Consolidated Slider Info Thread

[Angelo]

Has anyone actually broken a slider or had a slider fail it's intended purpose?

I'm sure it's happened, but I also have yet to hear or read of a true failure of any sliders on this site either DIY or company made. Pick the ones you like best and / or best suited to your use.

 

[rageandlove]

Has anyone actually broken a slider or had a slider fail it's intended purpose?

New 4runner owner - I do my research so I've read 100's of posts and experiences about at least a dozen slider types (this thread is great!).

I've been looking closely at the mounting methods and whether they wrap the frame or have a flat plate, how many supports, gussets etc.

However I'm wondering if perhaps the strength argument is academic and they're all strong enough for what they're intended to do.

So to that end I'm wondering if anyone has found user testimonial about a bolt-on 4runner slider failure where the slider bent/broke and/or body damage was done that could have been avoided. (Yes I've searched, and I've come up with nothing, thus the question - maybe there are no failures and they're all strong enough more or less, so it's just pick the appearance/features that I like best which would simplify the decision).

There is a youtube video I stumbled across where some guy tested two types of sliders by dropping them 18-24 inches onto rocks. Like hoist the side of the car that high into the air and let them drop.

None of them "broke" - the damage ranged from scrapes to some bends in the slider.

I think your conclusion is accurate. They are all incredibly strong if designed properly.

EDIT: here you go: YouTube

 

[MAST4R]

Has anyone actually broken a slider or had a slider fail it's intended purpose?

New 4runner owner - I do my research so I've read 100's of posts and experiences about at least a dozen slider types (this thread is great!).

I've been looking closely at the mounting methods and whether they wrap the frame or have a flat plate, how many supports, gussets etc.

However I'm wondering if perhaps the strength argument is academic and they're all strong enough for what they're intended to do.

So to that end I'm wondering if anyone has found user testimonial about a bolt-on 4runner slider failure where the slider bent/broke and/or body damage was done that could have been avoided. (Yes I've searched, and I've come up with nothing, thus the question - maybe there are no failures and they're all strong enough more or less, so it's just pick the appearance/features that I like best which would simplify the decision).

Intended purpose, it depends, it is all about the details. Sliders can cause damage to pinch weld, plastics. The body flexes against the frame and the two edges of the sliders are weak spots. I don't care for the rear but I had a second front leg welded to my pax side Shrock slider. The driver side will be next (when time allows).

If I were choosing sliders again, I would be looking for more extensive underneath wrap and I would also pay attention to how the very front end of the inner tube is made, specifically its location vs the pinch weld. If it gets under the pinch weld, that's a spot of likely contact during a hard drop due to little clearance.

 

[Mot krig]

Hey, this is a great thread. Very educational. I'm wondering if anyone has come across sliders that look like the victory sliders, but with a full top plate.

Most of the options are flashy with lots of features. Too many little gaps to clean. Thank you in advance.

 

[MAST4R]

There is a youtube video I stumbled across where some guy tested two types of sliders by dropping them 18-24 inches onto rocks. Like hoist the side of the car that high into the air and let them drop.

None of them "broke" - the damage ranged from scrapes to some bends in the slider.

I think your conclusion is accurate. They are all incredibly strong if designed properly.

EDIT: here you go: YouTube

Those are the 4X Innovations, right? They tested DOM vs HREW. Their design is very, very strong. Lots of wrap and big side plates, too. I would not expect most sliders to do that well, including mine.

I wanted those--they are priced right, too, at least discounted well at times--but I also wanted a fully functional step for kids, parents, etc.

Their HREW slider was fine for a 12in drop, I mean more than that is like a crash or something a 5th gen should not be doing (yet!).

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Shrockworks

Shrockworks 3 tube, angled up, satin black powder coated sliders. 45 lbs. each. Clean, simple and close to the body sliders. Don’t get much in the way getting in and out. Probably the closest to body true slider that I know of. I really like them.

 

[710Runner]

Does anyone know a company that ships cheap or free ? I’m rooming for sliders on my 5th gen I live in Hawaii on Oahu and everywhere I’ve looked shipping is nearly or more than the sliders them selfs I under stand they are heavy and it would be a big box but 5/6 hundred on shipping hurts what other options do I have does anyone know someone who fabs them locally in my area ?

