Rock Sliders?

So my 07 rocker panels are pretty rotten, plus it doesn't seem like a great idea to mount steps on that anyway...
Should I look into some cheap rock sliders?
If I do get them, Id like to get bolt-on so I can move them if I have to do other work on the truck, opinions?
Any specific recommendations (Chicago) (cheap, I just need a step for my girls)?
Also, I helped my friend who is a welder (very fancy gates and such), he thinks maybe just fabricate and some bolt-on frame brackets and weld to my existing, barely hanging on, nerf bars, and it sounds like he'd trade me for the work I did.

07 Taco, Double cab short bed 4wd 4l, new-ish frame.

 

Step bars bolt into threaded holes on the body underneath the truck. I would hope yours are in fine condition.
They're supposed to be about $200 max.

Sliders on the other hand, are usually $700-1000+, unless you buy them used at which point they're likely rusty and could use a refinish; a powdercoating shop quoted me $400 and never did it. I want to try chipping the rust off and putting on POR-15, which is more impossible to do with them bolted on the truck. They're a PITA to install.
Bolt in is said to be better than weld on, as it's removable.

Comparing brands, some have more attachment coverage for strength than others, with the most being I believe RCI

More desireable is usually 15deg tilt up, rear kickout, dimple fill plates
I use mine to step all the time. Bought them cheap used.

But if you look at new ones they will cost more because unlike a step bar, it also functions as strong armor. It's also heavier and may reduce MPG.
They bolt to the frame. Shipping is a concern too; it could be $200 freight if it's not local.

I think some places used to offer cheaper metal HREW said to be almost as strong, but I don't think they do that any more. More common seems to be DOM-only.
You can always keep an eye out, periodically check classifieds, and hopefully at some point find some used, hopefully not too far of a drive or pain to ship.

I personally wouldn't even scour junkyards. I bet they'll only have wrecked Tacos with step bars. A taco with a guy putting rock sliders on it is armored and probably still on the road.

 

If you have a friend who is willing to help with welding, 4x Innovations makes a weld-it-yourself kit of real rock sliders that are very reasonably priced. Going this route you can choose the angle and make them more of a step instead of a tilted slider.

https://www.4xinnovations.com/2005--2023-Tacoma-Regular-Cab-Rock-Slider_p_76.html

They also have bolt-on pre-welded sliders. I have these, they are very strong. They will tilt up slightly and function less as a step, but you can still use them that way. You could try calling them up and ask for a more flat angle, they are pretty easy to reach and work with.

https://www.4xinnovations.com/2005-2015-Tacoma-Bolt-On-Sliders--ACLB-or-DCSB_p_171.html

And they are located in Platteville, Wisconsin so it's not all that far away. You can even pick up onsite if you wanted to take a road trip.