VAN COMPASS 4022-2015-Present Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Rocker Guards Instruction Manual
- June 3, 2024
- VAN COMPASS
Table of Contents
VAN COMPASS 4022-2015-Present Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 Rocker Guards
General Notes
- For the most up-to-date and current instructions, please visit our website at www.vancompass.com
- Please read all instructions thoroughly before starting to install Van Compass products.
- These are bolt-on rocker guards which can be installed with basic hand tools
- Drilling into the pinch seam of the van is required for installation.
- These rockers can be fitted on both 2007-2018 NCV3 model vans as well as 2019+ VS30 models. Take careful note to step 3 during installation to ensure proper installation on each model.
Parts List
4022 – 2015-PRESENT, MERCEDES SPRINTER 4X4, ROCKER GUARDS
- 402201-01 MERCEDES SPRINTER ROCKER GUARD, TOP PLATE
- 402201-02 MERCEDES SPRINTER ROCKER GUARD, BOTTOM PLATE
- 4022-03 MERCEDES SPRINTER 4X4, FRONT CHASSIS TIE-IN, NON-LIFTED
- 4022-09 MERCEDES SPRINTER 4X4, FRONT CHASSIS TIE-IN, 2.0” LIFTED VAN
- 4022-08 MERCEDES SPRINTER, MID CHASSIS TIE IN
- 4022-05 MERCEDES SPRINTER, REAR CHASSIS TIE IN
- 402205-04 MERCEDES SPRINTER, REAR CHASSIS TIE-IN, NUT TAB
- 402206-01 MERCEDES SPRINTER, ROCKER GUARD INSTALL TOOL
- BHCS02-10-20-SS BUTTON HEAD CAP SCREW, 1/4-20 X 1.0″ LONG, STAINLESS STEEL
- FNS-02-20 FLANGE NUT, SERRATED, 1/4-20, CLEAR ZINC
- WFS-02 FLAT WASHER, 1/4″ STAINLESS
- HC5-03-10 HEAD HEAD BOLT, 3/8-16 X 1.0″ LONG, GRADE 5, CLEAR ZINC
- NNC-03 NYLOCK NUT, 3/8-16, CLEAR ZINC PLATE
- WF8-03 FLAT WASHER, SAE, THRU-HARDENED, YELLOW ZINC, 3/8″
- HC5-08-10 HEX HEAD BOLT, ½-13 X 1.0” LONG, GRADE 5, CLEAR ZINC
- WF8-08 FLAT WASHER, SAE, THRU HARDENED, YELLOW ZINC, 1/2″
- HT5-5-10 HEX HEAD THREAD CUTTING BOLT, 5/16-18 X 1.0” LONG, CLEAR ZINC
Tools Needed
- Quality Jack and 2 jack stands.
- Simple hand tools:
- Basic wrench and socket set:
- Metric sizes: 16mm
- SAE sizes: 7/16”, ½”, 9/16”, ¾”
- 5/32” Allen wrench/socket bit
- One pair of “Quick clamps” or C-clamps or vise grips
- Drill with quality metal cutting drill bits. Sizes needed:
- ¼” (7mm)
- 7/16” (11mm)
- ½” (13mm)
- Recommended: Step Drill bit (Uni-bit) with 1/4“ – ½” size range.
Approximate Installation Time
- 6-8 hours
Installation
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Installation of the rocker guards is the same for both the left and right sides of the vehicle. We recommend fully installing one side before moving onto the opposing side of the vehicle.
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If possible, park the van on a level surface for the duration of the installation.
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Begin on the driver’s side (left hand) of the vehicle first. Begin by fitting the 402201-01 Top Plate onto the vehicle as shown below.
a. For 2007-2018 NCV3 models; Center the rocker guard between the front mud flap and rear fender opening. There should be about 1/16” – 1/8” (1.5-3mm) of spacing between each of these respective trim pieces.
b. For 2019+ VS30 models; position the top plate 2” forward from the front of the rear inner fender opening as shown in the images below. Measure at the pinch seam, and mark a line if needed.
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Use a floor jack and some jack stands to support the top plate up against the bottom of the body.
a. A pair of clamps as shown in the images below is helpful in locating the top plate against the pinch seam.
b. Make sure the rocker is pushed against the bottom of the van and flush with the bottom edge of the pinch seam. The rocker top plate should be level with the van.
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Once satisfied with the position of the top plate, mark all the slotted mounting holes. Mark holes in the center of the slot.
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Remove the top plate from the van, center punch, and drill all the mounting holes.
