'14 Trail--Rock Sliders Dilemma/Question

[Big Murth]

I'm now going batty trying to figure out what and from where to purchase sliders that would have a small step/edge feature. Our local 4X4 store could only source one supplier, and they come in pieces (legs/mounting pieces, and the bar/tubes), that they've quoted me $600-$700 for welding(!).
As I don't want some crap that's going to fold under the force of a boulder/rock on one side & 5K lbs. of 4R on the other, or bend when I put a Hi-Lift under it---I need more than a bolt-on, but am now looking for something that is only two pieces shipped (one per side including mounting legs, etc.), so I don't put a welder's daughter through med school by the time I'm done and can truly, hit the trail!

Oh, and I can't wait til kingdom come either---would like to do business with someone who can ship ready product soon, so I can go places in about 2-3 weeks.

Any ideas, amigos?http://im.toyota-4runner.org/images/smilies/brick.gif

 

[bimrunner]

This thread has a list. You can go down the line and see what each one offers and find one you like that meets your requirements.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/168371-5th-gen-metal-fab-options-considerations.html

 

[classic72]

Oh, and I can't wait til kingdom come either---would like to do business with someone who can ship ready product soon, so I can go places in about 2-3 weeks.

First let me say I hear you. Lead times from most absolutely suck. If they are that busy hire some more hands, get some intern's from colleges, whatever. I can understand 2 weeks before ship, but 3 - 4 months is unacceptable. I own my own business and have employees, etc. so I understand that there is a fine balance of staffing... but something that long doesn't make any sense. Too me that is just not caring about the customer at all who is forking over nice chunk of change.

Going to jump in here and also say the Metaltech's I have seen are the strongest (not the OPOR... but the actual name brand metaltech's). They stick out a bit further too than OPOR. That said I am sure Metaltech could even modify them a bit for you if it wasn't enough.

I have a set coming after about three weeks of looking at all the manufacturers out right now.

If money is a constraint see if they can modify the OPOR. They are awesome sliders as well and should serve just fine for most's needs (and I think there 20% sale is still going?)

Metaltech was also the fastest production and shipping I have found and I give them props for that.

After that I would say Schrockworks (worst lead time) and Budbuilt (isn't an easy mount bolt-on from what I read without some modification to truck?).

I am not sure about Demello... they look good, but I only know FJ guys running them.

I also want to say just about everyone in that list makes a quality slider and beautiful one at that. What's sets them apart is if they have any form of step (what you need), lead times, and ease of installation.

 

[Eagle]

First let me say I hear you. Lead times from most absolutely suck. If they are that busy hire some more hands, get some intern's from colleges, whatever. I can understand 2 weeks before ship, but 3 - 4 months is unacceptable. I own my own business and have employees, etc. so I understand that there is a fine balance of staffing... but something that long doesn't make any sense. Too me that is just not caring about the customer at all who is forking over nice chunk of change.

Skilled manufacturing is a bit more delicate and susceptible to cycles than many other businesses types. A long lead time is largely driven by customer demand, which is a direct result of having a well-built product. Hiring interns to increase output would risk reducing output quality, which would ultimately erode the customer demand.

 

[AZrunner11]

Bump Out (Non-Beefy) BUDBUILT

I recommend BUDBUILT bump out sliders. They can be had with or without tread plates. Check them out- BudBuilt.com. Sliders and Armor are probably the two most important pieces of protection.

 

[classic72]

Skilled manufacturing is a bit more delicate and susceptible to cycles than many other businesses types. A long lead time is largely driven by customer demand, which is a direct result of having a well-built product. Hiring interns to increase output would risk reducing output quality, which would ultimately erode the customer demand.

I totally understand that but they aren't building a Boeing. A solid QA would rectify most issues and establishing an apprenticeship program would be a positive thing for the community's they are in I am sure.

As for cycles, a constant 3- 4 months seems to be pretty consistent. I would understand if certain times a year it was that. Shrockworks, for example, always seems to be that long. I do not mean to be picking on shrockworks, I appreciate all they do and they have a kickass bumper... but it is a solid example.

 

[cbielat]

I'm pretty sure you can weld on any of the sliders which come intended to bolt on. I agree that Metal Tech's quality is pretty good. I have the OPOR sliders which I bought through Metal Tech. They have worked great and do see a lot of use. I can't complain. My buddy Andy [MENTION=95934]Dubiousatbest[/MENTION] has the Metal Tech sliders and when it comes time to replace, I'll definitely be going with the actual Metal Tech version. They are a bit more robust. Also, I do believe these would come much sooner than the Shrockworks. I had to wait just slightly longer with the OPOR's only because I had an extra dimple die added. Took about 3 weeks. I believe they are a little more readily available.

