If you’re building a daily-driven Rocklander (trail-capable, road-friendly), rocker protection with a usable step is a smart first mod. In this guide, I’ll show how I installed the Motobilt rocker armor + step on my Jeep Gladiator (JT), including alignment tricks, a cleaner way to drill for nutserts, and how the step tucks under split fenders for a factory-like fit.
Project Overview
Vehicle: Jeep Gladiator JT
Armor: Rocker armor + bolt-on step (Motobilt)
Difficulty: Intermediate (drilling into body, setting nutserts)
Time: 2–4 hours per side (your first side is slower)
Why do this: Protect the body, gain a sturdy step, and prep for big tires and real trail use.
Tools & Supplies
- Masking tape (paint protection + layout)
- Cardboard shims (to fine-tune the gap and support during mock-up)
- floor Jack
- Sharpie / scribe
- Drill + bits:
- 1/4" (self-centering trick)
- 25/64" (typical for these nutserts—verify your kit)
- Countersunk armor as a “guide” (explained below)
- Rivnut/nutsert setting tool
- Ratchets/sockets (body bolts and hardware)
- Anti-seize compound (on stainless hardware—trust me)
- Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, shop rags
Safety First: You are drilling the body. Measure twice, drill once, wear PPE, and follow torque specs from your hardware kit.
Before You Start: Fitment Notes
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Read the body lines by feel. Use tape to protect paint and give yourself a visual edge. I check the door reveal by touch and shim until the gap feels even.
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Split fenders? With the right combo, the step will tuck under the front fender split. On my JT I didn’t need to trim after the split. Your setup may vary.
Step-by-Step Installation
1) Mock-Up & Protect Paint
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Tape along the rocker to protect the body where the armor will sit. Tape doesn’t have to look pretty; it just needs to shield paint while you test-fit.
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Shim the armor in place with small cardboard shims. Align by the door reveal and body line—aim for an even gap end-to-end.
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Once the position feels right, spot-hold the armor with a small strip of tape so it doesn’t wander.
Pro Tip: As an alignment check, gently run your fingers along the reveal. If it feels consistent, it usually is.
2) Mark Hole Centers
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With the armor held in position, mark the first few holes (front and mid) using a Sharpie.
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Double-check alignment—front, center, rear—before any drilling.
3) Drill Clean Pilot Holes (The Self-Centering Hack)
This trick sped my second side way up and produced cleaner holes:
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The armor’s countersinks act like a funnel. Use a 1/4" bit inside the countersink to self-center as you start each hole.
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After starting each hole at 1/4", step up to 25/64" for the nutserts (confirm your kit’s spec).
Why it works: The 1/4" bit nests in the countersink, keeping the hole centered and reducing “chewed” edges.
Avoid “chewed” holes: Keep drill speed controlled and pressure steady. Let the bit cut—don’t force it.
4) Install Nutserts (Rivnuts)
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Deburr each hole lightly.
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Thread a nutsert onto the tool so the top of the tool’s threads are flush with the top of the nutsert—this gives you a full, confident crimp without stripping.
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Seat the nutsert fully into the hole, then squeeze the tool to crimp.
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Verify it’s tight and fully set—no gap at the throat.
Anti-Seize Tip: Save anti-seize for final assembly. Apply a thin film to stainless hardware to prevent galling.
5) Mount the Rocker Armor
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With nutserts set, hold the armor in position and start all hardware by hand (with a touch of anti-seize).
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Snug from the center out to pull the panel flush and keep stress even.
Tiny Alignment Fix: If one hole is just barely off, insert a slim screwdriver behind the panel as a backer and use a slightly larger bit to kiss the taper and open the edge just a hair. Don’t overdo it.
6) Prep & Install the Step
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Remove the body bolts where the step mounts (these can be stubborn—expect some effort).
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Hang the U-nut clips in the step where required.
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Slide the step in from the side—on my split fender setup it tucks under the front fender split perfectly.
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Start two top bolts to hold position, then reinstall body bolts and work from top to bottom, tightening gradually.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Repeat Them)
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Heat makes everything harder. If you can, avoid peak heat—sweat + anti-seize = mess.
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Anti-seize carefully. A little goes a long way. If you drop a bolt in it, that rag you use to wipe it off is now a “trash rag.”
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Start small, then step up. The 1/4" self-centering pass inside the countersink kept holes true and cleanup minimal.
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Center-out tightening helps prevent a mid-panel “sag” and keeps the armor flush.
My Gladiator Setup (Context)
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Rocker armor + step, split fender bracket with LED, front high-clearance inner fenders, rear inner fenders, chase rack, inner door molle, spare tire carrier, bed molle.
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Milestar Patagonia MT02 38s with custom flake + candy Method 323 wheels.
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Goal: Hybrid overland/trail rig that commutes daily and can still run real trails without compromising long road trips.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: My hole is slightly low or high—now what?
A: Don’t wallow the whole thing. Use the taper “kiss” method: controlled touch with a slightly larger bit, backed by a slim screwdriver to protect the body, just to open the edge enough for alignment.
Q: What size bit for the nutserts?
A: Many kits call for 25/64", but always confirm your kit’s spec. Start with 1/4" in the countersink for a self-centered pilot.
Q: Do I need anti-seize?
A: For stainless into nutserts—yes. It prevents galling and makes service easier later.
Q: Do split fenders require trimming for the step?
A: On my setup, the step tucked under the fender split with no trimming. Your combination of fenders/armor may differ—mock it up before drilling.
Wrap-Up
This install adds real protection and everyday usability without sacrificing your rig’s lines. With careful alignment, the self-centering drill trick, and a light touch on anti-seize, your second side will feel like a professional production run.
If you found this helpful, don't forget to. line and subscribe to the youtube channel then share the post it with another JT owner—and tag Langford Industries Equipped on your build updates. Questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll help you sort it.