What tools did you use to install your bolt on rock sliders?

Hi everyone,
I am a first time truck owner who should be receiving some RCI bolt on rock sliders soon and on their website it says that you can install them with basic hand tools so I was thinking about just using a ratcheting wrench but I wanted to ask if I should be fine with just using that or do you guys suggest something like an electric wrench or a different tool to make sure that its really tight on there when I install them?

what do you guys think? im not going to do serious off roading im mostly going to use them as steps and mall crawling protection with some light off roading but nothing too extreme.

 

You will be fine with hand tools. The torque value for 7/16 grade 5 bolts is typically around 37 ft lb. easily achievable with a 3/8 drive ratchet.

 

Do they have an install video? They might list the tools there.

 

Defiantly a floor jack and maybe a 2x4

 

A torque wrench is a good idea.

 

So you're saying don't use a floor jack and 2x4?

 

You can figure out alternatives to a floor jack. I used 2x6 and hydraulic jack. A helper is really worthwhile! Tools: 8, 10, 12, and 14mm wrenches and sockets and a 5/8" wrench/socket.

 

A torque wrench? For slider bolts? lol Seems a bit overkill...

Not sure specifically about the RCI sliders, but bolt-ons will often require you to drill a whole or two in the frame for mounting bolts. So make sure you have a drill and some fresh drill bits.

A floor jack and some pieces of wood will make it all go WAY easier. So if you don't already have a floor jack and jack stands, now's a good time. You'll use those constantly. Get the 12 ton ones from harbor freight - they're tall enough to reach the frame when/if you're doing suspension work.

 

I'm assuming they have some type of lock washer.

If they don't have nylock type nuts, I'd be inclined to use some Locktite 240 on the threads during assembly.

If you tow or bed carry a watercraft you launch in salt water, use streets that flood on full moon tides, or your truck is parked where it gets sprayed with reclaimed water regularly, upgrading to SS hardware should be worthwhile.

 

I installed mine using only a standard wrench and socket wrench.

 

After installing the Caliraised bolt-on sliders, I think I would've lost my sanity without ratcheting wrenches and an impact driver. There were a few spots where I couldn't really hold the wrench and just let it catch against the inside of the frame while torquing the bolt with the driver.
Also, they included plenty of grade 8 hardware with the sliders and apparently zinc-coat the backing plates now, so I'm not concerned about corrosion there.