[Bruin1md]

To preface, I did a search on the topic first, and have read up a few articles on the subject, but am still not certain what would be the best direction to go.

Just got my '20 TRD Pro, AG, and will be moving to the desert (Vegas) soon.
As of now, my plan is to do some light off roading and use it predominantly as a DD and for longer drives back and forth to So-Cal to visit family.
If you were to ask me now, I would say I'm probably not going to do heavy duty off roading, but I could see my eyes getting big once I get there and explore the area and see all the amazing desert/rock trails to explore.

I want something that will provide solid protection (but at this time, it doesn't have to be extreme protection) that will serve as a good step as well so I can access the roof and girls can get in and out easily.


Would you guys go with N-fabs or go with sliders by RCI, HeftyFabworks, or other? What allows for best ground clearance/steps/decent protection?
I know N-fabs don't bolt in the frame, but rather go into the panel where steps would get affixed to.

And if sliders, drill into the frame/bolt on or weld? I've read where the risk of water of seeping in is possible in set ups where drilling happens, but welding seems so...........permanent, especially if I sell it down the road.
If I get sliders, I won't have to swap out the N-fabs later on for true sliders if I want to get in more aggressive off roading down the road, so there is that advantage.


thanks

[Jetboy]

Nerf bars are cosmetic and function only as a step in. They will offer basically no protection at all from rocks or other things you might hit off road. They might help with things like stones coming off your tires.

Almost all aftermarket sliders for the 5th gen are bolt on. The frame design makes it very easy to make bolt on sliders. You should not weld them on. You should also not drill your frame rails for sliders. There's no reason to do so and it will not make them stronger or offer any better protection. If you're concerned with rust you should consider putting an anti-rust agent on the bolts. Something like blue or purple loctite will do a good job of protection from rust and keeping the hardware tight. Personally I used all stainless hardware for mine, but that's not necessary.

Weld on or drill type sliders are much more common on older models where there are not adequate mounting points already built in to the frame.

Good luck!

[Moltenburn]

if you think you will use em.... get em. I plan on snagging some RSG angled sliders with rear kick out, to help reach my rack. Doesn't hurt they are reasonably priced and sold locally in Colorado.

[Jetboy]

FWIW - if you are reasonably close to a manufacturer of sliders, you can save a lot of $ by picking them up in person. They're big and heavy and expensive to ship. Not sure where you are, but SSO is in Baton Rouge, which might be close to you (says your in LA). They have a good reputation and are priced competitively with others.

[Bruin1md]

Originally Posted by Jetboy

FWIW - if you are reasonably close to a manufacturer of sliders, you can save a lot of $ by picking them up in person. They're big and heavy and expensive to ship. Not sure where you are, but SSO is in Baton Rouge, which might be close to you (says your in LA). They have a good reputation and are priced competitively with others.

There's a dealer here in Lafayette as well. Why SSO over RSG/RCI, others?

[Jetboy]

Originally Posted by Bruin1md

There's a dealer here in Lafayette as well. Why SSO over RSG/RCI, others?

No reason other than they might be close to you to save on the cost of shipping. I'm sure RSG and RCI also make good stuff.

[Harrisnc]

I had the nfab bars on my 17 for 2 years. I needed something quick for the kid and wife. All the sliders were 8+ weeks then. I’ve since put on Shrockworks step sliders. They have better ground clearance, can be used for protection and no one has complained about using them as steps.

[Jetboy]

FWIW - if you're not going to be doing things that are going to result in going over rocks or logs or whatever that will damage your rocker panels, then the NFab or even the OEM side steps are perfectly reasonable to put on and use for steps and added protection for gravel and rocks being thrown up by the tires. My guess is that about 95% of 4Runners will never have an experience that would call for rock sliders. So I suppose it's mostly a question of being realistic about what you're actually going to be doing with it. If it's fire roads and camping and taking the canoe to the lake - you might not need anything more than some side steps.