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We recommend touching up any exposed areas of metal with quality paint to prevent corrosion.
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Assemble the top and bottom plates of the vehicle by installing all of the outer bolts only. Just install the outer bolts and start the nuts. Do not tighten them at this time. Use a washer under the bolt head. Use a 5/32” Allen tool and the included 402206-01 install tool/wrench to aid in nut installation.
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Note; the rocker guard bottom plates are left and right-specific. Reference the photo below for clarification. The large inner cutout in the bottom rocker plate should be orientated towards the rear of the vehicle in relation to the mid-mount when installed.
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At this time an extra set of hands is very helpful in installing the rocker guards to the vehicle. Fit the bolted-together rocker guard to the van in the same manner as before. Use some floor jacks and jack stands to fit them in place on the vehicle.
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The bolted-together rocker plates are designed to sandwich the pinch seam and bolt through it.
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Support the rocker so it is close to level and install all the bolts. Use a washer under the bolt head. Install all inner mounting bolts and nuts. Do not tighten until all hardware has been installed.
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Once all inner and outer bolts have been installed with their respective flange nuts on the inside. Tighten the hardware. Torque all bolts to 80 in-lbs (9 N.m).
a. Go through and tighten all inner and outer bolts at least two full times as the rocker plates will pull together as they are tightened, loosening the opposing bolts.
4022-03 / 4022-09 Front Chassis Tie-in -
Determine which front chassis tie-ins will be used on the van. See the image below for reference.
a. If the van is stock height and does not have a Van Compass 2” Striker lift kit installed, utilize 4022-03 front chassis tie-ins.
b. If the van is lifted 2” using a Van Compass Striker lift, utilize the 4022-09 front chassis tie-ins.
c. See the image below for reference.
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Support the transmission cross member with a floor jack as shown below.
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Remove the two bolts/nuts securing the transmission cross member to the suspension subframe. Use a 16mm socket/wrench for removal.
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Install the 4022-03 Front Chassis Tie-in on the vehicle. These tie-in brackets are left and right-specific and will only go on one way. Note the image below for reference, showing the orientation of the bracket for the left side (driver side) of the vehicle.
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Re-install the factory transmission cross-member bolts as shown below. Snug the bolts but do not fully tighten them at this time.
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At this time, with the rocker guard close to level with the van, take note of whether the ¼” spacer plate will be needed for proper fitment. If the chassis tie-in has more than a 1/8” gap between the rocker and the top of the tie in plate, install the spacer plate.
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Align the holes securing the chassis tie into the rocker guard and start the 1.0” long button head stainless bolts. Again, use a washer under the bolt head. Once all hardware has been started, torque the button head bolts to 80 in-lbs. (9 N.m).
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Torque the transmission cross member attachment bolts to 52 ft-lbs (70 N.m).
4022-05 Rear Chassis Tie-in -
Again, have the rockers positioned level or close to level before installing the rear chassis tie-in.
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The rear chassis tie-ins are left and right-specific. The side gusset mounting hole should be orientated towards the front of the van.
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Begin by locating the body plug near the rear wheel well of the van. See the image below for reference.
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Use a flat-nose screwdriver to pry the larger upper body plug out of the body. The smaller, lower plug should easily pull out by hand.
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Loosely install the three-button head cap screws securing the rear chassis tie in to the rocker guard. It helps to use a quick clamp or similar device to hold the tie-in to the rocker for installing these bolts.
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Once the three bolts have been installed with the nuts loosely securing it to the rocker, install the 402205-04 nut tab into the large upper hole and align it with the lower hole in the body. Once aligned, start the ½-13 UNC x 1.0” long bolt included. Use an included washer under the bolt head.
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Snug all the attachment bolts and mark the front gusset hole on the body as referenced above.
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You can remove the rear chassis tie-in from the vehicle and drill this hole with a 7/16” (11mm) drill bit or leave the bracket in place and use it as a guide for drilling the forward mounting hole.
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Once the hole is drilled touch up any exposed areas of metal with quality paint to prevent corrosion and re-install the bracket. Start all hardware before tightening.
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Install the 3/8-16 UNC x 1.0” long hex head bolt and nylock nut in the newly drilled mounting hole. Use a washer under both the bolt head and the nut.
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With all hardware installed, snug and then torque the bolts in the following order;
a. ½-13” nut tab bolt – 40 ft-lbs (54 N.m)
b. ¼-20 button head bolts – 80 in-lbs (9 N.m)
c. 3/8-16 front bolt – 20 ft-lbs (27 N.m) -
Re-install the large upper body plug.
