gen 3 rocker panel rust

[BonJovi]

Would it be safe to install a rock sliders to add some structural protection?

The rocker panels on my gen 3 are badly rusted. Like, flaking badly. I've started rust treatment with phosphoric acid and I'm considering spraying them inside and out with bar and chain oil then filling them with foam. I think this area is responsible for a lot of road noise and hoping the foam will cut back on that.

I understand that for the gen 3 the rocker panels are an important structural component. Is this a lost cause?

 

[Michael Brown]

Pictures may help, but I can't say if the rockers are structural besides the door frame and body. The vehicle has a ladder frame embedded in the monocoque design. You can see the frame if you look further inboard.

I do believe the rockers hold the side step mounting. These are usually the mounting locations for sliders like Rocky-Road.