Square vs. round tubing sliders

Dandon · 12-26-06, 05:21 AM

Hi,

I've been reading about some square tubing sliders in an Toyota Prado (LC 120/125) forum.

http://foro.kdjoteros.com/viewtopic.php?t=2344&start=26
At first sight they seem more confortable for stepping into /out of the car than round tubes, as well as visually more similar to the OEM steps (wife compliance factor

)
But OTOH, I guess there have to be disadvantages. Less resistant, more difficult to weld perhaps?

NMuzj100 · 12-26-06, 08:27 PM

I don't think you can beat the Slee StepSliders for form or function.

They combine a rectangular tube inboard with a round tube outboard and a step plate welded between them.

No connection but these are the ones that will go on my truck.

I would think that round tubes could have a strength to weight advantage as well as being easier to bend for fabrication.

Dandon · 12-27-06, 12:25 AM

Yes, I also think Slee's Slidersteps are just perfect. That's what I would install if it was possible, but it would be too expensive to ship them to Spain. If I were going to fabricate them myself, tthat's the design I would clone

Anyway I'm just considering different options, my first step now will be a front bumper. But I was curious to know why almost every slider out there uses round tubing.

NMuzj100 · 12-27-06, 12:47 AM

Tube contruction is pretty standard for roll cages, dune buggies, race car frames and just about any custom metal contruction. The slider builders are probably just doing what they know from other projects.

But why is a tube good for all these things ? I don't know.

Your bumper will most likely be coming from Austrailia, Shipping to Spain from Slee shouldn't be worse than that.

I would also post up pictures of the SleeSliders in that same forum and see if the builders could do something similar locally.

Dandon · 12-27-06, 05:50 AM

I can see a round shape distributes stress more evenly than any other shape, so that´s probably the main structural advantage.
Yes, my (still hypothetical9 bumper will come from OZ, but together in a container with a bunch of stuff that the vendors import from there. Their shipping and customs costs are surely not the same as mine for a single, heavy and bulky item.
Copying Slee's design seems a good idea for a DIY'er, but I don't think he would like someone else building them commercially. OTOH, if this is not a problem, it's much easier to go to a local blacksmith with some pictures of a proven design and say "I want some like these"

Yes, I'll check in the forums.

NMuzj100 · 12-27-06, 08:55 AM

Obviously I wouldn't condone "Copying" the Slee design and agree it would be wrong to "clone" them for commercial purposes. But if importing them is not possible then using the pictures to say "this is what I want but can't get, can we get something similar made locally" is not unethical.

If you had a enough 100 owners maybe a Slee "group buy" could be arranged to make the logistics feasable.

jp213a · 12-28-06, 08:35 AM

Instead of fabricating from plain carbon steel, the 4130 alloy grade is much stronger. The tubing shapes available in this grade are round, square, and rectangular but the most sizes are available in round: http://www.factorysteel.com/aircraft-tubing.htm The cost is about 25% more for 4130 over plain steel (1018).

macneill · 12-28-06, 08:46 AM

I'm happy with my Slee Tube Sliders, but wish they stuck out just a little further. Not quite a "step." But I got them real cheap!

wareagle · 12-28-06, 04:27 PM

I much prefer DOM tube over rectangle. I think designs are typically stronger, more preotective, and more aesthetically pleasing. BUT!!, If you are doing it yourself the rectangle tube is much, much easier. DOM tube just gives me fits. Given my low brow and limited skills, its tougher to notch and bend than cut and weld.

Val678 · 12-31-06, 12:11 AM

Do both of slee's sliders fit the LX or no?

hoser · 12-31-06, 12:16 AM

AFAIK, Slee only makes step sliders for the LX.

calamaridog · 12-31-06, 01:03 AM

Square vs. round is absolutely personal preference and both can work great.

Square makes a better step than round. You can add traction tape to the top of the square for even better results.

Are you planning weld on?

Morty · 01-01-07, 11:08 PM

Slee does make step sliders for LC (as well as LX). I have a set on my '98 LC. They are sweet and worth the cost of shipping to Spain.