The Rokmen Mercenary sliders...
The Rokmen Mercenary sliders and Stryker full corner armor offer the ultimate in body protection for '97-'06 Jeep Wrangler TJs.
As you continue to explore trails in your Wrangler TJ, you'll soon find that the stock body panels are hardly invincible to rock damage. Although there are many options available to help protect these vulnerable areas, some are better than others in regard to design and material. One of the latest sets of body armor to hit the market is the Rokmen Mercenary rock sliders and Stryker full corner armor. A number of details set the Rokmen components apart from similar products. Quality materials, construction, and welding, as well as secure and unique mounting, all come together to create the finest overall products.
The Rokmen Mercenary rock sliders are constructed from 3/16-inch steel plate that is laser-cut and CNC-formed. DOM tubing is used for the side steps, which are fully TIG-welded to the sliders in four locations. Complete underbody coverage is also afforded, with the sliders extending all the way to the framerail. The sliders secure to the body in multiple locations and use steel backing plates for inside the cab. Mercenary sliders extend from wheelwell to wheelwell and permit use of stock fender flares.
Rokmen Stryker full corner armor provides complete corner coverage from tailgate to doorjamb. Rokmen Stryker corners are CNC-formed from laser-cut 3/16-inch steel plate and mount under the tailgate hinge (many simply provide a cutout) to create increased support for the tailgate and stock spare-tire carrier. The corners match cleanly with the Rokmen sliders to create total side body coverage. Both of the Rokmen components attach using provided stainless steel and Grade 8 hardware and are available for '97-'06 TJ Wranglers. In addition to the sliders and corners, Rokmen also manufactures Jeep TJ bumpers and steering-box skidplates.
With parts in hand, we looked to the crew at Off Road Evolution to help us out with the installation. (However, many will find that the Rokmen parts offer an easy enough installation that they can tackle it on their own. The job is completed most easily with an extra set of hands though, so recruit a buddy to help out for best results.) We were able to complete the initial installation (before removal for powdercoating) in less than a day's time. Check out the photos and captions for additional information.
Rokmen's sliders and corners...
Rokmen's sliders and corners are manufactured from 3/16-inch laser-cut steel plate and feature DOM tube guards across the top of the corner armor and DOM tube steps/guards across the length of the sliders.
Note how far the sliders extend...
Note how far the sliders extend under the vehicle to offer increased underbody protection. The cutouts fit around the body mounts.
The corner guards feature...
The corner guards feature round cutouts to accommodate the stock taillights or aftermarket LED taillights. A cutout for the fuel filler is also in place.
Backing plates are used inside...
Backing plates are used inside the cab of the vehicle to provide secure mounting. Tailgate hinge spacers and taillight spacers are also included, as is a full supply of stainless steel and Grade 8 hardware.
To begin the installation,...
To begin the installation, the crew at Off Road Evolution removed the factory Rubicon rocker guards, gas cap and filler, and taillights.
The driver-side Rokmen corner...
The driver-side Rokmen corner was positioned over the body panel and held in place with C-clamps. They used the gas cap and filler bolts to locate the corner armor on the body.
With the Mercenary corner...
With the Mercenary corner held in place, they test-fitted the Mercenary slider to ensure proper fitment.
Once proper location was determined,...
Once proper location was determined, the Off-Road Evolution crew marked and drilled holes for mounting. A floor jack and a piece of wood were used to hold the sliders in place as the holes were drilled.
After the side holes were...
After the side holes were drilled and the Mercenary slider was secured, the underbody mounting holes were marked and drilled.
They also drilled the holes...
They also drilled the holes for the Mercenary corners. Here, the bolt closest to the tailgate is used to hold the corner in place as the next few holes are drilled.
The sliders were secured using...
The sliders were secured using the provided stainless steel and Grade 8 hardware.
Rokmen supplies a taillight...
Rokmen supplies a taillight spacer plate that fits in the round cutout of the corners. The plate is used when the stock taillights are retained.
Once all of the appropriate...
Once all of the appropriate holes were drilled in the body of our '03 Wrangler Rubicon, the ORE crew removed the Rokmen Mercenary sliders and corners and sent them to a local powdercoater. Scientific Spray Finshes in Fullerton, California, did an awesome job of applying a flat black powdercoat finish and got the parts back to us in record time.
Before installing the freshly...
Before installing the freshly coated parts, they applied black silicone to the backsides around the bolt holes and across the upper edges. This was done to lessen the chance of rust or corrosion by keeping moisture from seeping in.
The crew at Off Road Evolution...
The crew at Off Road Evolution then secured the Rokmen sliders and corners using the provided stainless steel hardware. The Allen bolts were tightened from the inside of the body so as not to damage the fresh powdercoat.
The remaining corner bolts...
The remaining corner bolts were installed until all were secured.
The Mercenary sliders were...
The Mercenary sliders were also secured using the provided hardware.
Rokmen supplies backing plates...
Rokmen supplies backing plates to provide extra strength to the mounting of the sliders.
The rear corners feature bolt...
The rear corners feature bolt holes for mounting the factory fender flares.
As a final step of the installation,...
As a final step of the installation, the tailgate and stock taillights were installed. Metal plates are provided to space out the tailgate hinge the same degree as the corners.
The stock front flares were...
The stock front flares were installed over the Rokmen sliders. No trimming was necessary for fitment.
With the Rokmen sliders and...
With the Rokmen sliders and corners in place, this Wrangler Rubicon is much more prepared for the trail. The sliders and corners will resist body damage from trail obstacles.
The DOM tube guards on the...
The DOM tube guards on the corners create a great handhold for squeezing between the Jeep and the edge of the trail and will also aid in resisting body damage in many off-road situations.