DeadFlanders
New member
We’ve owned our 4Runner for about 11 or 12 years now, but until this last year it was mostly my wife’s car and was used as the grocery getter and dog hauler. Well, recently I’ve done a few off-roading trips with some of the guys at work. During the first off-roading trip out at Corral Canyon I was surprised how well the 4Runner did, and I think my co-workers with their FJs and Jeeps were surprised too. They kept stopping to check on me, but I didn’t have any problems going over anything out there. (The only modification I did for that trip was to pull the damned running boards off)
The only problem I had during that trip was the last section of the trail.. (I think it is called Bronco Flats? But that might be the whole trail, not sure.. It was the last mile of the trail we were on, and it got a lot more challenging) Anyways, I was convinced not to try this last section of the trail because I didn’t have rock sliders and there were a couple of big boulders that probably would have destroyed the side of my truck without them..
Immediately after that trip I started looking into rock sliders. After doing some research I decided on the 4x Innovations Rock sliders. They had gotten good reviews, the price was good, and I liked the style. Below is what they looked like when I received them, I didn’t get a separate shot of the individual stand-offs and mounting plates.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/24567728044/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn" title="20160207_103801"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/2/1524/24567728044_d94ca3d099_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160207_103801"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Unfortunately when I was fitting them up I was so focused with what I was doing that I didn’t take any pictures of that process. Basically it was a couple of jack stands, some boards and some shims and a tape measure. Below is what they looked like after I tack welded them.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/24830703479/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn/" title="20160207_175755"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/2/1531/24830703479_6e28313ac3_z.jpg" width="360" height="640" alt="20160207_175755"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Fitting these up was a huge pain in the butt, but not because of any design issue or anything. It just happens to be that wherever I wanted/needed to place the mounting plates there were obstructions that wouldn’t allow me to put clamps on them.. For the rear mounting plate, there is the gas tank, and for the other two, there are the cross-members on the frame. Maybe if I had different/better clamps I would have had better luck. But all I had were my woodworking clamps and some C clamps. None of which could really fit around the frame and not get blocked by the gas tank or cross-members. In the end I just used duct tape to secure the mounting plates long enough to tack everything together. Duct tape worked great, it held them in place and flat against the frame while I put the stand-offs and everything else into place.
After I got them tacked up I put them on the bench and finished welding the stand-offs and plates all together. The next step was to get some paint on them before I welded them to the truck.. For paint I got this idea in my head that wrinkle paint would be great for these. Wrinkle paint is supposed to be fairly durable, and I figured the texture would be great for traction if someone stepped up on the sliders, and I just thought it would look cool.. Bad, bad, bad idea!! I just didn’t realize how tricky wrinkle paint can be to apply, especially when trying to paint something like rock sliders where you have to work around all the different sides of all the different tubes.
For my first attempt I bought two cans of VHT Wrinkle paint, and just set the rock sliders on a couple of saw horses to paint.. You can see below my horrible results. I only achieved wrinkles in splotchy spots, and where it didn’t wrinkle it was glossy.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898611120/in/photolist-P5psAu-PCUKzK-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa/" title="20160508_084656"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5650/30898611120_31c737cb78_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_084656"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Initially I figured that I had two problems. The first was easy, I didn’t buy enough paint. You have to lay down fairly thick coats of paint with wrinkle paint, plus there is a decent amount of waste when spray painting tubing like this. So I simply ran short of paint and couldn’t put enough on. The second problem was that I had a hard time getting even coats around all of the tubes.
To fix these issues I first purchase twice the amount of paint, four cans instead of the original two. And then I made a sort-of rotisserie for the rock sliders so that I could easily spin them around while painting them and get coverage from every angle. (See Below)
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31151599351/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4" title="20160508_085834"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5332/31151599351_7cac58f050_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_085834"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31266449295/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_091136"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5705/31266449295_d56d3e8360_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_091136"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898599700/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_091213"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5335/30898599700_73debafb45_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_091213"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31266443125/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_092444"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5558/31266443125_6656095633_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_092444"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898591160/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_092651"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5804/30898591160_9d5d807222_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_092651"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The following picture shows the rock sliders all mounted up. It should be noted that this is still the old paint job on them. While they were on the rotisserie I sanded them down in prep for the new paint.. Oh, and also not shown here I ended up screwing on a 2x2 as a handle to turn the whole thing.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898587600/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_102202"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5443/30898587600_e78d1de8f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_102202"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In the end the paint job came out a bit better, but it was still pretty crappy..
