Welding on bolt style sliders

So you see many many threads in which sliders to put on, whether bolt on or Weld on. It's the general consensus that Weld ons are more strong, which structural engineering has told us typically is. However, I don't see anything about welding on a bolt-on style slider.

Has anyone done this? This has some obvious cons:
1. You usually pay more for bolt-ons.
2. You have already drilled holes into your frame.
3. More welding, since bolt-on plates are usually larger.

Just curious if any of you had done it. Seems like a lot of people are on the fence on the two options, but with bolt-ons you actually have both options. Weld on the plane and they are the exact same as originally buying it as weld-ons.

 

As long as the bolt on ones bolt to the frame and not the cab mounting points, shouldn't have a problem. Mine were bolt on converted to weld ons.

 

Yup, that's the only downside is they are more expensive. But seems like most people are afraid of welding directly to their frame, and a bolt-on seems less permanent. However, if they decide to do a little more extreme offroading, they may want the option to weld them on instead of shelling out another $400 for weld-ons.

What do you mean by "convert":
Did you cut off the bolt-on mounting plates and add separate ones to weld on?
Or did you simply weld around the bolt-on mounting plate and maybe a plug/filler weld where the bolt holes were.

 

I have Avid bolt on sliders but they bolt to the cab mounts NOT the frame. So with the help of another TW member, we cut the cab mount tabs off, welded on legs and welding mounting plates and welded the sliders to the frame. More pics in my build thread.

 

My Avid sliders are bolted to the frame using 8 existing holes on each side of the frame. Used 10.9 bolts (strong as SAE grade 8). They are strong enough to jack each side if the truck up. Haven't tested them on the rocks yet. My Taco is an 06 AC. Brandon used my truck as a prototype so I bet he will add them to his product line if asked.

 

Would be interested to see some pics!

 

I was told bolt ons are stronger. Because the frame is two pieces squished together and weld ons only weld onto one piece where bolt on go through both pieces. I almost welded my bolt ons on. I think there was 7 bolts per side. 3of which I had to drill. HUGE PITA. Make sure you have a dam good drill and very sharp bits. Literally took almost 5 hrs total to drill 6 holes. 3 each side.

 

I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow.
One big advantage, in my opinion, to bolt-ons is that there is no frame modification (Toyota's definition). In addition,if I have a wreck and have to replace my truck, I can take the sliders off and either sell them or put them on my next Tacoma.

 

Photos of my bolt-on sliders:

 

Photo of slider from the outside:

 

Nice. Didn't realize they were working on a full length plate version.

The only thing I see that could be better is there aren't any bolts on the bottom side to help with movement. The side bolts are in tension and could potentially move quite a bit. I'd think adding bottom side bolts, while being put in shear stress, would keep it a little more stationally and potentially saving the pinch welds on a nice smack on the rocks.

 

This depends on the brand. BAMF's sliders require you to drill the bottom of the frame and the hardware is all grade 8 (I think 7 bolts per side). Those things were stout and I had no doubts they would protect the truck no matter what I threw at them. He also offers a version with a plate welded into the opening if you want them to double as a step.

Personally, I went with bolt on because I live in New England where the roads are white with salt from November to May. I wanted to be able to take them off, wire wheel them and respray them easily without masking off the truck.

 

I'm the same way. I don't have the salt issues you do, but I wanted to make sure I could rip 'em off in case I needed to. I ordered BAMF as well. The only thing I'm nervous about are the gaps and openings where water can get inside and pool up causing rust. Especially around the bolt bolts where water could get inside the frame (although there are drain ports).

 

It's an open frame, water can get in there anyways.

 

Keep seeing your name pop up so I thought I'd

 

True. I guess I'm mostly concerned with the mounting plate. Just like a tow hitch and sleeve. How many of those have we seen rusted/stuck together over the years.

 

Like this kind of drill...

 

You bastard. I wish I could get my hands on our mag drill for the install!

 

I bought bolt ons. I drilled 4 holes of the 24 required. I said F this and drove down and paid $100 to have them welded on. Totally worth it.

 

24!? Holy shit. That's a lot of drilling! What brand did you buy?