Welding on the frame?

Building some rocksliders and should I weld them or drill holes and bolt them?

 

Bolting vs. welding seems to be a matter of preference.

It is possible to make bolt-on sliders as sturdy as weld-on ones with the right frame bracket designs. However welding them on is generally quicker/easier since it doesn't require as much time and design effort (also no drilling holes/drilling out rivets). The obvious downside to welding is if you ever have to remove them for any reason, will be a lot more work.

Regardless of whether bolted or welded, attaching their mounts right where your frame's crossmembers are located should lead to a much sturdier slider that won't deflect and damage the part of the truck you're trying to protect.

 

You should be able to line up holes on the frame that are usable so you don’t have to drill them all out. Most of the ones you can buy have theirs all lined up.