I had enough paint this time, and I also was able to reach all of the angles needed, but I just think it was too complicated of a project for my first time using wrinkle paint. You have to get nice heavy even coats over the whole piece, but not too heavy or it will run. And you can’t let it dry too much between coats or it will dry too much and then it just won’t wrinkle.
If I had to do it again, I would just consider some basic trim paint, or truck bed liner or something..
Anyways, after screwing up the paint, it was time to see how bad I could screw up the welds!! When placing the rocks slider into place to be welded I had the same problem as I did during the initial fitting, it was really tough to get any clamps on, but I eventually managed to get them clamped up enough to weld.
Before welding I prepped the frame by removing the paint where the mounting plates would be welded..
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31122179482/in/photolist-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ" title="20160515_101245"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5662/31122179482_8249f76cde_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160515_101245"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
To do this I used my angle grinder with the following. I love these things for removing paint, and also for smoothing out metal a bit after grinding on it.
4-1/2 in. Polycarbide Abrasive Wheel
I used a couple of jack stands and a 2x4 and some shims to get the sliders into place.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31230195406/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn" title="20160514_144653"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5525/31230195406_2cb59828cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160514_144653"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Here is a shot of the drivers side rear mounting plate. You can see the gas tank in this picture behind the frame rail. In the picture it doesn’t look too bad, but there just isn't enough space between the gas tank and the frame for something like a C clamp.
This is actually one of the better welds that I did.. Don’t make fun!! I’m still learning and it was very awkward being on my back under the truck welding that, especially with all the sparks coming down.. I’m soooooooo glad my wife got me a good welding jacket for Christmas last year!!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31230183826/in/photolist-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN" title="20160514_162555"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5605/31230183826_3537c176f9_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160514_162555"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I believe this is the drivers side middle mounting plate, you can see the cross member here that got in my way. There was a bit of room on the far side of the plate to put a clamp, but when you clamped that side, then the near side of the plate wanted to lift away from the frame a bit. Argh! Again, probably not a problem for someone that has the right clamps.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31122172962/in/photolist-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V" title="20160515_160409"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5615/31122172962_c14a8cb945_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160515_160409"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And here is a shot of them all done and welded into place:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31122187822/in/photolist-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd/" title="20160514_181108"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5503/31122187822_e6624da289_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160514_181108"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Oh, and then we went back out to Corral Canyon and went down that section of the trail that I didn’t do the first time, and I’m sooo glad I had my rock sliders! You can’t see it from this angle, but there is a boulder on the driver’s side that the truck is leaning its full weight into. This was me trying to go around it, but that line didn’t work. I ended up going over the boulder and sliding over the top of it on my new rock slider, and it held up great! So, that is a stock height ’96 4Runner, that went down a fairly difficult trail that the built out FJ and Jeep guys were worried about.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/29164794645/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn" title="29082464071_cc188efca3_o"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8528/29164794645_dfc4f809a1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="29082464071_cc188efca3_o"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Two of my doggies were in the back of the truck when I did that.. They didn’t like that part too much..
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/28872596690/in/datetaken/" title="20160821_141208"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8319/28872596690_62386459ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160821_141208"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The only problem I had during that trip was the last section of the trail.. (I think it is called Bronco Flats? But that might be the whole trail, not sure.. It was the last mile of the trail we were on, and it got a lot more challenging) Anyways, I was convinced not to try this last section of the trail because I didn’t have rock sliders and there were a couple of big boulders that probably would have destroyed the side of my truck without them..
