Question Installing All-Pro Offroad Sliders

[JordanLee]

Hey guys,

Just picked up a set of All Pro sliders from the last group buy for a smokin' deal. I received them a few weeks ago and noticed it never got bundled with the feet. Stupid me assumed that since they lump the 1st gen Tacoma and 3rd gen 4Runner sliders together, that feet were also welded to the tubes.

I checked online and clicked the 4Runner section and low and behold, no feet are actually included but they do come with the 90 degree gussets to weld on the upper section for support.

I called Brad at AP and actually found out that the 3rd gens dont include feet and that they aren't necessary. He stated that structurally, welding tubes to the frame with the gussets should suffice.

I am in no way doubting APs suggestion and Brad was absolutely fantastic to deal with for the entire process of the group buy. But has anyone ever welded tube direct to the frame before? My body shop and brief google search leads me to believe that welding feet (or scab plates) to the tubes before the chassis will greatly increase strength.

What are you guys' thoughts?

Photo of what I received (from another member):

 

[Mighty Buffalo]

I was going to post this in my own thread, but I just had these same sliders put on.







Haven't had the chance to really test them out yet. Ze at TacomaPros welded them on. He said it would be stronger with a foot plate, but that these would be plenty strong too.

 

[trailbikerider]

Realistically you will be PLENTY fine just welding the tubes directly to the frame. The strength of a weld is quite high, in fact the steel itself is more likely to break before your weld does (if it's welded correctly).

 

[Mighty Buffalo]

I should also mention that your foot could slip inside the open spot on the slider. You might consider the fill plates while they're still off your vehicle.

 

[kolelt]

I welded mine the first time without plates. It was strong. But you can actually see the frame wall flex when you bounced on it. I cut it off and welded plates

 

[Sean K.]

Put feet on them. The problem is that the 3rd Gen frames are much thinner than the 2nd Gens were....I've seen people rip out the frame where the tubes were just butt welded to the frame.

I'd recommend cutting round or fish-mouthed plates so that the welds on the frame distribute the load and don't create stress risers as straight cut plates would.