Welding my Sliders? Good or Bad?

If it was my ride, I would probably go with a bolt on setup. My reasoning would be, welding the chassis could jeopardize the structural integrity and if for any reason the welds ever crack, having to weld over the same area will just make it that much more weak and even more prone to crack again. If you don't live in an area where you will be slamming up against some rocks on any kind of a basis why not go with the bolt ons? I would sure rather have a bolt shear and it still protect my vehicle then break some welds on the chassis and possibly damage the chassis in the process. With the bolt on application you also have the option of easily taking the sliders off if you feel the desire to do so. As far as bolts go, if you are worried about shearing them you can get a handful of aircraft quality bolts that are well over twice the strength of G8 bolts. You could also go with titanium bolts that have the tendency to flex rather then snap in abusive situations.

I'll be straight forward and tell you that I DO NOT have much 4x4 experience at all. It just seems to me like a weld on application would be for someone who is doing some serious 4x4 action in very extreme situations.

 

Most certainly.

When it comes to bolt-on sliders, I would much rather see a "C" bracket of some type that bolts to itself and doesn't require drilling holes in the frame.

Same reason I had "C" brackets that were stitch welded to my 96 frame.

Puts less stress on the welds/bolts and more stress on the brackets.

 

I was just thinking kind of the same thing. I ''am'' a noob, but couldn't he weld some brackets on his frame, then bolt the sliders on to them? He wouldn't have to drill 40 holes in his frame and the bolts could act as shear pins and break before he cracks and rips his welds apart. I get it that you want your sliders tough as nails, but i just don't get weakening what you got to addmore protection.

 

If you get yours welded on, let me know where. After I get my 5100s some weld on sliders are next.

 

Well I appreciate everyones $.02 and advise. I went ahead and got them welded. If you live in the Jax, FL area I will be happy to give you the welder's #. Thanks again.

 

Those look great! What sliders are they?

 

Nice job! What kind are they again?

 

They're from Trail Gear. Those are the ones available on EbayMotors.com The same ones Slimcubby got put on his truck. Thanks, I'm super stoked about the way they came out.

 

does anyone know of any truck here or other forums that has broken the bolts or welds of their sliders?? everything on the truck is bolted to it. if welding is so much better, why then, aren't people welding evething they can together on their trucks? the reese hitch is bolted on and it will pull 1-1/2 times the wieght of the truck. people don't weld their steel bumpers on even when using a winch. i just don't understand the felling of necessity to weld sliders on. looking for some consistancy.

sorry for the rant...but this topic kills me every time i see it.

 

Not to forget about..... airbag sensors.

Not all bumpers are airbag compatible and they might prevent the airbag sensors from going off when your life depends on it.

If a bumper IS airbag compatible and a complete bolt-on unit... YOu'd better install it exactly the way the manufacturer requires or else you could be decreasing the effectiveness of the airbag sensors.

 

Oh, hadn't thought about that...... Wonder if the All Pro bumper is air-bag compliant?

 

I've read that our trucks airbag "sensors" are based on inertia, not impact pressure, so you're good

 

So does anybody know about the all pro bumper. Not that Im running out to get one but its on the wish list. edit: Delmarva cleared that up Thanks

 

Remember... trust but verify... I've only read that about the sensors but haven't been able to confirm it just yet... working on it... lol

 

That's because you won't accept that those who disagree with you won't admit you're right. Of course you don't want to admit that they're right either.

 

no "right" answer anyways..."right" being relative.

in terms of strength, there's too many variables...especially when welding. stock matl. strength, frame steel stregth, welding rod quality, skill of welding tech., amount of weld used, placement of weld, etc. etc. etc. one guy's welded tubes might be 10 times stronger than the guy parked beside him, depending afformentioned factors. bolts (at least the ones i buy) have to meet a specification...so they have to be at least "this" good...i know what i'm getting. a welder can tell me he's the best there's ever been...i wouldn't know the difference. he may like to save on shop supplies and buy generic quality rods to weld with.

meh...nevermind...you weld on's have fun painting your sliders when they get scratched & rusty.