YJ Tomken Rock Sliders - Do not buy!

[White 92 YJ]

When I bought my YJ last year someone recommended Tomken Rocker Skids. I bought the 2x4 size and installed them. At the time I did not realize the problem, but the mounting system is very weak. They mount onto two of the three side body mounts using only one bolt on one mount and two on the other. Most other rocker guards actually mount to the frame itself. These do not.

In September 2004 I "used" them for the first time when I landed on a rock on the drivers side fairly hard. The mounting system was so weak that the support bar actually bent and allowed the rocker guard to go all the way up and hit the tub, which is on a two inch body lift! I could not believe it.

Tomken Rocker Guards for the TJ apparently mount onto the frame itself, which is much better.

But you if have a YJ, I would strongly recommend that you not get this product. It will fail when you really need it.

In September I contacted Tomken and emailed them pictures of what happened and asked them to provide me with a new set that mounted more securely. I complained that the weak mounting system they use is prone to failure. Naturally, they have not responded.

I had the bent Skid straightened and then had two additional supports fabricated and welded to the frame. That has fixed the problem, but what a disappointment.

[YJbogey]

You mean these?
http://www.tomken.com/partpics/large/tmr-1334-s.jpg

No offense.. but that is clearly not made to hold up to rocks. They are step bars at best. I suggest you invest in some Warn Rocker Guards if you are looking for rock protection, not to mention they are cheaper too. :agree:
http://www.warn.com/truck/mounting-systems/rock_sliders.shtml

[Wrangled]

-=- originally posted by YJbogey -=-
You mean these?
http://www.tomken.com/partpics/large/tmr-1334-s.jpg

No offense.. but that is clearly not made to hold up to rocks. They are step bars at best. I suggest you invest in some Warn Rocker Guards if you are looking for rock protection, not to mention they are cheaper too. :agree:
http://www.warn.com/truck/mounting-systems/rock_sliders.shtml

I agree but, Tomken does call them Rocker Skids.:naw:

[White 92 YJ]

That's them! And by the way here is how Tomken describes these on their website:

"These can save you a lot of body work! With the Tomken 2"x4" Rocker Skids made of 1/8" wall tubing with closed ends. Will support Hi-Lift jack. Stronger than nerf bars and don't take up all the ground clearance like round tubes do. Powder coated black."


It sounded to me like they were holding them out as body protection. Well, the are not for that.

When I bought these I had just gotten into the Jeep thing so I didn't really have any other advice except to get these. Obviously I can now recognize the weekness of this product by looking at it. Live and learn I guess. Just don't make the same mistake I made.

[YJbogey]

Well.. they are comparing them to nerf bars..
"Stronger than nerf bars and don't take up all the ground clearance"

But I agree with your post.. don't buy them. :brows:

[chef]

I built some pretty much just like these....2x4 .120 wall box tube, with 1.5" .120 wall round tube runners to the frame, and 1/4" thick 4x5'ish mounting pads with 4 bolts in each of the two pads that mounted to the frame. I hit pretty hard a couple times, and no issues.

took 'em off and i'm trying out some 6x6x.180 angle.

[Janster]

I would highly recommend these:

http://www.lieblweb.com/Izzy/4XDrocker1.jpg

http://www.lieblweb.com/Events/RC11.06.04/images/IMG_5327.jpg
These are 4xDoctor rocker guards. They are AWESOME!! They don't even mount to the frame. They've taken tons of abuse, gouges, scratches....and they even survived an auto accident where the tub wrinkled underneath them.

[93WHITEYJ]

I agree with Janster.
I have the same ones from 4xdoctor, and they are strong.
I never forget last year where one tire slipped of an edge and a whole left side landed on the rocker, about 2 ft drop, I thought my kidneys where about to fall out, but just a scratch on the powdercoat.
They are heavy and very strong.:beerchug:

[87JeepWrangler]

if you want, i will sell you some lightweight aluminum foil rock sliders. for just $50, you dont even need to drill holes in your body or frame, just wrap it around the corner and it will stay on great. holds up awesome against rocks.

im not saying tomken is right, but after looking at those, i dont see how you thought they would hold up. i dont care what the manufacturers say, you need to also use some common sense.

[chef]

-=- originally posted by Janster -=-

These are 4xDoctor rocker guards. They are AWESOME!! They don't even mount to the frame. They've taken tons of abuse, gouges, scratches....and they even survived an auto accident where the tub wrinkled underneath them. \

that's the problem with this style...the force has to go somewhere, and it wrinkled the tub, which is supposed to be protected by these items. i like the ones mounted to the frame because they can flex a little if needed. i went ahead and did the ones that wrapped around the tub like yours because i wanted extra clearance for running the hammers, and since it's not a street jeep anymore i don't need the step, and i won't be butthurt if i wrinkle the body.