200 favorite Rock Sliders

[DPA200]

I really like the Slee LX570 step/sliders.

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Where did you find these pictures? I’m really liking these sliders

 

[M1911]

I have the Budbuilt rock sliders with the kick out and a full diamond plate. I’m not much of a mechanic, so I paid someone else to install them, but you only have to pay that once. The Budbuilt rocksliders appears to be bombproof — they are very, very strong.

So I wouldn’t let the install scare you off. Just do what I did and pay a mechanic to do the install. Your mechanic has a lift and a helper or transmission jack.

 

[DPA200]

If you’re not hard core rock crawling get flat steps. Your family will prefer them IMO. Also get full treads/plating because on any slider just a painted bar can be slippery when wet

Most of the step sliders are the same width within an inch or so. There a thread somewhere around here where people took photos of how far their sliders stuck out. Search a bit and you should find it. WK and MT we’re about 6”, Slee was about 5”, and the factory steps were something like 3-4”.

I’m sure if you hard core rock crawl and drag your truck around rocks with the sliders the kick out might stick you if you’re angled against the slider “downhill”. I’ve bumped my sliders on rocks in CO, UT, and AZ and so far I’ve never gotten stuck. But I’m using them as secondary protection, not intentionally as my primary lever. If you plan to wheel like that you should probably go straight.

Do you have any opinions on the diamond plate vs dimple die up, dimple die down...as far as traction goes? the BudBuilt has all 3 options for top plate

 

[T4Runner]

I have been thinking about going with their plain filler offering and having that Line-Xed.

 

[4gotalot]

I also went with Bud Built sliders not because I get to make a habit of crawling over rocks, I tend to go around because its my DD. I did crush both sides of my running boards on my first trail ride out with our local club 406Cruisers, "wait for a spotter". I do not need the structural integrity of the Bud Built sliders but it does make me feel better knowing they are there. I installed them my self with a floor jack and a 2x6 for balance. KDSS was not an issue, observe, maneuver, apply pressure, repeat...

I think an important question not asked here that could help new installs and fabricators: If cost was not a concern...

What would you change about your choice of sliders that you did install?

For me, I would not do the kick out next time. As Rob said Taco2Cruiser, to much metal out the side when not angled up. Although I am constantly pushing the button that fold the mirrors in while going through steep sided wash outs and the extra surface area is great for a step. So I think there is enough improved surface area on the BB Step Sliders with diamond plate filler to do what I need.

 

[codyaustin5]

I have the White Knuckles and primary reason was the kick out for the kids to get in and out easily and also great step for reaching roof for skis and roof box. Search my thread for the “Cody Special” from white knuckle which is a 2x3 vs the standard 2x2. I wanted the extra inch for the step. Has held up great and going on 4 years with them.

 

[sleeoffroad]

They look different than the ones shown on the website. Very cool looking top plate. Are these new? Is the price the same as the 200 series ones online?

Those are not on the site yet. They are a 2nd style we offer, originally designed for the LX570 but can be installed on the 200 as well.

 

[ckkone]

Where did you find these pictures? I’m really liking these sliders

Those are SEMA pics of Paul Mays 200 series. I don't have any close ups maybe @sleeoffroad can post some.

 

[MilkmanVX]

I have the White Knuckles and primary reason was the kick out for the kids to get in and out easily and also great step for reaching roof for skis and roof box. Search my thread for the “Cody Special” from white knuckle which is a 2x3 vs the standard 2x2. I wanted the extra inch for the step. Has held up great and going on 4 years with them.

I too went with the White Knuckle sliders ... -in fact I liked them so much that I have got them again for the 2018.... -I agree -the kick out is perfect for my kids.

 

[M1911]

We go to Martha's Vineyard each year for vacation, and I take the truck out on the beach. I put fishing rods on top of the vehicle, so I got the kick out to give me a better surface to step on while getting the rods down or putting them back up.

 

[linuxgod]

Do you have any opinions on the diamond plate vs dimple die up, dimple die down...as far as traction goes? the BudBuilt has all 3 options for top plate

Mine has the diamond plate, and it's the only kind I've tried, so I really can't comment on other styles. I live in Chicago where we get lots of snow and ice though and so far it's provided excellent grip for all 5 of us.

 

[DPA200]

Mine has the diamond plate, and it's the only kind I've tried, so I really can't comment on other styles. I live in Chicago where we get lots of snow and ice though and so far it's provided excellent grip for all 5 of us.

