Rocker panel holes

[abranz]

I've been "winterizing my 06" and noticed the rockers have large holes on the inside/underside. Dodge just put tape over them which has fallen off. The cheep ******** didn't even use rubber plugs to save a few cents. I'm rapidly loosing any feelings for this pickup and vow I'll never buy another new one. Any ideas how to cover these as I'm trying to prevent salt from getting in the rockers. Thanks Tony

 

[RRees]

I noticed that also.



However, the tape is still on mine. I think I will get some high grade silicon and go over the tape, that should help make it last longer.



Bob

 

[Bob4x4]

remember water is always entering the rocker panels,don't seal them up too tight.



Bob

 

[MartyK]

When I ordered my '05 I showed the dealer that some of the older trucks on his lot had the rubber plugs and the newer ones were coming with tape. I told him I wanted the rubber plugs. When my truck came in, the sales guy handed me a bag of plugs. You should be able to get them from the dealer.

 

[rbattelle]

When I ordered my '05 I showed the dealer that some of the older trucks on his lot had the rubber plugs and the newer ones were coming with tape. I told him I wanted the rubber plugs. When my truck came in, the sales guy handed me a bag of plugs. You should be able to get them from the dealer.

I agree, the plugs are readily available. In fact, I had a brand new one sitting around until a couple weeks ago when I found a use for it on another machine.



If you take a photo of the hole and describe it's position I might be able to locate a part number for you.



On edit: is the plug you want in this drawing?



Ryan

 

[abranz]

Thanks for the help. I think the plugs I'm referrring to are #3. If you're on a creeper looking at the under-inside of the rockers the holes are about 1x2 inches and rectangular. i'm not trying to completely seal them, just slow the amount of salt entering them this winter. Come spring I'll remove them, stick a hose in and wash them out. I'm currently replacing the rockers on my sons 72 chevy and really don't wish to do this job on my dodge down the road if possible.

Tony

 

[SierraRam]

Just checked mine and they have the plugs.

 

[rbattelle]

Thanks for the help. I think the plugs I'm referrring to are #3.

Part number is 4860953AA. They should be very inexpensive, so even if you have to order them and they turn out to be the wrong ones you're not out much.



Ryan

 

[JBonpua]

Yep mine has black tape as well and was thinking about spraying with foam insulation to totaly fill the cavity. What you all think?

 

[abranz]

Where you live I would'nt worry about it but for those of us who have to drive on salted roads for 4-5 months crap like this can pose major problems in the form of corrosion.

Tony

 

[MillerR]

Yep mine has black tape as well and was thinking about spraying with foam insulation to totaly fill the cavity. What you all think?

I have also thought about doing this in another vehicle. Does anyone see any obvious (not so obvious to me) issues with this idea. I think the intent would be to eliminate the ability for the water/moisture to get into the cavity in the first place. The expanding foam is an insulator/sealer, so it should keep moisture out. My only concern would be if you didn't get it high enough, which would leave a space for moisture to get in from above, but then be trapped. How 'bout some more comments on this specifically? Thanks, Trey

 

[Bob4x4]

I think stuffing the rocker panels would likely cause more damage than good. There will be water that finds it's way in one way or another,let it escape



Bob

 

[rbattelle]

I agree with Bob. Better to vent the panels.

Ryan

 

[steved]

Mine are open... I took the tape off to spray oil in the rockers (rust prevention)...



I would keep them open or it will most likely cause rust (how would you ensure you got ALL of the space filled?).

 

[MFalkinham]

Ditto what steved said. Every fall I take out all the plugs and spray Fluid Film inside the rockers, as well as the entire underside of the truck. No rust has started despite our annual Wisconsin salt-fest.