Installed on NaNa's Jeep

It was time for the third Jeep (Dana's new TJ) to get the Rocker Panel treatment.  Chris had gone with the Poison Spyders, and Jared with the Blue Torches.  We usually try to go with something different than one of our other Jeepers has.  Guess we'd rather spread the money and the brand names around.  Plus it's fun to customize to ones own likings and then to compare them all in the end.  We liked the slider/step bar that came on the PS guards, but then BTF included support brackets where their guards mounted to the body.  Also, the more coverage the better, so the more metal included to protect our Jeeps and wallets is an obvious plus.  Both the PS and the BTF guards had plenty of bottom coverage as well as side protection (with the BTF offering a little more underneath).  Based on the performance of these guards we wanted something similar in design and that turned out to be Shrockworks' Sliders.  Their guards not only offered the side bars and complete protection underneath , but utilized 3 backing plates to reinforce the mounting through the floor.  So seeing the best of both worlds in their design we jumped at them and had them sent out immediately.  Also in keeping with the other Jeeps' guards, we requested the Shrockworks logo be laser cut into the side as well.

We went ahead and installed them while we were waiting for the Full-Traction lift to come in.  We ordered them pre-powdercoated and with the countersunk bolts.  The package was extremely heavy, which is no more than we expected.

We made quick work of removing the stock extension flares and then went about marking the holes for drilling.  We lifted the guards with our friend Jack, made sure it was where we wanted it and level, and then banged out the pilot points.  (The good thing about working on other people's things is just that- It's not yours, so that fear of slipping up is not there (as much).  That's probably why when I offered to let Dana to drill some of her own holes, but she politely declined.)

Before we mounted the rockers on the body, we took the time to put a strip of weather-strip tape near the top of the guard.  This helps prevent elements from getting between the guard and body of your Jeep so they don't sandpaper your paint off and then rust it.  We used a 5/16 x 3/4 strip but next time I would use a strip that wasn't as thick.  You can also use silicone caulk for the job.  We ran a bead of black on the top of Jared's and it turned out good as well. After we had secured the rockers on the body side, all we had to do was drill the holes for the bottom mounting points.  This is the fun part.  If you enjoy hot shards of metal raining down on you, that is.

Like stated before, the Shrockbars came with three mounting plates to secure the guards through the floor.  The guards themselves even came with a plate welded on the underneath so it would mount up flush to the Jeep's bottom.  One good thing about the mounting plates has to do with how the floor of the Jeep is actually a double layer of metal.  Crank the mounting bolts too far down and you sandwich the two too far together.  The plates relieve some of that pressure by spreading it out more evenly.  Also, with the countersunk bolt package, every bolt including the bottom ones were tucked out of harms way and still could be adjusted later even if a rock grabbed at them.

 So now Dana's investment is well protected from side damage and looks even better with all that extra metal clinging to her yellow beast's sides.  Now it's time to take them out and try to scuff them up so she doesn't look as much like that kid at school with the shiny new backpack that always got picked on.  -Guy I know.  -Swear.