2x6 Rockers

[rockclimber]

Concentrate the heat on the 3/16" then work your pool into the thinner sheet metal.

this.

and remember, when working with the real thin stuff, use thin wire .023 is what I used.

and when the metal is that thin its not going to provide any structural support, so the best method is stack-a-tack.

 

[XJRN]

Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up welding 1/8" flat stock to the 3/16 then plug welding through the sheet metal. I was using .035 flux wire, so I am sure that was the problem.

 

[ibjeepin95]

How many legs you think? I was planning on 2 per side...think thats enough?

2 might be fine as long as they are strong. I ran 3 and they have held up great. My XJ is low, so it stays on the rockers.

 

[rockclimber]

Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up welding 1/8" flat stock to the 3/16 then plug welding through the sheet metal. I was using .035 flux wire, so I am sure that was the problem.

yea, flux core sucks for thin stuff.

 

[XJRN]

2 might be fine as long as they are strong. I ran 3 and they have held up great. My XJ is low, so it stays on the rockers.

I did 3. One side is finished minus paint, then onto the other side.

 

[zachandandy]

I run 1 leg, 12" wide by 1/4" plate the full length. Kind of a mini boat side. It's welded to the bottom edge of my frame stiffeners and bottom of the 2x6 about 2" in from the outer edge. It is butted tight to the edge of the floor after removing the old rocker. It's taken some hard hits and hasn't bent yet.

 

[Kingkong0192]

I have a question.

If you're welding these to thin sheet metal where are they getting the support from? When you drop down on a rock what's stopping it from just transferring the load through the 2x6 and into the thin sheet metal and crushing it?

 

[BADaXJ]

I have a question.

If you're welding these to thin sheet metal where are they getting the support from? When you drop down on a rock what's stopping it from just transferring the load through the 2x6 and into the thin sheet metal and crushing it?

The thicker steel helps spread the load to the sheetmetal and prevent crunching. When I built my sliders, I used some 2x2x1/8 welded to the top of the 2x6 top fit into the door sill area, plug welded from the top and up into the a and b pillars. This gives the rail something solid to push on. But as I mentioned, the biggest thing is spreading the load. I would do at least 3 legs, one tied into the leaf spring hanger at the rear and one tied into the LCA mounts. You can also weld on some small brackets to the legs and bolt them through the floor.

 

[Bryan C.]

I have a question.

If you're welding these to thin sheet metal where are they getting the support from? When you drop down on a rock what's stopping it from just transferring the load through the 2x6 and into the thin sheet metal and crushing it?

there are many ways to go about supporting the 2x6 box. It is all about multiple support systems that will make it strong. I got this idea from EricsXJ build thread. Plate the lower a-pillar/bulkhead area to help support the front.

I also used multiple supports, completely cut out the floor from the frame rail to the rocker, and added steel plate to form a full boatside set-up.

All finished:

 

[blondejoncherokee]

I would do no less than 3 legs per side and more like 4+ legs. I run 4 per side. the .035 flux core blows through the thin sheet metal, everyone is right, start on the 3/16ths and move it over to the thin stuff.

 

[sandsgg]

brian c that is sexy

 

[Vanimal]

i did 3, and i would do 4 if i were to do it again. nothing has broken, but i believe the added stress is responsible for my winshield blowing when i landed on them hard.