Cool diamond plate is what I was leaning towards

 

[TexAZ]

anyone with white knuckle sliders pulled the diamond plate off?

I ordered mine bare, and painted them, so that they could be touched up after sliding on rocks.
when I took the diamond plate off there were bare spots on the top of the round tube where the diamond plate rubbed on it.
after touching up the paint, I added a thin strip of weatherstripping between the diamond plate and the slider.
we'll see how they hold up after this years Moab/LCDC adventures.

my sliders got used quite a bit coming back off the trail in the dark. They were scratched up, and had a couple small dents in the outer rail section, but held up extremely well considering how much paint I had to add back to the bottom of the tubes/mounts/frame.

 

[Rigger]

Great thread. Great discussion.

I cast my vote for Slee @sleeoffroad

 

[Reckless]

Mine has the diamond plate, and it's the only kind I've tried, so I really can't comment on other styles. I live in Chicago where we get lots of snow and ice though and so far it's provided excellent grip for all 5 of us.

My Slee Sliders are extra, extra slippery on icy days. I have to always warn my mother so she doesn't accidentally slip and fall down. I was very impressed with your sliders and felt like I should have spent extra cash to get them. Part of my reasoning to get sliders was I wanted armor for side impact protection.

 

[Volunteer]

Until your thread I had settled on a White Knuckle set, DOM option with rear kickout and diamond plate on the rear kickout to access the rack. Budbuilt was my second choice in a similar design. After seeing Jason's design on TonyP's and talking with Jason yesterday I'm gonna go that route. Good step pieces for access to the roof rack, DOM outer tubing where you need the BEEF, slightly angled not to hang you up and more importantly he doesn't use any rivnuts to mount them. My hangup up with some of the designs is I didn't want anything that had a wide flat design like a running board that could hang me up (but I sure understand those that need a design like that for step access kids/short people , LOL) or one that used rivnuts to mount them to the frame. I know you were looking for something that would be a complete bolt on design but talking to Jason its doesn't sound like its much more than a bit of drilling and he provides the bits and tap included. Look forward to hearing how you like the suspension and what sliders you end up with as well. Good to see a lot of the options here

 

[DPA200]

So many options indeed. Well, thank you all for the very helpful opinions and feedback. I finally came to a decision today. I had it narrowed down to White Knuckle or BudBuilt as of yesterday. I'm heading to Moab this summer so lead time was starting to become an issue as most of the option were 4-12 weeks out. I called BudBuilt this morning and lucked out. Turns out they had an order for exactly the configuration I was looking for that the customer who ordered had changed his mind on at the last minute. 1 lucky set for me In stock ready to ship (instead of 9-10 week lead time). I went ahead and jumped on it figured it must be fate. I was inspired by @Taco2Cruiser opinion on them and had never noticed that the mounting plate goes the entire length which is pretty awesome for strength. The way I figure is that my kids are young now and my wheeling currently may be fairly tame but it has been increasing slowly steadily. I'd rather buy something that may be a bit overkill strength and know that in the future I will be set for whatever i can throw at it. here is what i ordered today:

• BudBuilt step sliders (flat)
• .120 DOM (better "dent resistant" metal process as compared to HREW)
• Full diamond plate (for kids and grandma)
• bare metal no paint (I figured easier to touch up if i just do Rustoleum myself. Bud said he's been using the hammered finish version lately)

I'll post pics once i get them. @Taco2Cruiser any tips for install? I know you said the KDSS line was the hard part

 

[Markuson]

L

I'd rather buy something that may be a bit overkill strength and know that in the future I will be set for whatever i can throw at it.

Nicely done!

The only thing more expensive than “high end” is upgrading to high-er end after an intermediate purchase. I’m a big fan of buying well to buy once.

Carefully going big to avoid upgrade-itis is usually a winning move.

Congrats!

 

[TexAZ]

My Slee Sliders are extra, extra slippery on icy days. I have to always warn my mother so she doesn't accidentally slip and fall down. I was very impressed with your sliders and felt like I should have spent extra cash to get them. Part of my reasoning to get sliders was I wanted armor for side impact protection.

One of the local club members just wrapped part of his sliders with skateboard deck tape. cheap, super grippy and removable if you don't like it. back in the day, I used to get it in black or clear. Clear over the silver metal would probably look pretty good. Black is a timeless classic.

 

[RET2]

I have to say it's nice having rock solid choices for some aftermarket items. The abundance and popularity of other makes, models have spawned a plethora of cheap knockoffs a lot of which are not quality products, in fact most are junk. Just my .02