School me: Bolt-On vs. Weld-On sliders

Everyone has their preference, but why did YOU choose bolt-on or weld-on sliders?

As you can see below... Its time to make the choice.

 

I chose RCI bolt on sliders because they were easy to install, required no drilling and could be removed if needed.

They are rated for and I've used them as a jack point many times. Awesome product that sits tight to the truck and has a kick out that has been well used also.

I'm happy that they were my first piece of armor. I've done likely 10k miles of off road with stock skids and they were quite customized by the time i just added rci front and mid skids. But if i didn't have sliders, i would've surely had body damage.

 

I wanted DIY, and while I have some very basic experience in welding, I was not going to be welding on my frame nor does permanent welding of my frame sound appealing to me.

I like my sliders high, tight and made of DOM.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/all-pro-apex-bolt-on-sliders.450494/

 

I bought bolt on, mainly didn't want to weld onto my frame, they have worked well, and have done their job, even saved me when I got t-boned a year ago in the winter, guy in car hit my slider instead of the side of my door/bed, worth every penny.

on a side note, I installed some OME Dakar's last week, the front spring bushing bolt on the stock spring was so tight I couldn't break it loose with a small impact or a breaker bar, unfortunately I couldn't get a large impact into the space between the slider and the bolt, luckily they were bolt on so I had to spend an extra hour getting them off, but who knows if I could of broke that bolt free without the large impact, so that was an unforeseen instance where the ability to take them off in the future really helps. I probably would have been screwed if they were weld on. When I took them off there was some rust between where the slider and frame touched, so I am gonna clean that up and re-paint, that might be an extra maintenance thing people don't really talk about, but you might have the same issue with weld-on's if you don't seal weld it or something, bolt ons you can take off and re-paint the frame every so often, idk... just my 2 cents

 

Weld on are stronger while bolt on are more user friendly as the previous posts have stated.

I personally don't see too many users putting their bolt ons to the point where it's an issue but that's my understanding of it. I went with bolt on in case I ever want to remove them for maintenance or sale. Yes, you could grind a weld, but if you have ever done it then you know how fun it isn't to do.

Another thing to consider is if there are any recall issues dealing with the frame in the future, you are pretty much screwed with weld ons. Just another out on there part. Plus, the cost of installation is more when you pay someone to weld them for you. I like welding, but I'm not nearly good enough for a job like that.

 

I chose bolt on because of commitment issues. They are plenty strong and have been tested pivoting off of small boulders at Slickrock. The newer BAMF bolt on sliders are even stronger. I have the older style with 3 mounting points. Nothing bad to say about weld on though. BAMF is only 45 min from the city so you'll save on shipping. I'd also go with the DOM outer tubing. Didn't know I needed it at the time, but they have no dents after many impacts.

Nice Flippac btw.

 

Like the others, and with all the frame issues we taco owners are subjected to, i figured welding wasnt a good idea for me, plus when i ready to get a newer taco, i can move all my stuff to the newer one. I got the mobtown sliders and couldnt be happier, i chose them specifically because they use DOM tube and i like the way they wrap around the frame, not just bolted to it. Granted, i didnt look as close at some others, they may install the same way. The other reason for mobtown, i was in the area so i could pick them up and save on shippig.

 

I went with bolt on sliders because it was an easier option for me to put them on as I don't own any welding equipment and so I ended up with some SOS sliders and have been happy and satisfied with them.

 

Bolt on do tend to weigh more because of all the extra metal. Bolt on are usually at least 120 lbs for a pair while weld can be as low as 90 lbs. Not a huge difference of course but it all adds up.

I'm still undecided myself but as others have said welding to the frame is more costly and then worries about future frame recalls. I'm leaning towards bolt on myself these days.

Nice Flip-Pac!

 

Thanks. Reached out to BAMF yesterday. Looks like a great option.

 

I went with bolt on from @Pelfreybilt for all of the reasons mentioned above. They do cost more and weigh more, but life is a compromise.

I'm very happy with my choice.

 

Went with weld on by brute force fab. In the slider kit I was given gussets and frame plates where the sliders would be welded on. I chose this option as it was cheaper and lighter. Welding on the frame was not bad for me, just had to remove some plastics clips holding hard lines. No biggie

 

I like our bolt on. We took an improved approach over what everyone else does to offer the strongest bolt-on option on the market. Almost as strong as weld on sliders.

 

I did t realize the Pelfreys were that much heavier. What's the weight difference from other leading brands?

I went Pelfrey because they are local and saved the shipping cost. They are stout to say the least though.

 

Ours:

Double Cab Short Bed w/ Hardware 140lbs (Add 12lbs for Fill Plates)

Double Cab Long Bed w/ Hardware 163lbs (Add 14lbs for Fill Plates)

 

I meant bolt on is heavier and more expensive than weld on - regardless of manufacturer.

 

With weld-on you can compensate for a body lift and weld them up higher for more ground clearance. It actually makes a pretty big difference to add another .5 - 1.5" depending on body lift amount.

 

Guess I'm the cheap ass in the group. I went with the trail gear bolt on sliders from 4Wheel Parts. At $300 and FREE shipping it was an easy decision. They arrived on a pallet and are sitting in my garage waiting to get coated. They even came with grade 8 mounting hardware. I could literally buy two sets of them for what it would have cost me to get other sliders. The steel used on these appears to be the same as most other types. I should have them mounted up next week.

 

I'd choose Door Number 6.......both of them.

 

Im a fan of Trail Gear... but i didnt want to have to drill my frame and i liked how the mobtowns encapsulate the frame.