Ripped inner rocker panels

[Dragula]

Hello, I don’t join many forums but I have an issue I’d like to get some advise on. I bought my first Ram a while back, 2012 1500 SLT 2wd Crew Cab, nothing fancy but love the truck. I’ve had Silverados and F-150’s but so far Rams are my favorite. Anyways, I’m starting to make it my own, making little appearance mods here and there. I wanted to get some nerf bar steps installed and started my research. What I found out was that every running board/nerf bar is mounted to the inner rocker panel. WTH? On the other trucks I’ve owned they mounted directly to the frame. Now to my issue, I roll under my truck to see the mounting holes and I found that the holes are ripped apart. Again, WTH! This is on the drivers side only, passengers are alright. How do I fix this? Cut the bad metal out and weld in a fresh plate of sheet metal? Is there anything out there that mounts to the frame that I haven’t found. This is disappointing ☹ Any advise?

 

[RodeoRam]

https://www.luvernetruck.com/ has some that mount to the frame with the cab body bolts. Made in the US, but pricey.

 

[ram1500rsm]

It seems the previous owner may have been a little offroad happy or the the truck got into an accident.

Save for Rock sliders I don't know what else you can mount in there given the current damage.

 

[Sandevino]

The repair you choose depends on your skill level.

Ive repaired similar damage by creating a template, making a plate and welding over the damaged area. The sheet metal isn’t thin but it’s not quarter inch plate either.

Your other options are to purchase something frame mounted or build your own to your liking.

In any event, keep us posted.

 

[PoMansRam]

This is one of the reasons I don't like running boards or side steps today. Even a relatively minor hit to the side and it tears hell out of the inside of the rocker panels you've got.

Given you don't live in the rust belt, I'd just rattle can any exposed metal, or brush on POR-15, Rust bullet, etc. You could even just treat it periodically with fluid film, etc.

 

[Idledrummer]

Hello, I don’t join many forums but I have an issue I’d like to get some advise on. I bought my first Ram a while back, 2012 1500 SLT 2wd Crew Cab, nothing fancy but love the truck. I’ve had Silverados and F-150’s but so far Rams are my favorite. Anyways, I’m starting to make it my own, making little appearance mods here and there. I wanted to get some nerf bar steps installed and started my research. What I found out was that every running board/nerf bar is mounted to the inner rocker panel. WTH? On the other trucks I’ve owned they mounted directly to the frame. Now to my issue, I roll under my truck to see the mounting holes and I found that the holes are ripped apart. Again, WTH! This is on the drivers side only, passengers are alright. How do I fix this? Cut the bad metal out and weld in a fresh plate of sheet metal? Is there anything out there that mounts to the frame that I haven’t found. This is disappointing ☹ Any advise? View attachment 213235View attachment 213236View attachment 213237

Hello,
I am in the same situation, but much worse condition. I am wondering if you fixed this, and which approach you chose.

Thanks!

 

[Dragula]

Hello,
I am in the same situation, but much worse condition. I am wondering if you fixed this, and which approach you chose.

Thanks!

Hi there, so what I ended up doing is making a new plate (roughly 5”x3”) with similar holes and welded them in place of the torn rocker panel holes. I then had to fabricate several brackets with rivet nuts to bolt on the side steps. It wasn’t a professional job at all, but it worked. I sprayed everything with rust proofing paint and that’s it. I don’t have the truck anymore so I can’t get pictures. Hope that helps. I know this explanation is not fully detailed, but it’s what I remember.

It’s one of those things where you sit in the garage for hours and come up with a plan and get to work.