BudBuilt Sliders Installed, Need Help/Ideas w/ Rocker Panel Issue

M

Michael Siener

New member
Hello folks, had my new Bud Built Sliders installed yesterday on my 2012 4R LTD. Found out that rocker panels would have to come off during the install. Checked the forum while the shop worked on them and read others have found this out. However, I didn't seem to find any pics or posts of how people resolved the issue of some of the vehicle trim that the rocker panels previously covered. Saw that someone trimmed their rocker panel but don't think they posted pics or a descrip of how it was done. I think I can get a trim piece from Toyota to run underneath the doors, but would sincerely appreciate any ideas about what to do with the part immediately behind the front wheel (pic 2 below) where you can see fasteners, etc. Sliders look awesome, GREAT, but that uncovered part of the vehicle just looks really bad! Help!!
 

Attachments

  • Sliders_TrimIssue1.jpg
    Sliders_TrimIssue1.jpg
    96.3 KB · Views: 8,252
  • Sliders_TrimIssue2.jpg
    Sliders_TrimIssue2.jpg
    76.6 KB · Views: 6,354
Register to hide this ad
You can cut your stock rocker covers, check Antmans thread for instructions. I just left mine alone and it never really bothered me. After lift, wheels/tires, etc your eyes will go to those things rather than the rockers. Most trucks do not have rocker covers anyway, so it does not look out of place IMO. Another idea I entertained was painting the area black, but again found it did not bother me enough to exert the effort in doing so.
 
It is well known (on the forum at least) that the only company to make sliders that do not require the removal/modification of the rocker panels are Rocky Road for the SR5 (& LE).

Some people on here have left them as is (as yours is now) but a lot have come up with own way to 'fix' the look of it. I'm sure they will chime in!
 
Thanks for the ideas so far. I agree that the vehicle looks much, much better w/o the rockers - can see underneath it better & it doesn't look "fat"; I like that. It's just the part behind the front wheel that bothers me a bit. At worst, maybe I'll get used to it! Thanks for the tip on Antman's thread. Will definitely check it out.
 
I personally HATED the raw unfinished look on my LE without the rockers.

Followed instructions from Antman and others on the trim. I used a dremel and razor knife. It's easy and in my opinion the way to go instead of just throwing them out.

Note that to clear my sliders I had to trim down to about a half inch below the chrome strip on the rocker. Looks GREAT when all done!
 
Last edited:
Just read Antman's thread. Awesome!! I just knew there had to be a way to remedy this situation. Big thanks to all of you for steering me in the right direction & Antman for sharing his skills!! Yall rock!!
 
westwind77 said:
It is well known (on the forum at least) that the only company to make sliders that do not require the removal/modification of the rocker panels are Rocky Road for the SR5 (& LE).

Some people on here have left them as is (as yours is now) but a lot have come up with own way to 'fix' the look of it. I'm sure they will chime in!
Click to expand...

White knuckle makes them for the SR5 with rockers
Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen Rock Sliders

You have the option of sliders for cut rocker panels or uncut panels
 
Or if you want to go the fancy route and not cut your rockers, you can replace them with TE parts. That would mean you need to replace the front fender flare as well. I have details for that in my build thread (see link below).

Good luck! Sliders are a great place to start!

Okki
 
Okki said:
Or if you want to go the fancy route and not cut your rockers, you can replace them with TE parts. That would mean you need to replace the front fender flare as well. I have details for that in my build thread (see link below).

Good luck! Sliders are a great place to start!

Okki
Click to expand...

Hey Okki, you were able to only replace the rocker panels and fenders?

I ask because I wanted to piece-mail the TE conversion but I heard it won't match up .. Easier to PM?
 
Just an idea if you leave them off. Mask the doors off and paint what was under the rockers black so it is not as noticeable.

I trimmed mine but will eventually take what is left off.
 
The lack of panels seems to look a lot worse with the white color than mag gray - I got rid of my panels long before I got the sliders and barely notice. Seems to stand out more on the BP.
 
DannyLlama said:
Hey Okki, you were able to only replace the rocker panels and fenders?

I ask because I wanted to piece-mail the TE conversion but I heard it won't match up .. Easier to PM?
Click to expand...

yup... works like a charm. I didn't change the rear fender flare because it A) doesn't look bad. and B) there is a rubber seal at the bottom that prevents dirt etc from going up in it. I had the rockers and fender flares painted to match the rest of the trim pieces (i.e. body color).

I really recommend you read my build thread on that section because it's NOT cheap.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Okki

EDIT: Shawn just did a nice job of trimming his rockers. If you go that route; you may want to check in with him.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/115059-shawn719-plagiarism-slow-build-3.html#post1175122
 
Last edited:
so I've been reading over all slider threads and dreading either option of cutting my rockers or going to TE plastic....and then I started looking at photos. Here in the Great White North, the SR5 has different rocker panels, I would guess, to accommodate the stock running boards (removed in my case). Don't mind the dirt, its winter here and she's due for a bath!

IMG_0343.jpg~original
 
I am not positive, but those sure look like TE style rockers to me, so I doubt you'd have trouble fitting BB sliders. I guess Canada is good for something afterall. :p
 
Canadian SR5s have the same trim as a trail in the US IIRC. So you would have nothing to worry about. As far as other sliders you can do and not have to worry about SR5/Limited rocker panel trimming (US), LT over at MetalTech said they are also doing sliders for trail or SR5/Limited if you didn't want to cut your rockers. I'm not sure if the latter is ready to go yet but here's a link to the thread of them on a trail. Hope that helps.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/130172-metal-tech-sliders.html
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 361 (members: 4, guests: 357)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,310
Messages
3,554,080
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top