I recently purchased a 1997 D-90 hardtop for use in Camping, fly fishing, and "moderate" off roading. I already have a Wrangler TJ and 1973 Series 3, both of which are well equiped and which I use for the more abusive off road driving. While I am not going to abuse the D-90, I do plan on using it for what it was designed to do, and it will be off road as often as possible. As a point of reference, I believe the most difficult trail I will be doing in this vehicle is something simliar to the Rubicon--nothing that the vehicle should not be able to handle without some good armor and lockers.
Thus I will be adding air lockers, a winch, and all of the other items necessary for my intended use. My question, for anyone who has an opinion on the matter, is what type/brand of rock sliders do you use and why did you choose that brand or model? So far I have identified models produced by Mantec, Bill Burke, Scorpion Racing, Safari Guard, Rockware, and East Coast Rovers. Unfortunately, I have not been able to actually see any of these in person except the Mantec model so I am making a lot of assumptions based on pictures--something I hate to do. A primary concern in my decision will be chosing a model that does not deflect into the body under the stress of a fairly good hit with a rock. I have the Tomken rock sliders on my TJ and they deflect a good 1/2 to 3/4 inch every time I hit a rock or use the high-lift jack. Not good, but I realize the mounting points on the D-90 are much more solid.
I have been lurking around this site for quite a while now so I know that there is no shortage of opinions on the matter. However, as I have experienced with my other vehicles, sometimes opionions on products change after hard use and time so I thought a new post on the issue might be revealing.
I do have the ability to fabricate and weld up a set if I cannot find exactly what I like. However, I just finished a three year solid project on my S-III and if I spend one more day welding in the garage I may find divorce papers sitting on my chair at the dinner table when I finish...) Thus, for now it is safer to just buy something and get out on the trail.
All suggestions and opionions are welcome. I will try to post a picture of the new rig as time permits.
Michael
Thus I will be adding air lockers, a winch, and all of the other items necessary for my intended use. My question, for anyone who has an opinion on the matter, is what type/brand of rock sliders do you use and why did you choose that brand or model? So far I have identified models produced by Mantec, Bill Burke, Scorpion Racing, Safari Guard, Rockware, and East Coast Rovers. Unfortunately, I have not been able to actually see any of these in person except the Mantec model so I am making a lot of assumptions based on pictures--something I hate to do. A primary concern in my decision will be chosing a model that does not deflect into the body under the stress of a fairly good hit with a rock. I have the Tomken rock sliders on my TJ and they deflect a good 1/2 to 3/4 inch every time I hit a rock or use the high-lift jack. Not good, but I realize the mounting points on the D-90 are much more solid.
I have been lurking around this site for quite a while now so I know that there is no shortage of opinions on the matter. However, as I have experienced with my other vehicles, sometimes opionions on products change after hard use and time so I thought a new post on the issue might be revealing.
I do have the ability to fabricate and weld up a set if I cannot find exactly what I like. However, I just finished a three year solid project on my S-III and if I spend one more day welding in the garage I may find divorce papers sitting on my chair at the dinner table when I finish...) Thus, for now it is safer to just buy something and get out on the trail.
All suggestions and opionions are welcome. I will try to post a picture of the new rig as time permits.
Michael