Let's talk sliders

[Tejas]

I am looking for a set of sliders for my TRD Pro. My other half will drive this vehicle often, even to work from time to time so she asks that they have tread plates of some sort and not be completely open rail. I know I want DOM tubing, but should I care about the bump/kick-out, it seems very gimmicky to me but a lot of them have it. Angled up makes more sense to me from a perceived clearance standpoint and it's more aesthetically pleasing but flat sliders might be more usable as a step. I also see that some make the support rail that the steps mount to out of round tube while others use square, is there any benefit to the square because they always seem to be more expensive?!

RCI, C4, Bud Built, Hefty, RSG, Apex/AllPro, MetalTech/Outpost, White Knuckle, 4x4Labs, CBI, I am just so confused on which way to go and if one is better than the rest or worth the extra cash. What are your thoughts?

 

[str8flexed]

Personally I just ordered the RSG sliders, they will be here in several days. My decision was mostly based on aesthetics. There is also a $100 off code floating around.

From my research on here: angled sliders can still be usable as a step, but maybe slightly less so than flat ones. I did get angled ones.

Also - I got the tread plate on mine not necessarily to make it more step friendly, but to protect the body a bit from dirt/tires thrown up from the tires.

 

[JSparky]

There’s 3x options as far as general design go. First is a flat slider that mounts under the factory body and molding, second is one that mounts below the factory body but angles up, which constitutes the majority, the third removes the plastic trim/molding that lines the bottom of the body, these must mount straight out for obvious clearance reasons with the door.

Any of these should be had with top plates. The foremost will probably provide the best step for shorter folks. The later process the best clearance.

For what it’s worth, I’m 5’11” and find the latter the best as functional steps. I had bud built angle sliders previously, which would be a below the molding, angled up, slider, and they just got in the way all the time. That’s my experience thoUgh.

 

[Tejas]

There’s 3x options as far as general design go. First is a flat slider that mounts under the factory body and molding, second is one that mounts below the factory body but angles up, which constitutes the majority, the third removes the plastic trim/molding that lines the bottom of the body, these must mount straight out for obvious clearance reasons with the door.

Any of these should be had with top plates. The foremost will probably provide the best step for shorter folks. The later process the best clearance.

For what it’s worth, I’m 5’11” and find the latter the best as functional steps. I had bud built angle sliders previously, which would be a below the molding, angled up, slider, and they just got in the way all the time. That’s my experience thoUgh.

You are running 4x4 Labs sliders now?

 

[mrblah]

I don't find the bump outs gimmicky at all.. They will save you on the trail and in the mall parking lots.

I would also pay more for DOM tubing. If you are going to use your slider as jack points, it will not flex at all.

Whether or not you want angled or non angled is up to you. If you truly need a step, get the non angled sliders. The angle sliders don't really work well as a step for short people to get in and out of the vehicle IMHO, but all sliders work well as steps to get to the roof.

I'd go with tread plates, not only do they help as a step, it also acts like a mud/rock guard. HOWEVER, they suck in snow, meaning they will accumulate mud/slush/snow/ice.

In regards to square, vs round tubing, I'd go with a combination of both. Squared for the main body of the slider (for strength), and round for the outside portions for aesthetics.


I rock the white knuckle offload sliders made in DOM and with optional tread plates (that can be removed when needed), and they check all the above requirements, and their customer service was top notch.

 

[phillyd2]

As always it depends on exactly why you want sliders. Sounds like the main reasons are how they look and for the wife to use them as steps. If so, your choices are narrowed down to what look YOU like and what's the most functional step wise.

Sliders exist mostly to use off road to protect the truck. In that regard, bump outs are absolutely not gimmicky because they work exactly as designed.

I've got Budbuilt with bump outs and open only because of functionality. My kid was young when I got them and others commented that plates would be better for her to use as a step. Maybe so but it took her all of 3 seconds to learn where to put her small cute but smelly feet. I also use them as steps not only to get to the roof but also to get in. Many others would have worked better for that job but that's not why I got sliders.

So, what's the real criteria? Form or function? Aesthetics or performance? Only after that is honestly considered can answers follow.

 

[SR5Bart]

I have the RSG sliders and really like them. They do have an option for flat with tread plates on them. Worth looking into

https://rsgmetalworks.com/collections/5th-gen-4runner

 

[00Sebby]

I love the C4 sliders. I got mine when they first started making them and they have improved the design and robustness since then. They protect well, angle up for clearance, are strong enough to to lift the vehicle, and have step plates so I don't have to worry about my dog catching her leg between tubes when jumping in and out. I didn't have to remove the plastic trim on my Trail when installing. Also, you can get the TRD Pro logo in the rear step plates and DOM tubing is an option. I spray painted mine, which I like, because they are easy to keep touched up and I wanted them a different color than black.

 

[osugsxr]

I'm leaning towards the RSG angled sliders with top plate. I don't plan on major off roading, would like possible protection from parking lots.

 

[SlickTRD]

I'm leaning towards the RSG angled sliders with top plate. I don't plan on major off roading, would like possible protection from parking lots.

Sounds like you might be better off getting the flat slider with top plate since it would technically stick out more and have the added benefit of a flat step.

 

[Titanpat57]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/195991-consolidated-slider-info-thread.html

 

[jhguth]

it bugs me that almost no sliders align the square tube under the pinch weld so that if the sliders did deflect that would press against the weld instead of the rocker panel

 

[Turfboy]

How tall is your family? I have the angled All Pro Apex and they do not quite have enough drop for my wife for her to easily use as a step up and they do require a "step over" move. Fortunately, it is my car :biggrin2:

 

[Jarheadoo7]

I have shrockworks. They are flat with a plate and make a great step. Easy install and not too expensive.

 

[Tuc4R]

I'm running Avid Off Road sliders. I love them, they are a simple design but look badazz!

 

[mteolus]

I run the RCI 5 degree sliders with the step plate. Perfect for me. I ordered them directly from RCI with the black powdercoat, then painted the step plate red. High quality.

 

[Drillzzz]

I run the RCI 5 degree sliders with the step plate. Perfect for me. I ordered them directly from RCI with the black powdercoat, then painted the step plate red. High quality.

post a pic please! I was considering these but went with hem running board which look great as an interim solution

 

[mteolus]

Here you go. I'll get a better shot and post it after lunch.

 

[Mr.Franko]

Have you considered ShrockWorks sliders? They're in N. Houston, couple of hours from you, so it would save you the shipping.

 

[DigitalVex]

it bugs me that almost no sliders align the square tube under the pinch weld so that if the sliders did deflect that would press against the weld instead of the rocker panel

THIS. Can we have a consolidated thread of sliders that are "square" to the pinch weld? I have been trying to get a good idea of which sliders were engineered this way with little advance.