Sand your beat up rock panel's, especially on the bottom before cutting, you will appreciate it when you start welding the tubing back in.  I didn't sand/grind before I cut the panels, and the bottoms were a pain to clean up afterwords.  It will be easier to put pressure on when it is attached on both sides.

Title: Re: 1x4 for rock rails
Post by: rascott on November 26, 2008, 04:59:26 PM

i found some 2x2 tube. mabe 3/16".
i'm thinking of  cutting out what's left of my rockers to fit this tube, and reinforce it to the floor pan.
let's see if i can attatch a before photo...
(http://)
ok- that didn't work.
i'll try to figure the photo posting thing out.
i expect to start this soon.(http://)[img][/img]
ok- i don't get the photo thing.... any hints?