Weld-on Sliders - Pros and Cons

Looking for some opinions for weld-on sliders versus bolt-on.

Here's what I understand about weld-on, and correct me if I'm wrong.

They're lighter.
They're cheaper.
They're more solid.

They're a pain in the ass to touch-up.
They could interfere with warranty issues....?


Thanks for any input and expertise.

 

No cons that I can think of. Put them on once and be done with it. Touching them up is super easy just slip a piece of cardboard between the body and the slider and spray away.

They are solid for sure and I feel more proteced from a side impact.

RJM

 

Only con I can think of for weld-ons is finding a good installer, if you can't do it yourself.

I tracked down the best local fabricator for me to install, who had never seen sliders. Charged me time/materials, came out awesome, but I paid for his time to figger it out for the 1st time.

 

I know a good welder who could easily weld them on for me. I was just trying to think of the downsides.

So there's no issue with warranty? Tacoma's generally aren't known for their long-lasting frames, and I cant' imagine Toyota likes us welding shit onto their trucks. My truck is fairly new, so I'm just trying to think long-term.

Does taking off a pair of welded-on sliders leave the frame weaker in any way?

Thanks again.

 

I could never see welding additional metal on to the frame causing it to be weaker. If anything the mounting plates make the frame more rigid. Burn em on and don't worry about it!

 

TW User RuggedT had some push back from Toyota if I recall when he had his frame rust issue. Pretty sure they documented every single little modification done to the frame, including his welded on sliders, probably in hopes of blaming it on the owner.

With that said, I can't remember how it all played out in the end, but you may want to ask him. He did end up getting rid of his truck due to perforation and now has an F150.

But of course there are countless other Tacoma owners who have welded sliders and probably won't have any problems. I'd just rather do full bolt ons so I could go back to stock if the dreaded frame rot is ever to effect me in the next 10+ years.

 

When they're on I completely agree. I'm just wondering if, for some reason in the future, I want them off. Where does that leave me?

I'll most likely be going the weld-on route, I just want to cover my bases and ask the community first.

 

I read on another forum that due to the design of the frame, if welded improperly the heat can weaken it. NO idea if this is accurate, and I'd assume not since so many people here are running weld ons. They're also easier to install. My Apex sliders were a bitch and a half. With that being said, I like that I could take them off and not have to worry about grinding down all the welds and properly painting it. All I have are a few holes in my frame on each side.

Tl;dr-No matter what you go with, you'll be fine.

 

Another plus for weld-on's................ a fellow in the Gen III forum had his bolt-on sliders stolen overnight. It would be much more difficult to steal a set of weld-on sliders.

Frank