Rust really sucks

[ZTraz77]

ok so i replaced my rocker panels about 3 1/2 years ago with a set of slip on rocker covers to clean up the look of the truck. After carefully removing every speck of cancer I could find i got everything to fit to perfection. Today i tore into the rockers because im replacing the rear cargo deck and wheel wells with stainless parts and boom, my rockers on both sides are destroyed again. Only thing holding them together was herculiner in most spots. So im wondering if anybody has replaced rocker panels with a solid piece of pipe for strength and some ground clearance?

 

[94Gexplorer]

ive seen it done a few times on here go search for rock sliders youll find it

 

[mr cribb]

The joys you get to experience living in the rust belt. I lived in NY for a while and got to experience the fun destruction of rust.

Good luck fixing it (again)

 

[Roadrunner777]

I have not used pipe to replace rocker panels. My rocker panels are rusted away completely, and I am working up time and experience with other areas before going there. I am doing a few things to abate rust, don't know if they actually are helping or not yet but...

I remove any sign of rust and any metal that is not 75% or better.

I wash down the exposed area with a phosphate treatment that is said to neutralize rust. That is supposed to dry overnight.

I do any bodywork/filling, followed by ample coats of etching primer, then color coat.

If I had good cutting and welding capability, I would definitely consider some kind of slider instead of the rocker panels. Maybe I'll get some pressure treated 4x4's and bolt them on there!

 

[ZTraz77]

well the reason i asked is because i have 2 sections of 3 1/2" stainless pipe that fit into where the rockers used to be AND they just happen to be 74" long which is the same length as the 4 dr Explorer stock rocker panel.. Match made in heaven right?.. maybe ill take some pictures and do a build thread on this since its such an issue among explorer owners.. couldnt hurt to try it right?

 

[Roadrunner777]

Couldn't hurt? It's perfect, go for it!

 

[ZTraz77]

well more bad news on the rockers.. i cut all the bad steel out and found out that the actual body mount under the floor is full of cancer as well so i guess im going to build brand new body mount pads to support the weight of the truck as well.. i guess thats what u should expect on a truck thats 20 years old and has seen almost constant service for that time