Curious Why So many GX's Without Sliders? (1 Viewer)

[mstrsltr]

Most of the GX's I see around on the forums that are lifted don't have any rock sliders. I was curious as to why?

The first thing I did (even before lifting) my FJ Cruiser was put sliders on. They're way cheaper than having to repair a bad line choice. Lifting is so much more expensive than sliders. And while the additional clearance being great and all, nothing is gonna protect your doors from a big 'ol tree stump or trail side boulder. Or do you feel like the protection is unnecessary for the type of terrain you plan on encountering?

It can't be due to the lack of options as I've found a few different companies that make sliders for our GXs.

I don't have any yet as I'm waiting till I can afford them, but I'm certainly putting them on before any lift.

I hope this post doesn't come off as critical, I'm genuinely curious and maybe I'm missing something here? I'd love to save the $600 and get something else if someone can convince me as to why I should skip them!

Thanks and happy trails!

 

[BlackUSK56]

As the owner of a currently sliderless GX, for me I needed to get the big purchases out of the way first. Back in my RX-7 days, I did all the small, simple, and reliability mods first, but never seemed to be able to the save the for that $5k single turbo kit. So, I was afraid the same would happen with my GX, so big purchases like the lift and tires came first. Sliders are definitely on the plan hopefully this year. One of my rockers was the victim of some questionable spotting and a rookie friend of mine behind the wheel.

 

[drowssap]

Well funds definitely comes to mind as the first reason. Then there are many that like lifted trucks but the tires will never see any dirt. Nothing wrong with that either. I myself am building mine to be a little more tougher and reliable to handle the crappy roads we have here in Denver but my rig will see some camping trails. So I guess to each their own but ideally I would love to build some hidden sliders so that I can keep the running boards. I like the way they look!

 

[Bluetribal]

Not all that modify really use it to it's potential. Also if you lift it you can get by without sliders if you stay away from the rocks. I never had sliders on my 80 series until the end and I wheeled her hard but stayed off of John Bull in Big Bear and never attempted the Squeeze in Anza Borrego. I did mess up once on Sidewinder and put a slight dent in the rocker. But if you know your limits and the trucks limits you can manage without sliders. It's a risk but so is life.
But sliders were my first mod this time but after I trashed my steps!

But damn the sliders take a beating before you lift it! Need to take a pic of how thrashed the sliders got on my first trip out.


*Adding photos because everyone loves photos...
Sidewinder Trail was a little close for comfort but that's what happens when you follow a guys with a 6" lift on his 80! And this was before the 35" tires and looks like before the 2" lift as well.

.

Here you can see the small dent I put in the rocker right behind the front door.

 

[Cringe]

I think also some of the issue is that the running boards also serve to seal up the lower portion of the door. Trimming them to fill that gap is supposed to be fairly easy, I do wonder how much debris/water gets in if you choose not to.

 

[co4wheel]

I bought sliders nearly at the same time as my lift. I feel you need

Lift/sliders/real skids. They are all important. Protection is the least sexy but most important.

 

[lucasz]

It's next on the list of things to do, just need time....

 

[KansasGX470]

Currently do not have any but will within the next few months. I had sliders on my FJ as well and not only was it a huge peace of mind having them, they look killer as well. What brand are you thinking about going with? I am thinking I like the Hefty Fab ones the best. Heres a shot of my old FJ, and current GX build.

 

[GXO]

Money and time. The GX is new in the offroad scene for most so there are a lot of builds just getting started.

 

[Sleepy]

Terrain for some. I have not lifted yet, but where I live, mud is your issue and not rocks.

 

[Cringe]

We have both mud and rocks, but what made me like sliders on my previous vehicle were trees! Nothing like being off camber on a slick hill and sliding into a tree. Sliders were the difference between replacing sheet metal and driving away with a chuckle.

 

[scparrish]

Someone mowed over my money tree so I am waiting for it to come back to life.

 

[mstrsltr]

All good answers! Thanks.

We have a lot of rocks and fire roads with massive ruts here in Southern California. And if I didn't have sliders on my FJ, my doors woulda been obliterated. They sure do let you get away with some stupid choices.

I'm thinking I'm going to get the OPOR sliders from Metal Tech once I've got the funds.

 

[Bluetribal]

What part of SoCal? I am in San Diego along with at least two others on the forum.
The OPOR slider install from my experience was a PIA you can take the easy way out and just weld them on.

 

[bap5340]

My OPOR sliders went on yesterday. Check out the "What did you do today" thread.

 

[h2oskikrazy]

No need for the kind of trails I drive. Would just be extra weight for my needs. The lower step point might be nice for the ladies though.

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

i don't plan on wheeling my gx. so no slider for the time being. and there are so many stock gx out here i don't want to walk to the wrong gx.

 

[GXO]

I think also some of the issue is that the running boards also serve to seal up the lower portion of the door. Trimming them to fill that gap is supposed to be fairly easy, I do wonder how much debris/water gets in if you choose not to.

Been wheeling mine with those holes wide open for almost 9 years. No issues at all. I just make sure I wash it.