 

[bimrunner]

I like metaltech's sliders but haven't seen any as bombproof as the ones 4x4labs made me. They are the only 4runner sliders using full u-bolts that I know of. Metaltech does for the 80 series LC but not the runner. Not really sure why not. Also, never seen one with as much coverage as I have (ties all the way to the frame with nearly 100% coverage all the way in. They are reinforced and probably overkill...and I like them that way!

 

[cbielat]

I like metaltech's sliders but haven't seen any as bombproof as the ones 4x4labs made me. They are the only 4runner sliders using full u-bolts that I know of. Metaltech does for the 80 series LC but not the runner. Not really sure why not. Also, never seen one with as much coverage as I have (ties all the way to the frame with nearly 100% coverage all the way in. They are reinforced and probably overkill...and I like them that way!

Yeah, I've seen your sliders and meaning to ask you a question. How much does one side weigh?

 

[bimrunner]

Yeah, I've seen your sliders and meaning to ask you a question. How much does one side weigh?

They are a bit heavy at 63lbs. Bombproof though!

 

[1engineer]

I totally understand that but they aren't building a Boeing. A solid QA would rectify most issues and establishing an apprenticeship program would be a positive thing for the community's they are in I am sure.

As for cycles, a constant 3- 4 months seems to be pretty consistent. I would understand if certain times a year it was that. Shrockworks, for example, always seems to be that long. I do not mean to be picking on shrockworks, I appreciate all they do and they have a kickass bumper... but it is a solid example.

What type of business do you own?

 

[classic72]

My business is in technology, particularly software development and we have a division as well that handles structured wiring and network technologies. In addition, my grandfather was an engineer and did work for Ford throughout the 50's, 60's, and 70's and also ran his own mechanic and fabrication shop because he loved what he did, and my father has owned a construction company for the last 35 years. My bro-in-law is a mechanical engineer as well working in something very similar but a larger scale to what these companies are doing.

I totally understand staffing issues as well as getting people who are trained in their specific skill... It just feels like if you are always maintaining a 3 - 4 month lead time on something like rock sliders, something is wrong in regards to staffing. If through the summer months only, then you know you need to get some part time during those months. Where is the holdup.. is it the welding?... is it somewhere else? We don't have answers to those questions. The engineering work is done/the specifications are done... it has to be in the building of the actual product.

 

[mfregeau20]

My business is in technology, particularly software development and we have a division as well that handles structured wiring and network technologies. In addition, my grandfather was an engineer and did work for Ford throughout the 50's, 60's, and 70's and also ran his own mechanic and fabrication shop because he loved what he did, and my father has owned a construction company for the last 35 years. My bro-in-law is a mechanical engineer as well working in something very similar but a larger scale to what these companies are doing.

I totally understand staffing issues as well as getting people who are trained in their specific skill... It just feels like if you are always maintaining a 3 - 4 month lead time on something like rock sliders, something is wrong in regards to staffing. If through the summer months only, then you know you need to get some part time during those months. Where is the holdup.. is it the welding?... is it somewhere else? We don't have answers to those questions. The engineering work is done/the specifications are done... it has to be in the building of the actual product.

I see you are in Dallas TX, what part and what is the name of your company? I work in a similar field and the company I work for is in Dallas as well.

 

[thelouv]

I'm now going batty trying to figure out what and from where to purchase sliders that would have a small step/edge feature. Our local 4X4 store could only source one supplier, and they come in pieces (legs/mounting pieces, and the bar/tubes), that they've quoted me $600-$700 for welding(!).
As I don't want some crap that's going to fold under the force of a boulder/rock on one side & 5K lbs. of 4R on the other, or bend when I put a Hi-Lift under it---I need more than a bolt-on, but am now looking for something that is only two pieces shipped (one per side including mounting legs, etc.), so I don't put a welder's daughter through med school by the time I'm done and can truly, hit the trail!

Oh, and I can't wait til kingdom come either---would like to do business with someone who can ship ready product soon, so I can go places in about 2-3 weeks.

Any ideas, amigos?http://im.toyota-4runner.org/images/smilies/brick.gif

Feel ya, exactly where I was a couple months ago wanting the exact same thing.
Research led me to these and would get the same again if I needed them. Went the local coating route and was happy with that too given they were sticking out the box when they were delivered by my gorilla shipping company. Had to shop a bit to find the right price on powder coating locally.