[Bruin1md]

Originally Posted by Jetboy

FWIW - if you're not going to be doing things that are going to result in going over rocks or logs or whatever that will damage your rocker panels, then the NFab or even the OEM side steps are perfectly reasonable to put on and use for steps and added protection for gravel and rocks being thrown up by the tires. My guess is that about 95% of 4Runners will never have an experience that would call for rock sliders. So I suppose it's mostly a question of being realistic about what you're actually going to be doing with it. If it's fire roads and camping and taking the canoe to the lake - you might not need anything more than some side steps.

Totally agree, but with the following 2 caveats:
1. I may end up getting more adventurous once I get to check out all of the awesome terrain out west. I'm going out of my way to protect the paint/finish on the AG color I got by either going with paint sealant every 6 months or ceramic coating, so it would be nice to protect the panels. But yeah, I see your point and Nerf bars may end up being perfectly capable for my light adventures. It's just that I don't want to feel limited if I end up wanting to do more in the truck.
2. The sliders have the added benefit of not compromising ground clearance, unlike side steps and nerf bars, correct?

[Jetboy]

Clearance really depends on the product. They're all a bit different. Generally though, yes, rock sliders do sit up higher in most cases. Some are higher than others and some stick out wider than others. Sliders do a great job in my experience of protecting from door dings!

[Bumbo]

If you look at how Nerf bars mount, they won't provide much of any protection against trail damage. You will just end up with a expensive bent-up side step.

These are from my 4th gen, I assume the 5th gen is no different. It's just 3 dinky mounting points. Take a look underneath and confirm it yourself.



Personally I didn't want anything other than real sliders... it wasn't worth it for me to spend the money and not get the protection. I've seen my friends use them for pretty aggressive things including hi-lift jacking up the entire truck from a slider which is a selling point for me.

I don't have any complaints with ground clearance. Didn't want steps that protrude down which hinder ground clearance either. They do sit up noticeably higher than the OEM steps.

I bolted mine on first, then welded it after I was 100% sure I liked it. I could never see myself taking them off, they already paid for themselves.

Went with Demello Offroad... so far so good. Very stout / beefy piece of kit.

Sometimes I wish it had a kick-out, but only when really getting into some rocky situations. I really don't like the way kick-outs look, but they have a purpose.

Photos before welding (bolt on only) and well used.



They angle up a bit which I like a lot, really tucks into the rocker panels.





Not trying to sell you on something Demello, but the one time you come down on something and damage your truck, you will regret the decision to go with a Nerf bar.

If you know you will never off-road, then really, it doesn't matter. Just don't assume a Nerf bar will provide any protection. They look aggressive, but don't do much over the factory OEM running boards.

[DeltaWhiskey]

Went through this recently, the RSG angled with kick out. All bolt on to frame, 10-12 bolts per side. Extremely well made, $100 off code on this site




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[BobsTrail]

Originally Posted by Jetboy

Nerf bars are cosmetic and function only as a step in. They will offer basically no protection at all from rocks or other things you might hit off road.

I went with the N fabs steps, they work well and I like the look, but there have been a number of times I wish I had sliders instead. I did not plan on getting into something too rough, but have ended up too close to large rocks or tree trunks too often. I do mostly scenic easy trails, but conditions change.

[RedRunner_87]

If you want the slider look but not the cost you can check these out. The other benefit to sliders is that you can get an adaptor for a hi-lift jack to help change a tire on the trail or whatever.

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-TG...s%2C206&sr=8-7

[RusPro17]

Originally Posted by RedRunner_87

If you want the slider look but not the cost you can check these out. The other benefit to sliders is that you can get an adaptor for a hi-lift jack to help change a tire on the trail or whatever.

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-TG...s%2C206&sr=8-7

I have these the Tyger bars on my 17 Pro. Plan on taking them off and putting them on my 2020 Army green when it comes in. I don’t off road but I love how these look and really protect the side of truck because how far they stick out. Especially for door dings.