4022-04 Mid Chassis Tie-in -
Again, have the rockers positioned level or close to level before installing the mid-chassis tie-in.
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Begin by checking to make sure there are no components that will interfere with mounting the mid-chassis tie-in. On many Sportsmobiles, we have found batteries located in this general area on the driver’s side which can easily be moved out of the way during installation.
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Clamp the mid chassis mount to the rocker guard and start all three button head bolts/nuts. Use a washer under the bolt heads and snug all ¼” button head bolts using a 5/32” Allen tool.
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Tighten the ¼” button head bolts to the point where the bracket is just barely movable on the van.
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Make sure the inner face of the mid-chassis tie-in is resting against the inside wall of the van. See the image below.
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Go ahead and snug the three button head bolts securing the mid chassis tie in to the bottom of the rocker.
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Next, mark and drill the three inside mounting holes using a 15/64” drill bit (6mm).
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Once all three holes are drilled, use a ½” socket or nut driver bit to install the 5/16-18 x 1.0” long thread-cutting bolts.
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Torque the bolts to 10 ft-lbs (14 N.m)
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I, the customer, do hereby release and forever discharge Van Compass LLC their agents, employees, successors and assigns, and their respective heirs, personal representatives, affiliates, successors and assigns, and any and all persons, firms, or corporations liable or who might be claimed to be liable, whether or not herein named, from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions, causes of action or suits of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, which I now have or may hereafter have or claim to have, as a result of or in any way relating to the following: Parts sold & installed by Van Compass LLC or parts sold & installed by end- user; any parts sold online, any parts sold online or installed by a re- seller, any parts installed by an installation shop. It is understood and agreed that this payment is made and received in the full and complete settlement and satisfaction of the aforesaid actions, causes of action, claims, and demands; that this Release contains the entire agreement between the parties; and that the terms of this Agreement are contractual and not merely a recital. Furthermore, this Release shall be binding upon the undersigned, and his respective heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, successors, and assigns. This Release shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Idaho.
PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING
Van Compass LLC strongly recommends the installation of products is done by a certified mechanic. If this does not occur, be certain the person(s) installing the product read, understands,s and follows all instructions and warnings pertaining to the application before installation. Do not add, alter, or fabricate any factory or aftermarket parts to increase vehicle height over the intended height of the Van Compass LLC product purchased. Mixing component brands is not recommended. Installation of suspension lift kits or any other lifting kits or devices will raise the center of gravity. For this reason, Van Compass LLC urges that extreme caution be used when encountering driving conditions that may cause vehicle imbalance. Furthermore, the driver’s field of vision and judgment will not be as good due to the height of the vehicle. Due to the installation of larger tires, the speedometer will read slower than the actual speed being traveled and more distance will be required to stop the vehicle. It is the owner’s responsibility to caution and warns any potential driver of the vehicle about these driving and handling conditions. Van Compass LLC will not be held liable or responsible for damages or personal injuries resulting from the use of lifting devices and or related products. The tires and rims should be changed to sufficiently increase the vehicle’s total overall width and stability to help accommodate lifting devices. Van Compass LLC aftermarket suspension products and accessories modify a vehicle for uses that exceed conditions anticipated by the vehicle manufacturer. The uses include the high-performance demands required during off-road. These conditions vary in the degree of extremity and cannot be controlled by the vehicle or product manufacturer. If the components within the suspension system or accessories become worn due to frequent and/or extreme use, the safety and reliability of the vehicle are at risk. The maintenance of aftermarket equipment to ensure the vehicle occupants’ safety is entirely your responsibility. Do not purchase Van Compass LLC products unless you are willing to accept this responsibility. Do not install any Van Compass LLC suspension products or accessories unless you feel competent at installing the product without causing present or future injury to yourself or other vehicle occupants; seek an authorized installation center. Most states have some type of law limiting vehicle height. The amount of lift allowed, and how the lift can be achieved, varies greatly. Several states offer exemptions for farm and commercial registered vehicles. It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to check state and local laws to ensure that their vehicle will be in compliance. Van Compass LLC reserves the right to make changes in design, materials, and specifications as deemed necessary without prior notice and without assuming the obligation to modify any product previously manufactured. Obligations or liabilities will not be assumed with respect to similar products previously advertised. This Release of Liability and Product Safety Warning has been read and fully understood by the undersigned and has been explained to me.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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