 

[thelouv]

Picture does not do it justice tho. I had them do the full dimple. It is just enough of a step but not as wide as factory running boards that rub the back of your leg if you step directly onto the ground from the truck. Extra kick out under rear door is nice when securing stuff on the roof.

 

[thelouv]

Maybe this will give a better idea of where they are in that shadow. Here I was test fitting before the powdercoat.

 

[Miguelon]

I'm now going batty trying to figure out what and from where to purchase sliders that would have a small step/edge feature. Our local 4X4 store could only source one supplier, and they come in pieces (legs/mounting pieces, and the bar/tubes), that they've quoted me $600-$700 for welding(!).
As I don't want some crap that's going to fold under the force of a boulder/rock on one side & 5K lbs. of 4R on the other, or bend when I put a Hi-Lift under it---I need more than a bolt-on, but am now looking for something that is only two pieces shipped (one per side including mounting legs, etc.), so I don't put a welder's daughter through med school by the time I'm done and can truly, hit the trail!

Oh, and I can't wait til kingdom come either---would like to do business with someone who can ship ready product soon, so I can go places in about 2-3 weeks.



Any ideas, amigos?http://im.toyota-4runner.org/images/smilies/brick.gif

IMHO- Shrockworks is the way to go. But I look at this a lot like dining out. Some people want fast food and some are willing to wait for a well prepared meal. The fact that people ARE willing to wait should speak volumes about their product. You can search high and low on this forum and others. The only complaint about their product is the wait time. I have ordered three bumpers from them over the last 7 years. My current rig has their sliders, bumper and skid plates. I have never been anything but 100% satisfied with the craftsmanship and quality. It is second to none!

 

[1engineer]

My business is in technology, particularly software development and we have a division as well that handles structured wiring and network technologies. In addition, my grandfather was an engineer and did work for Ford throughout the 50's, 60's, and 70's and also ran his own mechanic and fabrication shop because he loved what he did, and my father has owned a construction company for the last 35 years. My bro-in-law is a mechanical engineer as well working in something very similar but a larger scale to what these companies are doing.

I totally understand staffing issues as well as getting people who are trained in their specific skill... It just feels like if you are always maintaining a 3 - 4 month lead time on something like rock sliders, something is wrong in regards to staffing. If through the summer months only, then you know you need to get some part time during those months. Where is the holdup.. is it the welding?... is it somewhere else? We don't have answers to those questions. The engineering work is done/the specifications are done... it has to be in the building of the actual product.

You should not be surprised at these 3-4 month deliveries. This is a classic job shop versus production shop issue. Most of these guys are small businesses and rightly so for many reasons, the main two being small market and product options.

Small market - The 4Runner sells around 50K units/yr. Out of that maybe 5K go off road. Out of that maybe 1K will have an extra $1,500 laying around for a bumper as most buy wheels, tires and even less a lift. So, 1K customer base and maybe 5 shops. ARB is a production shop and will take in the lion's share of the orders because of this instant gratification crap everyone wants.

Options - If you read any thread on sliders, skids and bumpers it only takes a few minutes to realize why these guys are job shops! This guy wants a winch mount, this guy wants 3 hoops, that guy wants bigger lugs, the other guy wants one hoop and the biggest problem of all is every one of you want a different look. Read that bumper thread you posted in!

So, you have a small market and endless options which translates into "job" shop which means long lead times. Staffing is not the problem here, the customers are! If I cut down my options to speed up production though then I lose customers so it's a catch 22. Believe me or not that's why you have the lead times you do.

 

[JAD]

Just curious why you want "more than a bolt on". I'm running bolt ons on a 2004 Jeep Rubicon. I installed the rails with less than a 1/4" spacing from my rocker panel. I used a total of twelve grade 8 bolts through the frame to secure each side.

That was 10 years ago. After all kinds of dynamic impacts from rocks to the rails on an almost 5,000 lb jeep there remains no panel damage, no rail deflection, and a spacing of 1/4". And yes it was purpose built for rock crawling.

 

[1engineer]

Just curious why you want "more than a bolt on". I'm running bolt ons on a 2004 Jeep Rubicon. I installed the rails with less than a 1/4" spacing from my rocker panel. I used a total of twelve grade 8 bolts through the frame to secure each side.

That was 10 years ago. After all kinds of dynamic impacts from rocks to the rails on an almost 5,000 lb jeep there remains no panel damage, no rail deflection, and a spacing of 1/4". And yes it was purpose built for rock crawling.

I was curious too. Mechanical fasteners can hold better than welds in certain applications. Now, if you want to use bolts AND weld it then you win as long as you tack the nut to the frame.