Long term effects of sliders on the frame?

[BurghRunner]

Thinking of adding bolt on sliders. Has anyone noticed frame rust accumulating on the frame due to the sliders? Most sliders have a plate that meets the frame which could create a pocket for moisture to develop. As with all rust related questions, your vehicle's location will have a large factor on rust.

Perhaps someone who has taken them off after a few years to repaint or repowder could tell us what they noticed.

Thanks as always.

 

[larrylegend]

Thinking of adding bolt on sliders. Has anyone noticed frame rust accumulating on the frame due to the sliders? Most sliders have a plate that meets the frame which could create a pocket for moisture to develop. As with all rust related questions, your vehicle's location will have a large factor on rust.

Perhaps someone who has taken them off after a few years to repaint or repowder could tell us what they noticed.

Thanks as always.

I planned to put some grease behind my slider plates prior to bolting them on. I thought about trying to use sealant to seal the perimeter of the plates to keep moisture/salt/etc out but I realized that there are other areas that would allow moisture to get behind the plates. I thought that the grease would give me the best chance to keep moisture out, and if needed, I could just loosen the sliders in a few years and add more.

 

[ZiaMan]

I would think bedliner on the mating surfaces would prevent this. This is off the top of my head, no research done idea.

 

[Jetboy]

I think the easiest way to prevent any issues would be to use a sheet of clear bra and just cut squares to fit where it mounts. It's pretty cheap for square universal sheet of it. I keep a few patches of it in my tool kit in case I have to carry something that would rub the paint. I just stick it on and pull it off when I'm done. I've never taken sliders off any vehicle I've put them on.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I kinda doubt much water will collect behind the plates so I don't think there will be much rust. Spray paint your frame well if you want and bolt those puppies on there.

If you are really worried about rust, I would paint it real thick, let it dry for a couple days, then apply a very thin layer of grease because most of it will squeeze out anyway and you don't want it to take up space between the frame and plates after you tighten the bolts because it will just wash out of there and you will have loose sliders.

Here in Kansas I would just bolt them on and check behind them on a yearly basis when you already have them off to touchup paint them.

 

[Spudgey]

Has anyone ever considered using flex seal or a rubberized paint?

I think a shot of rustoleum on the mating surfaces and then after it dries some of the rubberized paint and you should be pretty good to go.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Haven't seen any rust between mine and I've had them on for a few years.