NEW Slee Steps/Sliders and Skids

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They really used SAE hardware?? Come on Slee, you should know better than that.

I don't see anything wrong with that. The strength of the hardware is key here, not SAE or Metric. They used the proper strength bolts.
 
I don't see anything wrong with that. The strength of the hardware is key here, not SAE or Metric. They used the proper strength bolts.

If a product is designed for a vehicle that uses metric hardware, the product should also use metric hardware to allow use of a common set of tools. Putting SAE hardware on a product designed for the Land Cruiser is lazy design engineering IMO. Strength is a non-argument as you can specify grade 8.8 or 10.9 metric hardware instead of grade 5 or 8 SAE hardware. May be a little harder to source but not impossible. This has been a pet peeve of mine over the years.
 
Putting SAE hardware on a product designed for the Land Cruiser is lazy design engineering IMO

LOL. Crawl around under the sliders, or their rear bumper. I assure you, Slee doesn't employ lazy engineers.
 
My comment was not necessarily directed at Slee, although I can see how it could be viewed that way as this is a Slee product thread. It was just a general statement. I actually feel Slee makes top notch products. (I also didn't say lazy engineers, I said lazy design engineering but that may not be accurate if the design decision was intentional).

After going back and reading the previous posts again, I realize this was for the carriage bolt that held the cover for the oil drain plug bolt. So perhaps not structural? (I am not completely familiar with these skids). Still I would prefer metric but perhaps Slee had their reasons?
 
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If a product is designed for a vehicle that uses metric hardware, the product should also use metric hardware to allow use of a common set of tools. Putting SAE hardware on a product designed for the Land Cruiser is lazy design engineering IMO. Strength is a non-argument as you can specify grade 8.8 or 10.9 metric hardware instead of grade 5 or 8 SAE hardware. May be a little harder to source but not impossible. This has been a pet peeve of mine over the years.

Appreciate your feedback. I'd love to use all metric hardware. However, it does come at a cost/sourcing difference. But mainly it comes down to inventory. I have a stockist of fasteners/hardware that I know we stock a ton of. Using existing hardware makes the packing/shipping people much happier, it's easier to track inventory, and we get much better prices on hardware due to economies of scale. In this case, Ken will just need to augment his kit with a 13mm or 1/2" combo wrench and it'll never be a problem again :).
 
My comment was not necessarily directed at Slee, although I can see how it could be viewed that way as this is a Slee product thread. It was just a general statement. I actually feel Slee makes top notch products. (I also didn't say lazy engineers, I said lazy design engineering).

After going back and reading the previous posts again, I realize this was for the carriage bolt that held the cover for the oil drain plug bolt. So perhaps not structural? (I am not completely familiar with these skids). Still I would prefer metric but perhaps Slee had their reasons?

not structural at all. However, using a standard Allen or Hex bolt here would/could make the plate harder to remove if struck by a rock or something.
 
^ Definitely a valid reason. Thanks for clarifying.
 
Appreciate your feedback. I'd love to use all metric hardware. However, it does come at a cost/sourcing difference. But mainly it comes down to inventory. I have a stockist of fasteners/hardware that I know we stock a ton of. Using existing hardware makes the packing/shipping people much happier, it's easier to track inventory, and we get much better prices on hardware due to economies of scale. In this case, Ken will just need to augment his kit with a 13mm or 1/2" combo wrench and it'll never be a problem again :).

I have both the 13MM and the 1/2" wrenches. I wouldnt have had to call you had I tried that first. I couldnt get a socket to slide on and maybe I could of if I played with it. You can feel with one hand while sliding the wrench on. Like I said, I was a dumbass and want to share my experience to save others from being a dumbass. No qualms at all with the design and quality of the product. No complaints from me :)
 
I have both the 13MM and the 1/2" wrenches. I wouldnt have had to call you had I tried that first. I couldnt get a socket to slide on and maybe I could of if I played with it. You can feel with one hand while sliding the wrench on. Like I said, I was a dumbass and want to share my experience to save others from being a dumbass. No qualms at all with the design and quality of the product. No complaints from me :)

You’re definitely not a dumbass lol. Happy trails Ken. Cheers!
 
