Rock slider recommendations?

[walker_creek]

I am thinking about putting some rock sliders on my Bronco. I want to cover up a dent in one (which was almost new when I dented it).
I don't think I need anything super heavy duty....

I kind of like the ones like Wild Horses & Tom's sell with the tube step. It looks to me like those would help keep brush off the paint.
On Wild Horses website it says their rockers are 41 pounds each. I'm a little hesitant to add that much weight to the rig. Are the 1/8" thick ones enough to protect?
Do any of them have a better fit than the other?

Just for reference, I have 3.5" suspension lift, 2" body, lockers front and rear, 35" tires and 4.88 gears.

Any suggestions?

 

[RonJones]

Here’s what I use. Similar material, sleeker mounting than WH. Stout. Wouldn’t recommend lighter materials, I’ve seen some bent ones.

Ford Early Bronco 1966-1977 Rock Sliders - White Knuckle Off Road Products

Includes the following features: Made from tough 1/4" laser cut steel 51" standard length at longest point .120" thick x 1-3/4" DOM outer rub rail Compatible with a factory reserve gas tank Serves as a secure point to lift one side of vehicle using a high-lift jack Bare metal or powder...

white-knuckleoffroad.com

 

[RODRIG3911]

I love mine! Not very many people run these that I've seen, so yours will look unique. They're very very strong and look amazing once you install them. They're from American Bronco Company and only $250. For reference, I'm running 3.5" suspension lift 1" body lift with 35" KM3's, so it'll look similar on yours
http://americanbronco.com/products/rockprotection.html

 

[904Bronco]

I ran the above on my 75 Bronco. They are based on a design by Wayne Hanson. Oldtimers will recognize that name...

I will cast a vote for them as well...

 

[1969]

I ran the above on my 75 Bronco. They are based on a design by Wayne Hanson. Oldtimers will recognize that name...

I will cast a vote for them as well...

Can you post a full side profile shot of the Bronco? Really like these sliders.

 

[RODRIG3911]

Can you post a full side profile shot of the Bronco? Really like these sliders.

Here's a couple full side shots of mine with the American Bronco Rock Skis

 

[1969]

These look great. Think I’m going to have to get a set!

 

[walker_creek]

I will definitely consider those. Surprising that all my web searches never turned those up. Any idea how much they weigh?

 

[SP73]

I don’t remember exactly what mine weighed, but they are heavy. I installed them 5 or 6 years ago, but if memory serves me, I would put them around 50#

 

[BGBronco]

I have the rock sliders from WH. They drop the step up ~3-4" and are very sturdy for my use (getting in/out). Somewhat of a painful installation but happy with them. Weight-wise, not sure but not an issue for me one way or another.

 

[walker_creek]

I really like the look of the WH ones. I know the 100 pounds or so by itself isn't a big deal. It just seems like I just keep adding more and more weight. I just switched wheels and tire size and figure that added about 300 pounds.

 

[rocknhorse76]

What are you looking for as far as protection goes? Crap flung up from normal street/gravel road driving, or hard hits from actual wheeling?

 

[walker_creek]

First, I want to cover a previous dent from wheeling...then keep more from happening.

 

[rocknhorse76]

First, I want to cover a previous dent from wheeling...then keep more from happening.

If you’re doing anything serious, I’d go to a tubular slider that’s attached to the frame. Any of the plate style sliders that attach to the sheet metal will bend and take out the sheet metal with it.

 

[DirtDonk]

Not really true in all cases.
Some might deform, but most of the heavy duty ones like we’re discussing rarely dent and cause subsequent damage to the body.
Many of us have literally anchored and pivoted our Bronco’s rocker panels over rocks, and the only damage was scraped paint on the rocker protector.
The Hanson designed rockers that American Bronco sells (Hopefully they still sell them) are one of those. Seen several Broncos bash over rocks with them and leave with rockers intact.
So far ours have stood up pretty well too, but they haven’t been around as long. Only about six or seven years maybe?
But so far so good!

Naturally, not everyone tests rocker panels like that anymore. In fact I would venture the guess that most will never see a trail again. Much less a good rock pounding.
But the rockers themselves, sheet metal though they be, are pretty sturdy with a big quarter inch plate screwed over them.

 

[bax]

I built mine. 1 1/2'' x 6'' tubing. They have held up very well for over ten years now.

 

[bigmuddy]

My concern in my local is rust forming under the rocker covers/slides..

 

[DirtDonk]

It’s a valid concern just about anywhere.
One of my old practices was to spray undercoating on the rocker, or the backside of the rocker cover, and silicone seal only the top and ends.
Leaving the bottom open to drain and encourage drying out.