The Fellowship of PNW Tacomas | PDX Area Wheeling

Okay, this may be a really dumb question...

I bought some rock sliders/steps, and I was expecting them to bolt to the actual frame and extend out, but these actually bolt into the cab, just behind the pinch welds...

You think they will be sufficient for some light OHV trails?

EDIT: added photos, but they don't show how they're attached to the truck, I'll get those in the morning






EDIT 2: here's the install instructions that show how they were installed

 

where'd you get them from? Ive never heard of rock sliders that don't bolt or weld to the frame

 

Okay... I figured out where I went wrong... FML... Don't laugh.

I bought running boards, not actual rock sliders... Lol

 

Well upside is Tacoma parts sell super quick or maybe you can return them if sliders are what you're looking for. A few brands I've seen around from the guys here have been RCI, Metaltech(Oregon local company), and CaliRaised to name a few. There are a lot more of them though. Good luck with your search

 

So I am correct in thinking that "rock sliders" bolt to the actual steel frame the cab sits on top of?

Not bolted into the cab just behind the pinch welds like these are attached, right?

I haven't been on any OHV trails like you guys have in the photos, so I'm not 100% sure what I'm getting myself into, but do you think would be sufficient for protecting the cab on some of the lighter stuff you guys do here?

I bought these off Amazon,

$434 APS Black 6"es Tubular Drop Down Style Nerf Bars Running Boards Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2005-2023 Double Crew Cab

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQHNJYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_voc6FbR00BVMH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

Those won't be enough to protect your truck off road. They might even cause more damage to your cab in the event they come into contact with the ground/stump/tree/large rock, etc.

They look like a great side step, but if you're looking for protection you need rock sliders. They will bolt to the frame itself. Lots of companies make them and they do cost a bit more than the side steps.

 

Okay. My wife is really pushing me to put a canopy on instead of the current tonneau cover. Anyone have a canopy and can give feedback on the pros and cons?
I like to get off road and am trying not to kill my MPG. Those two things along with the fact I just lifted it and didn’t account for ever putting a canopy on have me a little hesitant. Thanks.

 

Bummer... I was wondering about that as I was bolting them on, something didn't seem right haha.

Definitely do not want to cause more damage!

I'll probably pull them off in the morning

 

@FashTaco

 

All depends on where you plan to take the truck. Something else to consider, rock sliders are not great for the purposes of a side step.

 

Well, I do want to hit some of those trails I saw you guys posting earlier in the thread, but I don't really have plans of doing any crazy rock climbing.

I would like to have some sort of a "step" since the truck is quite lifted, and I'd like my wife to be able to get in and out. I've seen you can buy like a grippy tape on the top to make it less slippery in muddy/wet conditions, and figured worst case scenario I could always rhino-line the rock sliders haha

To avoid repeating the same mistakes I made with my LS2 maybe I should wait till a meet, explain what I'm looking to do and start there lol

I've read it around the forums here a lot, "go do shit, you'll find the trucks shortcomings and will have something to work towards" haha

 

I can tell you one thing for sure... your wife is gonna be happier with the side steps you have now.

 

There are some great sliders that function well as a step too. I use mine all the time for washing the top of the truck. My wife and kids can use them easily to get in and out. Even after lifting it, I haven’t heard any complaints. I have metal tech, which is in Newberg Oregon. They are frame mounted.

 

My wife didn’t seem interested at all in the off-road protection of the sliders but when I told her they can help protect the truck from people hitting it with their doors if they park to close she really liked that lol

 

Yours actually look pretty good; I'm not too fussy with the look, for me functionality supercedes fashion.

That said, I have two questions; are they available for 2nd gen, and how much did they run you?

I think I'm still gonna suck it up and wait for my first meet to go over ideas and get suggestions. Right now it's just a daily driver and I don't have any truck buddies yet haha

 

https://www.metaltech4x4.com/metal-tech-2005-15-tacoma-sliders/
they do make them for a 2nd gen. I bought mine on a memorial days sale and Saved a decent amount.

 

Nice set of steps. But dont pretend that they will protect your truck. Ive heard of them doing more damage than good. But I do wonder if they would have helped on my last trip out. LOL Or at least hidden the damage a bit.

 

I have seen them do more damage. Instead of protecting the truck, they can be a lower hanging spot to get caught on. Since they’re attached to the cab, the just push in and dent the rocker panels. It’s very unfortunate.

 

I love having the soft fold up canopy, but I hate a few things about the Bestop truck 2. Go with the Softtopper if you go this route. And grab a screen rear panel. The plastic window cracks if it gets cold.

 

Say, BTW. I have a set of Tiger side step bars and the front bar wrapped up nice and neat if anyone would like to buy them LOL