Need rock rail installation instructions

[AceGoliath]

Hey everyone.

Today's stupid question of the day - bought a pair of used OEM rails off Marketplace. Unbeknownst to me they didn't have the 4 mounting brackets. After removing my OEM steps, I was able to get the rails on without the brackets. The fronts bolted up (don't call for bracket in the front) and all pinch seams were bolted. The rails feel extremely solid and are not going anywhere. I do not off-road as this is a daily driver. Is there any issue keeping this like this or should I buy the brackets?

Thanks in advance.

I would say if you don’t add steps to the rails it should work for just Daily Driving.

If someone were to knock into them pulling into a parking space next to you; most of the damage would destroy the pinch welds.

Also I’d be worried if in the rust belt the pinch welds and seam sealer could warp/open up due to the extra weight etc. allowing condensation or salt to enter and eat away at the pinch welds. I think with the brackets, the pinch weld bolts are more there just for a guide than for bearing load/weight.

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[Bam073]

Agree, a little worried about the integrity of the surface around the pinch welds. Will look to add brackets at some point. When I bought these there were steps mounted to the rails where all of the bolts/nuts were rusted/seized. After cutting them off and then sanding and painting the rails I couldn't resist putting them on.

Thanks for your response...

 

[Lifeliberty]

Agree, a little worried about the integrity of the surface around the pinch welds. Will look to add brackets at some point. When I bought these there were steps mounted to the rails where all of the bolts/nuts were rusted/seized. After cutting them off and then sanding and painting the rails I couldn't resist putting them on.

Thanks for your response...

If you add a step to the rails, I personally wouldn't run the rails without brackets

I think someone said these will work https://zroadz.com/i-23915806-2021-...door-model-rock-sliders-part-z745401-4bk.html

 

[JT58Bronc]

I added the Rock Rails to my 2 door. I bought 4 door rails off someone real cheap and cut them down (There is good post somewhere that shows how to cut them down). Worked so great and they were so super easy to install. I love them and they offer great protection. I have not had a nick in my door paint since I installed them- although I have not been down any really rocky roads- only pavement driving. But I even got chips before just driving around.

 

[Bam073]

I added the Rock Rails to my 2 door. I bought 4 door rails off someone real cheap and cut them down (There is good post somewhere that shows how to cut them down). Worked so great and they were so super easy to install. I love them and they offer great protection. I have not had a nick in my door paint since I installed them- although I have not been down any really rocky roads- only pavement driving. But I even got chips before just driving around.

I would think with the raw blade very easy to cut. The person I bought mine from had steps mounted on them. In the picture they were laying outside on a tarp and you can see rust around all of the hardware. When I told the seller he can get the steps and when he said all good, too much work to get off, I knew it was going to be a pain. Had to cut off every bolt, real pain. But after sanding down and painting with bedliner they look brand new. For a total of $50 which included the spray paint.

 

[JT58Bronc]

I would think with the raw blade very easy to cut. The person I bought mine from had steps mounted on them. In the picture they were laying outside on a tarp and you can see rust around all of the hardware. When I told the seller he can get the steps and when he said all good, too much work to get off, I knew it was going to be a pain. Had to cut off every bolt, real pain. But after sanding down and painting with bedliner they look brand new. For a total of $50 which included the spray paint.

I used a Sawzall to cut mine down. I measured once, twice and three times the length I needed for the 2 door before I cut. It was a compound angle cut- so a little tricky. Then filed the ends to remove the burrs, painted the ends black to match and remounted the end caps. I had to drill new holes to mount the end caps. It took me some time- 2- 3 hours total but I spent only $100 for the rails. I already had the paint and sawzall blades. The rails were in great shape to start, removed off of a brand new 4 door. The guy I bought them off of needed steps.

 

[Bam073]

I used a Sawzall to cut mine down. I measured once, twice and three times the length I needed for the 2 door before I cut. It was a compound angle cut- so a little tricky. Then filed the ends to remove the burrs, painted the ends black to match and remounted the end caps. I had to drill new holes to mount the end caps. It took me some time- 2- 3 hours total but I spent only $100 for the rails. I already had the paint and sawzall blades. The rails were in great shape to start, removed off of a brand new 4 door. The guy I bought them off of needed steps.

Great feeling when you score like that, right?

 

[JT58Bronc]

Great feeling when you score like that, right?

Ya actually, it sure is. I got my Ford performance rear diff cover free for points, that added to the great feeling too!

 

[Bam073]

Funny when my 13 year old got in this morning and asked, "where did the steps go???" Fortunately she's tall for her age and said she has no issue getting in. Next hurdle, my wife. This one I did not ask permission for. When it comes to the truck, that's a different story!

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