Installing sliders...

Hey everyone,

My friend's Ranger recently got rocker panel damage off-roading, a wake-up call for my Tacoma. I'd been eyeing rock sliders, and that settled it. I do a bit of off-roading, and accidents happen.

4X Innovations impressed me with their sliders' strength. I went with the weld-on style to avoid drilling my frame. After finding a local welder, the cost ended up being roughly the same as bolt-on anyway. They're here! Excited to install them soon.

Protected underside = peace of mind on the trails. Worth it compared to rocker panel repair. Plus, they'll look great!
Anyone running 4X Innovations sliders? Share your thoughts!

 

If you’re not using them as “rock slider” then bolt on will be fine. Strength and sturdiness can’t be match with weld on

 

That's what I was thinking when I decided to go with weld on. Plus I saw their demo videos where they drop the DOM tubing version several feet onto a boulder and barely scratched the thing really impressed me.

 

HREW is plenty. You’re paying extra for DOM because if you’re able to crack HREW, something else will happen to the truck

 

True, I am sure, but it was not that much more, and they had one with DOM tubing ready to go, so I just went with it. The welds look great, and their price was still less than others with HREW tubing, so unless it is heavier, I think I will be happy.

 

If you're investing in sliders because you're worried about damage, have you replaced the stock skid plate. If your doing any 4 wheeling where you could cause damage, I'd look at replacing that stock skid plate. It's okay for gravel and forestry roads, but nothing hard core.

 

Eventually I will get to that, but at least with the stock skid plate I have some protection. I see the sliders protecting me from body damage in narrow places, one of the key advantages these little trucks have.
Honestly I had the stock skid plate off to clean it up and repaint it, and for something out of the factory it struck me as fairly beefy. One thing at a time!

 

A front tube bumper may be my next thing. The only issue it that I want to keep the weight down, so I need to be selective.

 

I'm not a fan of tube. They expose too much stuff, and everything sticks out like an eyesore, but everyone has their own taste.

TG/AP are the most common. I think they have a sale currently:
TG w/ stinger
Rock Defense Front Tacoma Bumper - 95-04
TG w/out stigner
1995-2004 Tacoma Rock Defense Low Profile Front Bumper
AP Baja w/out stinger
1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma All-Pro Baja Series Front Bumper
AP Baja w/ stinger
1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma All-Pro Baja Series Front Bumper

The good thing is, you can probably pick up in person (Fresno, CA) and save the shipping cost.

 

Yup I've got 4x sliders. Was weird because at first they sent reach plates that didn't all... reach. Added anti-slip 3M sheets to them for standing on

 

Ya, I do agree, and I have not decided yet. Plate bumpers look a little better, but they are a bit heaver for a similar amount of protection.

 

I got partial plates on mine and they came with hefty dimples. No chance of sliding with those.

 

Just thought I would follow up with some pictures if anyone is considering 4x Innovations sliders. The welding took some time. It would have been nice to have the cross members pre-welded, but then there would have been less flexibility. As it is I shortened them by about an inch to tuck the sliders in a little more (I felt they stuck out to far otherwise). I did not loose any clearance. All in all quite happy.