Sliders. To weld, or bolt?

I am about to pull the trigger on some Pelfrey built rock sliders for my 2013 DCSB. I want to be able to use my hi-lift jack from either side lifting from the rails, and properly protect the truck. Does it really matter if I go weld or bolt? Is one stronger or weaker than the other? Any reason to avoid weld or bolt ?

 

I think it's the same.

I bolted mine and only removed them once in 10 years to sandblast+powdercoat. that's the only reason to do so.

It was more expensive to bolt as drilling and hardware was more expensive than just welding.. which I think I should've done in the first place.

 

^^ I went bolt on for the ability to remove them and re-paint or powder coat if I want in the future

I have All-Pro Off Road armor for all my trail armor on my rig.

 

I think now a days it’s a toss up. All of the top manufactures bolt on designs are so good that I’m guess you’d have a catastrophic frame failure before the attachment point fails. The mobtown offers a true no drill bolt on that’s supposed to be a great design although I don’t have any experience with them. I have the relentless fab bolt-ons that are awesome as well. I did drill 1 additional hole that was totally optional. As stated above Bolton’s are generally a bit more expensive but I think this is offset by labor cost of having them welded on. For me I just wanted to keep my options open and welded to the frame doesn’t give much in the way of options for me.

 

Thank You for your interest in our products and posting up! We'd love to get a set of sliders on your Truck.

Both are certainly great options. A big benefit of having Bolt-On Rock Sliders is the ability to remove and paint or touch up if necessary. With a weld-on rock slider the only way to remove them is to cut the welds. For most enthusiasts the bolt-on option will be more than enough. Welding will be a little bit stronger, but we haven't seen a bolt-on slider sheer the bolts. Either will certainly handle lifting with a hi-lift jack.
http://www.pelfreybilt.com/product-category/sliders/

Don't hesitate to post up if you have any more questions!

-Pelfreybilt
www.pelfreybilt.com

 

In theory welds can crack. Bolts will hold better. I learned from a friend that built a roll cage. He did both. Called them panic bolts. If in the event a weld cracked the bolts would be back up for safety.

 

I have bolt on Mobtown sliders. I believe the weak point is the Toyota frame, not the bolts/clamps or the slider.

 

hmmm...this seems odd to me. So he bolted and welded the whole thing together? What did he put the bolts through? I assume it was all tubing so the tubing would be welded to a plate that was then bolted? If so, wouldn't the welds still be the deciding factor in holding it together?

 

Bolts are better, assuming the bolting scheme is well engineered. I would not even attempt welding unless you are able to make expert welds in the tight locations where this work will be done.

 

His belief was where cage plate met car body. If the weld fractures in a crash bolts could potentially keep things together. For sliders, I'd go bolt. Removable I like better.

 

Bolting is better for the vast majority of people. Plus you leave the vehicle unmodified in case you need warranty work or wish to sell.

 

Whichever one offers free shipping .