I've been thinking about getting sliders/steps for a while now to help my wife and two small kids climb into my truck. I've decided to pull the trigger with a 4X4 101 course coming up in June to get more ground clearance on my 2013 SR5 and to get some protection. This is also the first step toward lifting the truck because no steps equals no lift unless I want to be responsible for helping everyone in and out of the truck.

Mainly due to cost I've decided to go with the Shrockworks sliders with the step plates and their TE rocker trim. There are a couple of options floating around that I prefer the design and looks but with the $70 rocker trim savings it's hard to overlook Shrockworks. I certainly can't get the factory rocker trim pieces for less than $400 but I don't really like the fact that the Shrockworks trim looks unfinished and uncapped at the back. Aside from that is there any reason not to get the Shrockworks trim? Are there any reasons not to get their sliders versus someone like C4 Fab, White Knuckle, CBI, etc.? I just was to make sure I'm not missing something before I send $900 out the door.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Generally speaking... Sliders don't work well as steps. The do function as a platform for getting to the roof rack.....

Besides that, Shockworks makes very good stuff. I've never seen a single item from them that is not well done and high quality.

I know the tread area is going to be smaller and in closer to the body than typical steps. I don't really want to add steps which can become a problem down the line. I'm hoping the smaller platform will still be better than nothing.

Plus I haven't seen a set of steps which I like enough to spend money on.

Sliders don't functional as well as running boards, but they work pretty well compared to nothing, which I also tried with a lift when my sliders showed up without the correct hardware. My 3 year old has no trouble crawling in there herself using my sliders.

I'm in a similar situation, just with a 2014 so I'd love to hear more about your experience and what you go with. I'm down to either the C4 Fab or Shrockworks. When I contacted C4, they informed me the step plates are 3" wide, but with the design being up higher in relation to the rocker I think it will only reduce the footbed about 1" vs. my "rigid running boards".

Good luck in your quest!

I love the design of the C4 sliders but the cost of the rocker trim has me going towards the Shrockworks sliders. If it weren't for the dang SR5 rocker trim it would be an easy choice. I could still go with the Shrockworks trim and the C4 sliders but when you factor in the additional $70 when the trim isn't ordered with sliders and having to pay shipping on both, plus the cost and effort of painting it just adds up to a bit more than I can stomach right now. All in all it would be around a $200 +/- difference in price if I went C4 and Shorckworks trim.

Both the Shrockworks step slider and the Budbuilt with full tread plating (or any other similar designs) will work perfectly fine as a step. The drawback is that they're a bit higher and closer to the body than a true step, but both will give you ample stepping area.

I don't own sliders.

I wouldn't let $70 get in the way of something I wanted for a ~37k??? vehicle.

I took a look on the C4 website, 2014+ 4Runner Rock Sliders | C4 Fabrication they do look nice.

The thing that really sticks out is the 2-3 week lead time. Doubt you will get that sort of lead time from Shrockworks.

C4's look like they got a bump out and the Shrockworks doesn't.
5th Gen Toyota 4Runner Rock Sliders, 2010-2016

But I NEVER WENT OFF ROADING, I NEVER BOUGHT AND INSTALLED SLIDERS, take advice from somebody who has.

The shrockworks step sliders work exceptionally well for both those functions. My kids use the steps all the time (5,6yrs old) and I've used them in rocks as well. The only downside is the lead time for ordering.

Honestly these sliders have a larger step surface than the factory steps that came with the truck.

Thanks for this. Honestly I'm not too concerned with lead time because I have nearly 3 months until I plan to use them for their intended purpose. I can live with 4-6 weeks for a good product.

Thanks guys. Keep it coming!

Unless you really need sliders, n-Fab steps would work very well at half the cost. I'm split on it, there are times when I wished I had sliders instead of my steps like when passing close to a boulder. Depends on the type of wheeling you plan to do.

For those who need a both world approach these might be worth looking into. The steps are more practical for every day use, but detachable for off roading. Jhalco has more real world experience with kids climbing in than I do, but my 5' 6" wife usually just steps in over our Shrockworks because the step is so close to the door jamb level it's not a comfortable step up transition. She did much prefer the Nfab step bars I had initially installed.

Manufacturers of high quality Nerf Steps, Prerunners, Harley Bars, Light Bars, Replacement Front Bumpers, Rock Rails, Rear Runners, Tire Carriers & Truck Accessories

Interesting to note that the C4 come bare steel only. The C4 weighs 62 lb. ea. and the Shrockworks weighs 45 lb. ea.

I got extremely lucky and was able to pick up a used set of SW sliders with dimpled tread plates and all the hardware for 300. It has been one of the best investments on my truck. Without running boards people would constantly drag their ass across the seat when getting out. It was just a matter of time until someone ripped the pleather. Now its not an issue.

I would have to disagree for Shrockworks specifically ... They work pretty damn well as steps.

The only downside is that when its wet, they may be slippery and when it's really really hot, i'm talking over 90F they may get a little hot for shorts with legs exposed. But there are things you can do to help with that, such as skateboarding tape.

For the price, I would def. get the Shockworks sliders over and over again.

Good luck