Sliders, need, pros & cons?

[jjdbike]

Hey everyone.
I have a '11 SR5. No locker or crawl. I'm doing some mods. So far, full weather tech package , crossbars, inter-cooler, front hitch. I'm also lifting 2 1/2", tires etc. It's a commuter, beach (surf-fisher) runner, road-tripper, occasionally jeep/ camp roads. In a handful of years (2-5) we'll move to San Diego CA area and can see running mountain roads and running desert. Would that use benifit from sliders or would it be a waste of $ & weight? I have no interest in rock crawling or highly technical or seriously remote wheelin.

Should I save the $ & weight or spend the extra and install sliders? By the way? What is the relationship between the need for sliders and skid plates?

I'm comparing n-Fabs steps & sliders. N-fabs turn out to be 1/2 the price of sliders after customizing for steps, powder coating & shifting. N-Fabs make a better steps (access to roof-rack) are lighter vs sliders being heavier. Does fuel economy take a hit? Other than price, are there any downsides to sliders (e.g service/ maintenance challenge, etc)?
I greatly appreciate any additional info.
Thanks
JD

 

[RedRunner_87]

Hey everyone.
I have a '11 SR5. No locker or crawl. I'm doing some mods. So far, full weather tech package , crossbars, inter-cooler, front hitch. I'm also lifting 2 1/2", tires etc. It's a commuter, beach (surf-fisher) runner, road-tripper, occasionally jeep/ camp roads. In a handful of years (2-5) we'll move to San Diego CA area and can see running mountain roads and running desert. Would that use benifit from sliders or would it be a waste of $ & weight? I have no interest in rock crawling or highly technical or seriously remote wheelin.

Should I save the $ & weight or spend the extra and install sliders? By the way? What is the relationship between the need for sliders and skid plates?

I'm comparing n-Fabs steps & sliders. N-fabs turn out to be 1/2 the price of sliders after customizing for steps, powder coating & shifting. N-Fabs make a better steps (access to roof-rack) are lighter vs sliders being heavier. Does fuel economy take a hit? Other than price, are there any downsides to sliders (e.g service/ maintenance challenge, etc)?
I greatly appreciate any additional info.
Thanks
JD

I smashed up my rocker panels on my ZJ off-roading. I was open diff on it but played some-what in the rocks. I am getting them on my 4Runner to minimize the risk of smashing them. I don't plan rock crawling the 4Runner but you never know when you are going to get in a situation on the trails where you can potentially hit the rocker panels.

 

[volkinator]

From what you've described, the Nfab's should be fine, but it's really all up to you. If your on the forest road and a tree or rock is in the way... will you go over, or turn around? Also, sliders come in handy in tight spots to protect the doors as well (and those clumsy civic drivers in parking lots) But yes, they're $$$ and heavy. From your needs you could definitely get away with HREW vs DOM to save a little cost. Also, it depends on if you'll be doing it yourself. I think trail gear sells them cheaper but you weld the supports yourself which is nice so you can keep them flat as a step... and you can add plates to fill the voids... lots of options really

 

[Unner]

For whatever it's worth I really like my Shrockworks sliders with the step plates welded in. They offer offroad protection, it helps shorter people get in (Even I use them at 5'11"), easy roof rack access, door ding protection, and they look awesome. Sliders are usually tucked up closer to the body than other regular step bars too which looks much better I think. After having sliders on this truck I plan on any future trucks of mine having them as well.

They are pricey and heavy yes, but you gotta pay to play sometimes. Unless you know a guy who can make them for you or you have the skills yourself. Then you're golden.

 

[comtn4x4]

Sliders were the first thing I added. Great as a step too. I run the OPOR sliders with dimple die and love them

 

[KaliKid]

I like the look of sliders and who knows it could save you or convince you to get into a more sticky situation than you would have without them knowing you have the comfort of a slider and not straight to your rocker panel... At the very least it could save your doors parking close to someone else.. door dings on an 11' would hurt.

 

[SKP-4R]

N-fabs will drastically lower ground clearance when going off-road. I would go with the best set of sliders that have a good side step. OPOR makes a great set at an affordable price. Shrockworks also makes a great set however they have very long lead times and are also on the pricier side. IMO, unless you plan on doing ZERO offroading I would avoid Nfab.

Hey everyone.
I have a '11 SR5. No locker or crawl. I'm doing some mods. So far, full weather tech package , crossbars, inter-cooler, front hitch. I'm also lifting 2 1/2", tires etc. It's a commuter, beach (surf-fisher) runner, road-tripper, occasionally jeep/ camp roads. In a handful of years (2-5) we'll move to San Diego CA area and can see running mountain roads and running desert. Would that use benifit from sliders or would it be a waste of $ & weight? I have no interest in rock crawling or highly technical or seriously remote wheelin.

Should I save the $ & weight or spend the extra and install sliders? By the way? What is the relationship between the need for sliders and skid plates?

I'm comparing n-Fabs steps & sliders. N-fabs turn out to be 1/2 the price of sliders after customizing for steps, powder coating & shifting. N-Fabs make a better steps (access to roof-rack) are lighter vs sliders being heavier. Does fuel economy take a hit? Other than price, are there any downsides to sliders (e.g service/ maintenance challenge, etc)?
I greatly appreciate any additional info.
Thanks
JD

 

[delloro]

I have no interest in rock crawling or highly technical or seriously remote wheelin.

Then no.

 

[berrow]

I got a 4th gen adn just got custom sliders mounted on before hitting up some trails. Ended up sliding off a rock and dropping about a foot onto my slider. Little dent in my slider, but it sure as hell saved my rockers.

 

[LandCruiser]

Sliders add weight and most of them stick out far enough that you'll be buffing them with your pants legs. They're also slick as snot when wet, so they can't be used as steps unless they're modified with skateboard tape or some other grippy stuff.

Bumpers, sliders, aftermarket skid plates all add considerable weight, so you may want to make sure that you get heavier springs IF you plan on adding all that stuff.

 

[bmodo16]

I have a 97 and I am going to be making my own sliders. Never had them on my Jeep but had nerf bars on my Samurai and loved the protection. I had alot of rot on the rocker panels on the runner so Im doing them to keep the rockers safe.