Making rock rails. DONE new pics 1/20/07

[CSaddict]

Thanks. I just removed my rear bumper to measure for the new one I'm going to build. Looks easier than the rock rails.

[heapxj]

When you make the rear bumper and if you shape it, be sure to notch the inside of it to make the bend. I did this one yesterday when I backed in to a tree. Reinforcement here I come.

[CSaddict]

I plan on just going straight with it. I'm going to use 5x2 or 2.5 3/16 Rectangular tubing if available.It will be strong enough I believe. I was going to use C channel but I decided against it.

[CSaddict]

So did yours break on a welded seam? What technique was used to weld it?

[heapxj]

Yeah the welds broke. I mig welded it. If I had to make it all over again, I would have constructed it alot differently. I'll just patch it up and weld a gusset on the back. How's your sliders going?

[CSaddict]

The main portion is done with what you see. I haven't worked on them since. I have been sick. Maybe I'll get the pinch seams on today and bend up some outer bars tomorrow.

[CSaddict]

Mental note for all building these for yourselves. Build everything except the subframe plates. Bolt them to the Jeep and then weld them. I built mine at a 90 degree. There is more angle in the Unibody rail.....I can make it work but I am disheartened none the less...

[heapxj]

Yeah, the frame rail plates are not perpendicular. Sucks man, you had some nice welds there.

[CSaddict]

Easily fixed but painfully realized.

[CSaddict]

Update:
Put the tubing on the side. All welded up. Here is the result of my new tubing notcher.


Here is the blurry results.


Close up on the stand offs.


Gonna try to drill the pinch seam holes and get them on tomorrow.

[Eskimo]

nice man very classssssy stiiil tig though lol

[YeaItsCold]

looks good dude!

[heapxj]

Minty work! What do you know of welding on cast? the reason I ask is because I want to truss this new Dana 44 front to make upper Y-Link mounts.

[CSaddict]

No experience welding cast except to just blaze it really hot with the mig. We have welded a lot of cast stuff just getting it welded and it all seems to hold. There obviously is the correct way to do it but I am not a welder. I just do it as a hobby. You should ask over at www.weldingweb.com Some good welders reply there.

Eskimo, wouldn't you rather TIG if given the option? I did MIG a portion of my rear bumper brackets because I built those on the Jeep.

[Eskimo]

not really cause to me mig is much faster and i can get it to penetrate so its just as strong as tig. but i dont know i guess if i had a tig i would try shit. u can weld to cast with a stick welder with the right rods u wouldnt have to worry about it ever....