Immediately after that trip I started looking into rock sliders. After doing some research I decided on the 4x Innovations Rock sliders. They had gotten good reviews, the price was good, and I liked the style. Below is what they looked like when I received them, I didn’t get a separate shot of the individual stand-offs and mounting plates.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/24567728044/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn" title="20160207_103801"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/2/1524/24567728044_d94ca3d099_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160207_103801"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Unfortunately when I was fitting them up I was so focused with what I was doing that I didn’t take any pictures of that process. Basically it was a couple of jack stands, some boards and some shims and a tape measure. Below is what they looked like after I tack welded them.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/24830703479/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn/" title="20160207_175755"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/2/1531/24830703479_6e28313ac3_z.jpg" width="360" height="640" alt="20160207_175755"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Fitting these up was a huge pain in the butt, but not because of any design issue or anything. It just happens to be that wherever I wanted/needed to place the mounting plates there were obstructions that wouldn’t allow me to put clamps on them.. For the rear mounting plate, there is the gas tank, and for the other two, there are the cross-members on the frame. Maybe if I had different/better clamps I would have had better luck. But all I had were my woodworking clamps and some C clamps. None of which could really fit around the frame and not get blocked by the gas tank or cross-members. In the end I just used duct tape to secure the mounting plates long enough to tack everything together. Duct tape worked great, it held them in place and flat against the frame while I put the stand-offs and everything else into place.
After I got them tacked up I put them on the bench and finished welding the stand-offs and plates all together. The next step was to get some paint on them before I welded them to the truck.. For paint I got this idea in my head that wrinkle paint would be great for these. Wrinkle paint is supposed to be fairly durable, and I figured the texture would be great for traction if someone stepped up on the sliders, and I just thought it would look cool.. Bad, bad, bad idea!! I just didn’t realize how tricky wrinkle paint can be to apply, especially when trying to paint something like rock sliders where you have to work around all the different sides of all the different tubes.
For my first attempt I bought two cans of VHT Wrinkle paint, and just set the rock sliders on a couple of saw horses to paint.. You can see below my horrible results. I only achieved wrinkles in splotchy spots, and where it didn’t wrinkle it was glossy.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898611120/in/photolist-P5psAu-PCUKzK-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa/" title="20160508_084656"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5650/30898611120_31c737cb78_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_084656"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Initially I figured that I had two problems. The first was easy, I didn’t buy enough paint. You have to lay down fairly thick coats of paint with wrinkle paint, plus there is a decent amount of waste when spray painting tubing like this. So I simply ran short of paint and couldn’t put enough on. The second problem was that I had a hard time getting even coats around all of the tubes.
To fix these issues I first purchase twice the amount of paint, four cans instead of the original two. And then I made a sort-of rotisserie for the rock sliders so that I could easily spin them around while painting them and get coverage from every angle. (See Below)
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31151599351/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4" title="20160508_085834"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5332/31151599351_7cac58f050_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_085834"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31266449295/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_091136"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5705/31266449295_d56d3e8360_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_091136"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898599700/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_091213"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5335/30898599700_73debafb45_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_091213"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31266443125/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_092444"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5558/31266443125_6656095633_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_092444"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898591160/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_092651"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5804/30898591160_9d5d807222_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_092651"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The following picture shows the rock sliders all mounted up. It should be noted that this is still the old paint job on them. While they were on the rotisserie I sanded them down in prep for the new paint.. Oh, and also not shown here I ended up screwing on a 2x2 as a handle to turn the whole thing.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/30898587600/in/photolist-PsL6bx-PCUJ4Z-P5ppcA-PCUGeB-P5pmEm-P5pkAY-PsL3tt-PzH3go-PzGTCb-Pqao3b-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4/" title="20160508_102202"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5443/30898587600_e78d1de8f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160508_102202"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In the end the paint job came out a bit better, but it was still pretty crappy..
I had enough paint this time, and I also was able to reach all of the angles needed, but I just think it was too complicated of a project for my first time using wrinkle paint. You have to get nice heavy even coats over the whole piece, but not too heavy or it will run. And you can’t let it dry too much between coats or it will dry too much and then it just won’t wrinkle.