 

[HurricanePDX]

I found this thread super helpful and wanted to do my part to contribute for future slider shoppers out there...

Went with Metal Tech 4x4 Sliders. Wanted something sleek, durable, has to be a decent step for my lady, being able to pick it up locally to avoid shipping cost was a major plus. Easy install, bolted right to the frame with no issues. I do have a follow-up question for them which I'll update once I hear back

 

[Veridian]

Great thread! The first thing I'm looking to do to my 4runner is invest in some sliders, for the protection and I do have someone vertically challenged who is complaining every time they get in the car.

I've been going through a lot of the manufacturers listed in this thread, and looks like you guys need to update something.

4x Innovations is listed as being weld only, but they apparently now have a bolt on option.

2014 - 2018 4Runner Bolt On Rock Slider

Product announcement video:

YouTube

Now, I've looked at a number of install videos, and seen pictures here on this forum. The following link is their install video. It seems... really over engineered. I mean to a point you'd want that, right? Just seems so much more involved than other bolt on install videos I've seen.

YouTube

 

[dade73]

Here are my Mobtownoffroad sliders, powder coated and mounted.

 

[mr.walleye]

seems to me most people go for some sort of plate on the top of the slider, is there a reason for it? I went the opposite direction and stayed with the RSG angled tube slider (no plate) because I figured it'd be easier to clean the mud off. I have some claw marks I need to fix my dog made on the passenger door at the bottom before I install them. but when I do I'll post a few photos.

 

[Stephencovar]

Are there any rock sliders that look like the N-Fab Nerf Bar and Predator Tub Steps? I really like the way the look but I am also looking for functionality. Please let me know if I'm missing the point of rock sliders, I am still educating myself on off road.

P.S. I am not planning on doing any extreme off roading but I am planning on taking my baby out on some trails, Mojave Desert and Alabama Hills.

 

[MAST4R]

Are there any rock sliders that look like the N-Fab Nerf Bar and Predator Tub Steps? I really like the way the look but I am also looking for functionality. Please let me know if I'm missing the point of rock sliders, I am still educating myself on off road.

P.S. I am not planning on doing any extreme off roading but I am planning on taking my baby out on some trails, Mojave Desert and Alabama Hills.

Need is a strong word except on a dedicated trail rig that does very hard terrain.

They are generally just an insurance in most cases, even on regular difficult trails. They waste quite a bit of ground clearance so you may think they saved you when you would not have hit without them. But one true bad hit and they will pay for themselves. If you are inexperienced and want to go straight to harder stuff, they will make sense even in limited use.

Shrockworks step sliders look like a factory part with superb powder coat. Just make sure you do use all holes as per the instructions (requires drilling one hole on pax front side for proper strength).

Btw, I hit my rear lower control arm bracket skids (esp pax side) on steps and bigger rocks way harder than anything else. Those are cheap skids, too, well worth it.

 

[kmeeg]

I went with RSG flat sliders. Now my kiddo has much better step to get in and out..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6a5PvRyjn4&feature=youtu.be

 

[Signal]

Is there a true advantage of the kickout? I know the reason for it but I have no intentions of rock crawling my 4runner. The prices are the same for the version with the kickout and without.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

Is there a true advantage of the kickout? I know the reason for it but I have no intentions of rock crawling my 4runner. The prices are the same for the version with the kickout and without.

I find that it makes a nice step for getting things off the rack

 

[TodiN]

Are these (pictured) sliders or not

Hi,

I've seen these on the road and I wonder if they are steps or sliders...

 

[arehman11]

Hi,

I've seen these on the road and I wonder if they are steps or sliders...

Those are OEM running boards for the trail/TRD model

 

[TodiN]

Those are OEM running boards for the trail/TRD model

Thanks

Interesting, maybe Trail because I have TRD OR and I don't have these

 

[arehman11]

Thanks

Interesting, maybe Trail because I have TRD OR and I don't have these

There's a few different options available and are all port installed for the most part. Mine came with tube steps.