Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
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unrreal
- I get chills without my van.
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
sweet !!!!!!!!! now i know what my next project is going to be 
99 astro awd ls package, 3" bodylift, alarm system w/remote start, tinted windows, tranny cooler, modded air intake, bigger power steering cooler, hood struts, westin pushbar, hypertech tuned running on 91 octane, Hypertech 160* thermostat, 1 ton calipers and pads (not much of a difference as i expected)30" tall tires 245-65-17 on jeep wheels
here is a link to my pics: http://s795.photobucket.com/home/unrreal/allalbums
here is a link to my pics: http://s795.photobucket.com/home/unrreal/allalbums
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photo_van
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
Now how the heck did I miss this when I was doing mine!!!??? ](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Banging my head")
1998 AWD/4WD
4" lift, 31x10.50's, NP 242j/c hybrid, 4.10 gears, S10 front disconnect, rack & pinion steering, trans cooler, rock sliders, ARB fridge, house battery and 100w solar, swing out rear rack with foldout camp table, bed and passenger swivel chair
dirt bag camping rig
1981 Toyota 4x4 pu
1974 John Deere 710
4" lift, 31x10.50's, NP 242j/c hybrid, 4.10 gears, S10 front disconnect, rack & pinion steering, trans cooler, rock sliders, ARB fridge, house battery and 100w solar, swing out rear rack with foldout camp table, bed and passenger swivel chair
dirt bag camping rig
1981 Toyota 4x4 pu
1974 John Deere 710
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Astrophysics
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
Those rock rail support brackets are very nice. I made some brackets to install a Manik nerf bar on my 2003 Astro Awd which has 2 " lift. The key rear middle support was simpson strong tie HL49 angle bracket miunted to muffller hanger bolt. Front attach to heavy aubframe with uni strut plates bolted with 9/16 " grade 8 bolts.
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- Rear bkt to muffler hanger bolt
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Astrophysics
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
Whoops enter same photo again
The manik is 3 inch tubular with welded flanges . It came off Izusu trooper.
Still may add more rear brkt at leaf spring shackle.
AP
The manik is 3 inch tubular with welded flanges . It came off Izusu trooper.
Still may add more rear brkt at leaf spring shackle.
AP
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Astrophysics
- I sleep in my van
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Astrophysics
- I sleep in my van
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- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
Astro nerf bar photos, 2003 AWD with 2 inch lift.
AP
AP
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Astrophysics
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Herbie
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
Hey all, performing a little thread necromancy here.
I realized that I had downloaded Dean's original photos of his rock rails and plans prior to Photobucket pulling their hosting crap. I've got these in an album, in case someone needs to see the photos without the PB logo splashed all over the middle:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qmpcNC6HARjAxa3n6
I hope this helps someone out!
I still think I should make a set of these. And looking at the plans again - I realize I should have the skills to build my own these days! (I've come a long way in 10 years of van ownership.)
I realized that I had downloaded Dean's original photos of his rock rails and plans prior to Photobucket pulling their hosting crap. I've got these in an album, in case someone needs to see the photos without the PB logo splashed all over the middle:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qmpcNC6HARjAxa3n6
I hope this helps someone out!
I still think I should make a set of these. And looking at the plans again - I realize I should have the skills to build my own these days! (I've come a long way in 10 years of van ownership.)
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
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MountainManJoe
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
The photos have also been added to our own gallery (link in the menu bar).
Thanks Herbie!
Thanks Herbie!
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Astrophysics
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
Hi Everyone,
Nerf rock rails and skid plate to protect engine oil pan are key pieces of protection.
Also, search the site for Sub frame extender which used to be an availed kit from Overland vans. The kit specified the need to weld one end. If you make your own, just find the correct Uni strut 7 hole plate that can be bolted to the forward most rear leaf spring hanger.
Since the Astro does not have a full frame, it is not easy to find solid mounting points.
I solved this problem by installing subframe extenders SFE, that connect the front subframe and go back 68.5 " all the way to rear leaf spring hangers. I used 2"x2" steel box tube bolted on with a combination of Uni strut fittings and grade 8 bolts.
With the SFE it is easier to mount rock rail Nerf bars. The SFE bars also let me bolt on additional cross bars to support my aluminum skid plates under T case and 4L60E transmission, and the most important skid plate that protects engine oil pan.
I used 1/4" aluminum for skid plates. Some folks use 1/8" steel.
AP
Nerf rock rails and skid plate to protect engine oil pan are key pieces of protection.
Also, search the site for Sub frame extender which used to be an availed kit from Overland vans. The kit specified the need to weld one end. If you make your own, just find the correct Uni strut 7 hole plate that can be bolted to the forward most rear leaf spring hanger.
Since the Astro does not have a full frame, it is not easy to find solid mounting points.
I solved this problem by installing subframe extenders SFE, that connect the front subframe and go back 68.5 " all the way to rear leaf spring hangers. I used 2"x2" steel box tube bolted on with a combination of Uni strut fittings and grade 8 bolts.
With the SFE it is easier to mount rock rail Nerf bars. The SFE bars also let me bolt on additional cross bars to support my aluminum skid plates under T case and 4L60E transmission, and the most important skid plate that protects engine oil pan.
I used 1/4" aluminum for skid plates. Some folks use 1/8" steel.
AP
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- Sub frame extender and skid plate cross bars
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Astrophysics
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Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.
More photos
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- SFE and skid plate cross bar