First major upgrade, rock sliders

Hi all! I'm excited and wanted to post, I have purchased some rock sliders "2005+ Toyota Tacoma APEX Rock Sliders" from AllProOffroad. (was nice saved $$$; purchased during a sale). They arrived yesterday and I won't be able to install them until this weekend.

I have read the instructions and watched the video. (can I link youtube?)

I'm a bit worried about drilling into my frame.

Does anyone have these installed and have any advice not in video or instructions?

2021 TRD Off-Road 4x4 DBLSB 6MT

 

Are you sure you need to drill into the frame? I ask because I thought most companies lined up existing holes with maybe 1 bold to drill and that was an option. I installed the RCI sliders and didn’t drill at all. How many bolts on yours need drilling?

 

I have attached a screenshot from the PDF regarding the drilling of holes. I have not had decent weather to get them installed yet. It says 5 holes on both sides. These would be straight up from underneath the truck.

 

I guess my experience is limited to RCI. I know some people weld them on the frame instead. Maybe google some YouTube videos about it? I don’t think it’s an issue but curious with all the factory holes to use why they wouldn’t line them up?

 

Found this post in second gen forum https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/drilling-into-frame-for-sliders.311443/

they recommend using incremental drill bits and cutting fluid.

 

Make sure to paint the holes before installing the bolts.

 

Such as a black spray paint? To seal it and prevent rust, I’m guessing. Thank you for the advice.

 

Exactly.

 

I cosmolined my frame when I bought my truck. When I installed my rock sliders a few weeks ago, I cosmolined a heavy layer on all the meting surfaces and let that dry before installing. I'll touch everything up later this summer. But yes, paint all the holes you drill into/through the frsmerails to install them as well.

 

Thanks for the information... now I feel like I'm going down a rabbit hole of paints to protect my frame.

I can go cheap rustoleum or get the military grade RP-342 stuff at almost double the price.

 

I used a dozen cans of the rp342, but if I did it over again, I'd get a gallon of cosmoline and a pump sprayer, thin the cosmoline out and use that for most of it, then use a cpuple cans for spraying up inside the c-channels on the undersode of the body and whatnot.

 

Thanks for the advice. I ordered three cans of rp 342, a little extra and would rather get the good stuff for my truck.

 

Update: I have attached them without drilling holes yet. Took some time for driver side, getting around the brake lines. Funny enough, got a flat first trip with em attached. My stock jack didn’t reach high enough, someone helped with a floor jack and started to jack truck up with it. I was like this is my first test of those… he moved to frame to be safe.

Anyway they are attached mostly, for now.
during install
After getting the flat

 

Here’s one more view during installation from below, jack supporting while attaching.

 

Do NOT step drill!

A pilot drill the size of the web on the bit for the finished size, then go right to that final size!

Getting that initial pilot hole on center without a bushing or guide is gonna piss you off. But Hey! It's only rock skids!

Lucky me, my bolt on sliders needed no additional holes.

eta. Don't worry about drilling holes in the frame, there is no "integrity compromise" with such small metal removal.

And as for corrosion? wipe the holes with anti-sieze and coat the bolt before it goes in. That stuff is amazing!

I use Fluid Film each year/ It creeps into all those places.

 

Thanks for the advice, that makes sense, reassurance on the frame integrity. I was planning on using a punch to help with centering. Also, just two drill bits with cutting fluid. I have some blue loctite for the bolts.