Pinch Weld / Rocker Protection?

[Lion77]

The factory side steps seem to provide quite a bit of protection for the rocker panels, but I'm concerned about the pinch weld of the body under neath, especially since I live in a state with winter / salt. Rock chips on the pinch weld damage the paint, then exposure to salt will accelerate corrosion as the moisture gets under the paint at the site of damage. Since the truck is new (only 6k on clock), I want to look into something soon to keep that from happening.

Anyone know of a polymer strip or guard for the pinch weld or some sort of rocker panel / pinch weld guard that would work with the factory side steps (or that I can modify by cutting)? For now, I'm leaving the factory side steps on as 1. they serve as excellent rock guards (after I plug that front hole) and 2. the wife really wants them on as she also drives the truck, being 5' 1" and petite, it's hard for her to get in the truck without them as it's really a family vehicle we share.

That being said, I do drive this in the winter periodically (especially on bad days with ice / snow) since my daily driver is a FWD Mazda 3, the truck is a way better option for severe weather. My primary concern is rock chips from off-roading / highway / gravel roads in that area. I don't care about the side steps as I consider them sacrificial since I could always replace them if needed and the bed liner on them is quite durable.

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[bulldog36526]

The obvious mud flaps and spray underneath with oil

 

[Lion77]

Mud flaps I got (Ford Performance OEM's). The only issue I have with oil is that it won't stop rock chips, but i guess if you keep it coated that will prevent any exposed steel from corroding.

 

[HighDesertRanger]

Ford offers these for the standard Ranger from Bushwacker:

https://www.ford.com/product/exteri...otection-black-textured-supercrew-p2931698612

They may fit the Raptor as well, but I don't know if they'll fit with the running boards still installed. What would worry me about something like this, is road salt getting up under the covers and sitting there, rusting the steel. Open to the air can rust, enclosed definitely will eventually.

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