Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

batmo · Post by **batmo** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 7:20 pm

nice work!

unrreal · Post by **unrreal** » Thu Jun 10, 2010 1:11 pm

sweet !!!!!!!!! now i know what my next project is going to be

photo_van · Post by **photo_van** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 1:24 pm

Now how the heck did I miss this when I was doing mine!!!??? ](*,)

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:46 pm

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.

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:53 pm

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

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 10:00 pm

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Sat Feb 09, 2013 8:59 pm

Astro nerf bar photos, 2003 AWD with 2 inch lift.

AP

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Sat Feb 09, 2013 9:00 pm

Leaf spring shackle bolts.

Herbie · Post by **Herbie** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:07 am

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.)

Post by **MountainManJoe** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 8:30 pm

The photos have also been added to our own gallery (link in the menu bar).
Thanks Herbie!

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:48 pm

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

Astrophysics · Post by **Astrophysics** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:51 pm

More photos

Chevy & GMC Vans

Chevy & GMC Vans

Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.

Re: Rock rails, nerf bars or side steps. Build your own.