Rock Sliders Use Case

Greetings Tacomaworld,

I'm interested in gathering your thoughts on acquiring a set of rock sliders. I am looking to get the 4 wheel parts sliders for my double cab TRD Off Road, but I'm having a hard time committing to a decision. I have the oem predator steps and do occasional, recreational off roading. I am not looking to do extreme off roading. My Tacoma is my daily driver and maybe I go on trails every three or four months? The trails I do go to are researched in advance to just to be educated on the path I'll be traveling. But, even though some trails were rated as beginner, I still managed to hit the predator steps (got caught on a rock on one tight turn, another time approached an unavoidable deep rut going down hill caught a portion of the step). So, my mindset is that there is potential for unavoidable obstacles that could still be present even though every precaution is taken.

With that said, I'm also considering the weight of the sliders (about 80lbs each side) being added to the truck, and the potential for rust to develop in between the frame and the mounting points. Thinking ahead, I have a busy job and family duties and the thought of removing and maintaining annually would be doable, but unfavored. Another option that crossed my mind would be to just remove the steps before every outing. Six bolts is not that bad and I do use the steps. I have been reading through older threads related to the topic but couldn't find one that had my particular use case and considerations. Please share your thoughts.

Thank you.

 

I don’t really see a question there.

Where do you live that rust is a concern with rock sliders?

 

I would just remove those predator steps as they hang down so low. No sliders either based on what your truck use is. Keep it simple.

 

He mentioned using the steps.

But if steps are not needed, this is a good answer

 

steps are ugly, reduce clearance, rip threads, damage the body, get caught up on legs and rocks, waste money, and add no protection

Used sliders are $300
Add a jack point, collision protection, full length step surface, off road protection, look good, hold value better. And are within budget by having a cheaper vehicle with mods than an expensive vehicle stock.

they’re useful on trails period regardless of if it’s less than a trailered rig at a rock garden.

gave a few people rides on them like slow and controlled over water crossing because there wasn’t room inside and they wanted to.

you do what you want makes no difference to me.

 

I'm in California. I think my concern is any buildup in between the slider mount point and the frame. I'm figuring driving vibrations over time will eventually cause paint to wear and expose the metals, considering how the pieces would be tightly bolted together, it might have a hard time drying and start rusting?

 

The steps do get use, but I might consider this.

Thanks.

 

Valid points. Thanks.

 

lol, your 'worst' rotted out vehicle there counts as 'rust free' in the rust belt!

 

Rust from sliders would not be a concern of mine in CA

Unless you live right on the ocean, then maybe a small concern

Yes

 

Clean, then coat the frame rail and the backside of the slider mount with a thick layer of cosmoline.

 

The OCF 2 part sliders I have would be perfect for exactly what you are asking for. They ship in two parts and go together like tent pole. 99 pounds for the two of them and they came power coated and shipping for about 800 bucks, I think. Problem is I don't think you can find them anymore. I have bounced off a couple of obstacles, and saved the rocker panels, a couple of times. No way I would go rock crawling type of stuff with them but they sure are perfect for what I need them. Anyways, maybe you can find some sliders like these somewhere.

 

Find a photo with some mile on them. I just putt around in the desert so really all I need. This is from summertime, cruising around in the desert.

 

I’m in Southern California and have not taken mine off or repainted them since they were new in early 2018. If you’re local here, you should see Ryan @Shmellmopwho - he builds great ones and installs them locally near Long Beach. Mine are just the tubes that I use as steps all the time, but he also puts step inserts on them as well.

 

https://greenlaneoffroad.com/3rd-gen-toyota-tacoma/tacoma-hybrid-aluminum-sliders

https://jdfabrication.com/collectio...ts/tacoma-rock-sliders?variant=40899595468915

they're a little pricey and goes up but it is an option. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

these look the same for $270 new

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/4-whe...rs-with-rear-kickouts-61648w/_/R-4WPBR-61648W

 

Sup dude, there’s a couple of us in California that build sliders. There’s @GHOST SHIP at sfv, @Shmellmopwho at Long Beach and myself in Ventura. And that’s a really sweet deal on the 4WP sliders someone posted in here. Cheers my dude.