If I had to do it again, I would just consider some basic trim paint, or truck bed liner or something..
Anyways, after screwing up the paint, it was time to see how bad I could screw up the welds!! When placing the rocks slider into place to be welded I had the same problem as I did during the initial fitting, it was really tough to get any clamps on, but I eventually managed to get them clamped up enough to weld.
Before welding I prepped the frame by removing the paint where the mounting plates would be welded..
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31122179482/in/photolist-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ" title="20160515_101245"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5662/31122179482_8249f76cde_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160515_101245"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
To do this I used my angle grinder with the following. I love these things for removing paint, and also for smoothing out metal a bit after grinding on it.
4-1/2 in. Polycarbide Abrasive Wheel
I used a couple of jack stands and a 2x4 and some shims to get the sliders into place.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31230195406/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn" title="20160514_144653"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5525/31230195406_2cb59828cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160514_144653"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Here is a shot of the drivers side rear mounting plate. You can see the gas tank in this picture behind the frame rail. In the picture it doesn’t look too bad, but there just isn't enough space between the gas tank and the frame for something like a C clamp.
This is actually one of the better welds that I did.. Don’t make fun!! I’m still learning and it was very awkward being on my back under the truck welding that, especially with all the sparks coming down.. I’m soooooooo glad my wife got me a good welding jacket for Christmas last year!!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31230183826/in/photolist-PzGRBh-Pqan2o-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN" title="20160514_162555"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5605/31230183826_3537c176f9_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160514_162555"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I believe this is the drivers side middle mounting plate, you can see the cross member here that got in my way. There was a bit of room on the far side of the plate to put a clamp, but when you clamped that side, then the near side of the plate wanted to lift away from the frame a bit. Argh! Again, probably not a problem for someone that has the right clamps.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31122172962/in/photolist-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V" title="20160515_160409"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5615/31122172962_c14a8cb945_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160515_160409"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And here is a shot of them all done and welded into place:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/31122187822/in/photolist-PzGPFy-Pqamad-PCUrkZ-PqaiFq-PqagK1-P5p6Nh-NoiF4S-NpvNNt-Pqa5jf-NpvJWv-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd/" title="20160514_181108"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5503/31122187822_e6624da289_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160514_181108"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Oh, and then we went back out to Corral Canyon and went down that section of the trail that I didn’t do the first time, and I’m sooo glad I had my rock sliders! You can’t see it from this angle, but there is a boulder on the driver’s side that the truck is leaning its full weight into. This was me trying to go around it, but that line didn’t work. I ended up going over the boulder and sliding over the top of it on my new rock slider, and it held up great! So, that is a stock height ’96 4Runner, that went down a fairly difficult trail that the built out FJ and Jeep guys were worried about.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/29164794645/in/photolist-PzGpNJ-NpvHJF-PzGnE5-NpvDtB-Pq9Tts-NpvCwM-P5pfFs-Npwgdx-PzGXc5-NpwdCn-PzGV3W-Pq9Sq5-PzGbY5-Pq9Ryf-PzGaQy-Pq9QGq-PzG9JW-Pq9PK5-NpvxCD-Pq9NMJ-Npvwmk-Pq9MmY-PCTPN6-PCTNZn-PCTNdH-PCTMfa-PCTLoR-NpvtY4-PsKc4r-PsKbGz-NohT5s-PsKb2X-NohQcy-PsJUGD-Npv5s6-PsJTdg-Pq8Muf-PzFgxN-Pq8HKb-PzFfdd-Pq8Fv1-PzFeCL-LrccmZ-Lrcc9V-DqY3nN-EmnoAG-DqY2C1-DQcR4e-EoGmf8-EoGkWn" title="29082464071_cc188efca3_o"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8528/29164794645_dfc4f809a1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="29082464071_cc188efca3_o"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Two of my doggies were in the back of the truck when I did that.. They didn’t like that part too much..
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/deadflanders/28872596690/in/datetaken/" title="20160821_141208"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8319/28872596690_62386459ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20160821_141208"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Nice write up, I think I am gonna get the same ones for mine.
