Rock Sliders vs Steps

Howdy, all. I picked up a set of OEM steps for my DCSB. Unfortunately, once I popped the thread caps under my truck, the bolt holes appear to be so rusted that I'm not sure WD40 and a thread tap will make it work. So now I'm looking at rock sliders, something that will function as both sliders but also stick out far enough to serve as steps.

My question: do they secure to the truck differently than the steps? I mean, I would imagine they depend on the manufacturer, but I'm guessing there are a few that bolt to the frame rail instead of under the door. Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations?

 

Sliders will bolt or weld to the frame. That is why they have the structural integrity to actually handle the trucks weight on rocks. Side steps attached to the rockers below the doors would not offer any real protection for sliding across rocks or give you the ability to jack the truck up from them. They would bend or cause the rockers or hardware to fail.

 

Do most sliders protrude far enough to serve as steps, or would I have to explore both options?

 

No, not all sliders are the same. Some protrude more than others.

@WrecklessAbandon just got rid of his Caliraised sliders, because they barely protruded from the trucks rocker panel.

 

Some do some don't. Many have the option for filler plates that allow them to be used as "running boards" but they are going to be higher than typical running boards since they hug the rockers. They are about 3X the cost of good side steps, but they offer actual protection. I don't NEED sliders, so I have predator steps to help my kids and wife in and out. I'd rather have sliders but can't justify the cost since I don't currently wheel my truck in a way that would cause rocker damage.

 

Depends on what you get--some sliders come angled, which make them more difficult to use as a step while others come flat or 0 degrees. Look for one of those that are 0 degrees.

 

Caliraised are up tight to the body for maximum clearance...not so great for steps

 

My sliders look like this. Kickout pushes me away from trees and rocks. It worked real well for me out in MOAB. Plenty of stepping room. However, this was a local build in Kansas.

 

OP, just be aware that even if the sliders come out far enough to use as steps, they're usually only a few inches below the door anyways. Much higher than a normal step would be

 

Real sliders attach to the frame. Steps will bolt to the body. I have sliders on my truck that can be used as steps also.

 

You had me going until that last line. Darn! I'll look around but may have to reach out to someone local. I doubt your fellow would be keen on sharing the plans?

 

As stated above, sliders are meant to be stepped over, not on. They are designed to be as high as possible for max clearance. Steps split the difference and hang lower.

 

That's perfect. I'm not really looking for ease of ingress/egress with steps; I have a roof rack that would be much more easily utilized if I had something to stand on other than my door frames lol

Do you happen to have a link to where you got yours? I'm a fan!

 

Also you will spend approximately $700 to $1000 on sliders.

 

Now that I can sell the steps I bought, I'll have an extra $100 or so to go toward sliders lol

 

Unfortunately these are Pelfreybilt. They are no longer in business after stealing from their customers

 

Who says that? I step on mine all the time. Pretty useful as a step if you ask me. Are they as good as a step as a designed step is? Not really, but I think our trucks are too low for steps anyway. Steps make it an awkward two short steps into the trucks. It's like going up stairs that are too low. I don't like it. Sliders are a little higher, but still allow you step up to the height of the truck before going in. I don't know. I never have problems but everyone else seems to complain about getting in their truck. So maybee I'm the weird one.

 

I'm not saying you can't step on them, I'm just saying that most are designed high and tight so as to provide protection but not to be in the way.

 

I'd check out C4 Fab. I just got a set of their sliders and you can order them with the optional steps. Personally, they look sharp as hell and I just got a set in a week ago.

 

My mobtown sliders stick enough to be used as a step but because they are only slightly below the rocker panel I think they actually make it harder to get in and out of the truck. I do wheel my truck and the sliders have ready paid for themselves. It’s all about trade offs.