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Buying homemade rock sliders: Good idea or not?

Discussion in 'Armor' started by PilotBoy352, Nov 13, 2022.

?

Good idea or not

  1. Yes, buy them

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%
  2. Yes, but they aren't high quality

    1 vote(s)
    12.5%
  3. No, they aren't worth it

    3 vote(s)
    37.5%
  4. No, run away

    5 vote(s)
    62.5%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. Nov 13, 2022 at 5:48 PM
    #1
    PilotBoy352

    PilotBoy352 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Tim
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    So there is a set of homemade rock sliders for sale like 15 minutes from my house and for $400. They are bolt on for a 3rd gen. My first question is will they even fit my 2nd gen? My preliminary research says that they should.

    My second question is if it is a good idea or not, since I am 99% certain that these are homemade? Is it worth trusting someone else's homemade sliders? They seem to be a good deal compared to others that I have seen. Thanks for the advice.

    Pics:
    upload_2022-11-13_18-48-9.jpg

    upload_2022-11-13_18-48-26.jpg
     
  2. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM
    #2
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    Well you get what you pay for.


    Question is, how hardcore are you planning on going to warrant sliders?
     
    PilotBoy352[OP] likes this.
  3. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM
    #3
    GHOST SHIP

    GHOST SHIP hates you.

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    There are plenty of guys that build solid sliders at home so being home-made shouldn’t scare you away. That being said, if you know what to look for in terms of proper welds and material choice, you should give them a good inspection in person before agreeing to buy them or at least use that as a negotiating point on the price. My opinion is that they used smaller diameter material for the main rail but if it’s thick enough that could be ok. I’d also be cautious about using only two attachment legs to the truck and would be more comfortable with at least one more in the middle. In their current state, I’d advise against using them as true rock sliders and consider them glorified steps.
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2022
  4. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:03 PM
    #4
    PilotBoy352

    PilotBoy352 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Honestly not too hardcore, I just want something to act as a step and not fold my rocker panels when I hit it. I used to have tube steps, but sold them for a profit after I smacked the passenger side one and dented it.

    That is kind of what I am looking for. I have a few friends who can weld (I have very basic knowledge of welding) and I may ask for some help to add another support in the middle.
     
  5. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:21 PM
    #5
    PilotBoy352

    PilotBoy352 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    UPDATE: he says I have to drill into my frame in order for them to be bolt on. I'm probably gonna walk, since the whole point of bolt-on is that there is no permanent damage.
     
    Stuck in VT, Dan 77 and Rock Lobster like this.
  6. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:22 PM
    #6
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    Second the third member idea.

    Just from the pictures I'd guess it needs some decent reinforcement before I'd trust hanging the truck on them.
     
  7. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:28 PM
    #7
    GHOST SHIP

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    If you ever make it out to CA, I might know a guy that can build you a set of true bolt-ons.

    :anonymous:
     
  8. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:30 PM
    #8
    PilotBoy352

    PilotBoy352 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    But for that price, lol? I'm mostly broke, but I put aside a small amount for my truck. I am currently in college, trying to save my money for the future, but I have about $400 I'm looking to blow on either sliders, a shell/softopper, skid plates, or a recent addition to my possible needs, a high clearance rear bumper, depending upon which comes up for sale first.
     
  9. Nov 13, 2022 at 6:38 PM
    #9
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    Only two legs, need four for proper support.

    Tubing is smaller than typical ones on the market. You want minimum 1.75" OD x 1/8" wall.

    The frame flanges look paper thin. They should be 3/16".

    Keep looking or blow your money on something else :laugh:

    3rd gen has a frame reinforcement splice in the area of the transfer case crossmember. Sliders designed for 3rd gen will typically have a joggle that will leave a gap on 2nd gen.

    upload_2022-11-13_21-42-47.jpg
     
  10. Dec 5, 2022 at 6:39 AM
    #10
    lbhsbz

    lbhsbz Well-Known Member

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    If you or a buddy have welding capability, I'd say go for it. They need some improvement, but the expensive part (buying the material, doing most of the layout and fab) is done.

    I'd like more and thicker mounts, but in this case, I'd get them, clamp them to the frame and put them where you want them, then find existing holes to use and fab up 3 or 4 mounts to use those existing frame holes, then chop off the mounts that are on it, hit 'em with some paint, and you're done. An afternoon of metal work and less than $100 in materials will make those pretty stout.
     

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