Rust problems

Since you're going to cover up the area with the rocker guards, I would mark where the rocker guards are going to go then sand and paint that area well. It can even be black since it will be covered. After you sand, use a rust inhibitor and follow the directions on that product. Then paint.

After you have refinished those areas, I would look into getting your vehicle sprayed underneath with Fluid Film. If you have access to a good compressor, I would purchase a whole kit like this: Fluid Film Kit

I agree with what Andy says, however, any time you have two pieces of metal sandwiched together (ie your rocker guards and the body) there is a high probability of corrosion. Fluid film is awesome, if you have a compressor (or access to one) follow Andy's advice. The bigger problem is that rust probably started on the opposite side of the metal/paint you see. When you sand it all down there is going to be holes there (if you get all the rust off). When you spray the FF it is imperative that you get into as many "hidden" joints and areas as possible. Once you have it sanded down, primed and painted spray the FF through the holes really well then put your rocker guards on.....good luck, TJs are notorious for rusting.....

wire wheels and brushes, flapper sanding discs for the grinder. most auto parts store sell an acid gel, that works pretty good.

usually several guys on FB marketplace doin fluid film service in my area, might be worth lookin into in your area.

Crazyman1304 said:

(and maybe prevent more) before it starts rotting through

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Wider flares and/or mud flaps.

Aren't the rocker guards just going to trap more salt & water making the problem worse? Definitely wire wheel/flapdisk/whatever to remove any rust, remembering that there is 100% rust under the paint that hasn't bubbled up yet. You'll want to go an inch or two beyond the visible areas to make sure you form a perimeter. The stuff on the outboard rocker is a problem, but I'm seeing some corrosion on the bottom portion of the tub, near where it meets the frame. That's going to be a lot harder to deal with, especially given that you're probably only seeing the "latest developments" knowing that the interior side is likely where the trouble started by trapping salt & water.

I think a better option than the rocker guards is to strip & prime the trouble areas you can get to. It'll look like crap, but you need to contain the cancer as best you can. Cosmetics is secondary. This coming from a guy who bought a rusty as hell CJ and couldn't contain it and sold it at a fair loss. Don't be like me.