Rock Sliders and undercarriage protection

[Andy97XLT]

Does anyone make rock sliders for us? I'm not talking nerf bars or anything cheesy. I'd like to a have a real pair of sliders..something that could bolted on (welded would be good too) to the frame, fit flush below the body and run full length; fender to fender. I want to be able to come down hard on these puppies too.
To see what I mean, check out www.bulletproofmfg.com. Sliders would go nicely with the lift Jarret's designing. Speaking of Jarret, I'm surprised he hasn't mentioned sliders considering the mishaps he's had with his running boards.
Also, what kind of front and rear diff protection is available for the late models? Anyone know how I could get something like what TC has protecting his front diff?


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Happy Wheelin,

Andy Statland
'97 XLT 4.0L OHV 4Dr 4x4
Warrior Twist

 

[CHH777]

Good question. I love these but they WON'T make them for an Explorer:
http://custom4x4.jeepin.com/nerfs.htm

I'm gonna modify these to fit or have some fabbed...

 

[GJarrett]

Actually Andy, I have installed 1/4" x 5" plate steel skiis on the bottom of my running boards. I got one installed before that trip to Clayton but couldn't get the left one finished before the trip. And sure enough I rearranged that left board on the trip.

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Gerald
"Nerves of Steel; Brain of Chipmunk"
'99 Eddie Bauer 4x4 4.0L SOHC aka "The Jeepeater"
Dead Link Removed
"What the heck is he doing out here in that thing???"

[This message has been edited by GJarrett (edited 04-21-2000).]

 

[Rick]

I have bars almost exactly like the ones shown at bulletproofmfg. They were custom built and can be used to jack up the truck from any point along their length. I don't know of anyone who sells them off the shelf, but anything can be built.

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Rick Horwitz
Editor
explorer@4x4central.com
www.4x4central.com
Ricks Explorer

 

[Andy97XLT]

Rick,
Do you have plans for your sliders? I hoped to find someone close to me who could fabricate them instead of having to order them from someone out west and have to pay an outrageous amount of shipping.
How do yours attach? Do they bolt on or are they welded to the frame? Also, how many "arms" support the actual silder? I also concerned with the support arms clearing my e-brake.

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Happy Wheelin,

Andy Statland
'97 XLT 4.0L OHV 4Dr 4x4
Warrior Twist

 

[Rick]

They bolt on. They were made to work with the e-brake cable.

Sorry there aren't any plans.

 

[RangerX]

Andy, look at a current thread called skid plates. There's a photo Rick posted showing a skid plate he made, but you can also get a decent look at his rock sliders.
A friend just welded a set up for me. I was pretty simple, even in my non-mechanical opinion! they're pretty similar to Rick's, although not quite as reinforced. If you email me with your phone number, I'll be glad to explain how we did them. It would be easier talking than typing for me.

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Bill Collins
93 Ranger XLT 4X4
Modified

 

[CAsplorin]

Hey Andy,
I actually contacted Bullet Proof Manufacturing about a month ago and asked them if they thoght about building rock sliders loke the ones for cherokees for Explorers and they said that they are coming out later this year.

T.J. Cotta

 

[Andy97XLT]

That's excellent! Is Bullet Proof making them for the 91-94s AND 95 and up? I couldn't imagine them being much different for the 91-94s than 95 and newer explorers. Did they mention how much they might cost?
Also, how much later?




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Happy Wheelin,

Andy Statland
'97 XLT
4.0L OHV 4x4 4Dr
4 speed Auto Trans w/OD
Warrior Twist
K&N
Bosh +4 Plats

 

[CAsplorin]

I asked for my 94 about rock sliders and bumpers and their reply was "later this year" nothing else. I did not ask price or if they are making it for 95+. I will contact them again but if we work together MAYBE "I know this didn't work for Trailmaster" they will come out faster. Their e-mail is bproof1@aol.com.

T.J. Cotta
94 xlt 5.5in superlift

 

[Ray Lobato]

TJ,
I just fired off an email to them asking if they would make them for the 95+ Explorers. How about some of you other guys and gals do the same thing. there are enough people here that might get them interested in building them for us. I wouldn't think that the frame would be all that different. Comments? Dead Link Removed

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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
Dead Link Removed

 

[Andy97XLT]

I'm glad the ball is starting to roll. I got my e-mail out to Bullet Proof a few days ago and have heard nothing back yet. I mentioned this site and the many many many other Explorer and Navajo owners that would love to get their hands on some rock sliders.
As far as chassis differences between the new and old skool, I can't imagine there beig much difference either. There's no difference in how the e-brake cable is run or the difference in space between the frame and body (vertically and horiztonally)...right? How about the holes in the frame that are already present? I noticed several in mine and hope that they don't take away from the strength of the frame.. I mean, there's going to be a huge moment (torque) applied to the frame when the sliders are loaded with any force from the vehicle's weight coming down on them and the opposite force from a rock.
I hope to hear more responses and good ideas!
Ray, thanks for helping out! Anymore word on the Atlas II t-case for us?

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Happy Wheelin,

Andy Statland
'97 XLT
4.0L OHV 4x4 4Dr
4 speed Auto Trans w/OD
Warrior Twist
K&N Drop-in
Bosch +4 Plats

 

[Ray Lobato]

I got a reply from Bulletproof today about making rock sliders for the Explorers.
"Maybe this year." That was all it said. Doesn't sound like they were too interested. Maybe they need a few more emails? comments?

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Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.
97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC
Dead Link Removed

 

[Andy97XLT]

Originally I basically aksed Bullet Proof if and when rock sliders are going to come out for either generation of Explorer and recieved this today:
"Right now it is just a twinkle in our eye. No time frame, sorry."
I don't really know where to go from here other than hunting around for another company who might make them or custom fabrication.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Ray, send them a picture of surfing for the rocker trim at Hollister. Maybe that will make them move faster.

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93XLT-5.5" Super Runner, Super Runner Steering, 1.5" Body lift,33x12.5,
Borla exhaust,KKM air filter, Warn HS9500i winch, Sony deck & 10 disk CD changer w/ 12" sub.

 

[Rick]

Where've you been Andy? I installed the Atlas II almost 2 months ago. The report is here: http://www.explorer4x4.com/atlas_2.html

It's been working great and I can't wait to try it in Moab.

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Rick Horwitz
Editor
explorer@4x4central.com
www.4x4central.com
Ricks Explorer

 

[Andy97XLT]

Rick, I was asking Ray about the Atlas II because I wasn't sure if it would fit our 97s because of our lack of hubs. I take it the answer is yes? If so, awesome!

 

[Rick]

High Range is the same as its always been with the Atlas II. From what I understand about the hubs on the late model, they are internal locking hubs which still switch in and out, but they just don't bolt on from the outside like the old ones.

 

[CAsplorin]

Does anybody here have a design for some rock sliders have made since I am friends with a guy who owns a steel shop he said "Give me a design and I will make them." FREE SLIDERS, GREAT! I just dont know if I can design them. If anyone can post a design it will be greatly appreciated.

TJ Cotta
94 xlt 5.5in superlift

 

[Andy97XLT]

No hubs on late late models (97 and up). The front wheels are driven right off the transfer case. It's the Control Tran 4WD: 95% of the power to the rear wheels and the remain 5% to the front (all the time). It's only when the t-case is put into 4Hi is the power split more evenly between the rear wheels. 4Low only sticks in it a lower gear. It's got it's pros and cons and is kind of scary at times becaus it can make god-awful rathceting noises (maybe that's just mine).