I pretty much figured that I could just make my own with the material & tools i have readily available, just thought id ask some other fellow jeepers their opinion as well. What else could I possibly self-fabricate? Anything else to gusset? Wish I had measurements for some skids...

Should I make the ones that go on the outside, more of the solid type or the kind that wraps around the C?

 

I know a guy who just made his own front & rear bumpers, his own drag link out of DOM, and now he's working on his tie-rod, and next is the sliders. So, if you have the tools and know how - almost anything can be fabbed for your Jeep.

As for the gussets, I'd just basically follow the design of the Evo's. They have a solid design figured out. Why reinvent the wheel?

 

Well, I don't know if I'd feel comfortable enough fabricating any suspension or driveline components, but as far as the sliders go - I might work on them. It's more-so of the mounting location thats the tricky part when making the rock sliders I think - like where to tack weld the mount on the slider to line up with the pre-exisiting holes underneath.

Bumpers - I have a stubby already by Bestop. I think I am going to keep my rear bumper, but I am moving up to 37's soon so I am going to need a tire carrier. If not, It'll have to sit in the back for the time being. Maybe an easier fab would just be the rocker guards instead of the sliders? The ones that are flush against the body and not the tube-style? Who knows....

 

And as far as the design for the gussets, I think I am going to base it off the Evo's... I mean, its not going to be to their exact cut-out, but all I really need is for them to sit flush against most of the C and weld away... Just curious what thickness I should use? Not like its going to add that much weight if I go thicker ya know?

 

I'd stick to 3/16" or maybe 1/4". It gets pretty tight in there at the bottom. (Don't judge me based on my welds here. )





You might also consider doing some lower control arm skids too, while you're at it.

 

What about some structural aluminum for the gussets? Not sure how well you could weld them together but stranger things have happened. Plus the weight would be less.

 

I dont know much about "structural aluminum" and its strength compared to standard aluminum and steel but that is SOOO little metal your adding that it wont and any weight to the axle (2-3 lbs max) I would say stick with the steel!

 

You cant weld AL to steel...

 

Here is some pics of mine. I would say they are 3/4 of an inch thick