LOL. Crawl around under the sliders, or their rear bumper. I assure you, Slee doesn't employ lazy engineers.

I specifically stated hardware choice. Not sure where you read into anything further than that.

Clearly some of you aren't (or shouldn't be) designers.. Using SAE hardware on a 100% metric vehicle is just wrong. These are top of the line, premium products from Slee. Saving a few dollars for what is considered "more readily available" is questionable. I would think Slee would be thinking more globally in their approach since all but 1 slider builder in Australia builds something as stout as theirs. In the past i was guilty of if because of pushback from the machine shop being stubborn and living under a rock. Eventually I won and when the print shows metric its there for a reason. If if ever goes to a dealership for instance and needs to be removed... most guys are only buying metric these days according to my Snap On dealer.

I LOVE the look and shape of these sliders and I would not consider anything else personally, as Iike fabricated bends over tube. I just shot for the hip a bit i guess...
 
Appreciate your feedback. I'd love to use all metric hardware. However, it does come at a cost/sourcing difference. But mainly it comes down to inventory. I have a stockist of fasteners/hardware that I know we stock a ton of. Using existing hardware makes the packing/shipping people much happier, it's easier to track inventory, and we get much better prices on hardware due to economies of scale. In this case, Ken will just need to augment his kit with a 13mm or 1/2" combo wrench and it'll never be a problem again :).

I never questioned shape or design... just to clarify since some people take stuff out of context. Purely hardware choice...
 
I specifically stated hardware choice. Not sure where you read into anything further than that.

Clearly some of you aren't (or shouldn't be) designers.. Using SAE hardware on a 100% metric vehicle is just wrong. These are top of the line, premium products from Slee. Saving a few dollars for what is considered "more readily available" is questionable. I would think Slee would be thinking more globally in their approach since all but 1 slider builder in Australia builds something as stout as theirs.

Unfortunately there is reality and practical. The cost of supplying all the hardware as standard metric is unfortunately can't be ignored. It would add substantially to the cost since you are now dealing with specialty suppliers, especially if a lot of the hardware are chose for very specific reasons. Believe me if it was a few dollars we would supply it in metric.

In the past i was guilty of if because of pushback from the machine shop being stubborn and living under a rock. Eventually I won and when the print shows metric its there for a reason. If if ever goes to a dealership for instance and needs to be removed... most guys are only buying metric these days according to my Snap On dealer.

I think that is not really a very valid point. We install all these products in our shop and we have no issues with technicians not having the correct tools.

You must have never worked on a Chevy :) They have a mixture of hardware on the same truck between standard and metric.
 
Unfortunately there is reality and practical. The cost of supplying all the hardware as standard metric is unfortunately can't be ignored. It would add substantially to the cost since you are now dealing with specialty suppliers, especially if a lot of the hardware are chose for very specific reasons. Believe me if it was a few dollars we would supply it in metric.

You Fastenal rep needs to talk with corporate and negotiate some numbers lol. Maybe its a west coast thing but east of the Mississippi is not difficult of that much more for us. Hell, I have them pre baggie some of the stuff is heat sealed kits. Tell your rep you also want to go to their trade show. Its quite awesome.

At any rate i hope at least you are fans of SAE washers vs sloppy fit and thin USS washers... Hmm. wonder if we could leverage our buying power to help you out.:hmm:

-Brad
 
Geez, I am sorry I made my post. Feeling like a bigger dumbass than I was. Let it go, SAE isnt a big deal
 
It is what it is at this point. Sounds like we all need to get out and do some 4 wheeling. :)

cheers!
Or eat a Snickers Bar.
 
Geez, I am sorry I made my post. Feeling like a bigger dumbass than I was. Let it go, SAE isnt a big deal

I'm actually happy you mention it. I'm not worried about the different hardware, but do like to know what tools are necessary to get the job done. I just watched Eric's Slee build video and I'm really interested in the skids now =D I think that puts my tally at Slee Bumper, Skids, and 24G LRA...
 

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