Slider Opinions?

[Reckless]

I am looking to order a set of sliders for my LC. I want something that is very protective from side impact protection and makes it easier to climb into vehicle. Stock side step feels a bit weak and not very sturdy. It would be an added bonus if the sliders were very aggressive looking but side impact protection and ease of access are my primary concerns.

So far I am aware of the following brands of sliders:
1.) Slee
2.) Metaltech
3.) VPR
4.) ARB
5.) White Knuckle

Which one of these is the most beefy and indestructible sliders available for the 200? Are there any brands I haven't looked at? The general feeling I am getting so far is the Slee set even though they are the most expensive. I am finding it hard to see in pictures but I would like something that protrudes a bit more than the stock sidestep.

@Markuson mentioned in a comment somewhere that if someone were to try to door ding an LC with the Slee sliders mounted they would damage their own vehicle severely. I would like something like that. I want to double check before dropping $1500 to purchase and install a set. I have been searching the archives but not coming across much information. I am surprised there aren't more comments comparing the various brands.

 

[RTaylor]

Slee was the only real option until recently so there won't be much comparison in the archives. He makes great sliders and will continue to be the popular choice. These will offer your protection and step.

 

[Markuson]

Door dings: I don't know if they'd damage someone's door severely if they tried to ding you...but sliders that protrude sufficiently will certainly create a barrier for low door dings. Some funky door contours could defeat that.

Slee:
These things are bullet proof AND provide a high-quality slip-resistant step surface. You'll understand why they cost $975 when you get them. Consider that you can spend $400+ on plastic Weathertech floor mats...and suddenly the MASSIVELY robust Slee sliders seem inexpensive. They can easily handle the full weight of the vehicle. Incredibly strong with massive metal attaching directly to the frame. (See photos of my @sleeoffroad sliders below).

White Knuckle sliders seem to be the only serious contender. They also bow outward toward the rear. I guess in theory, this provides additional clearance for the sliding side rear fender flare, but personally, I like the straight slider.

ARB: Meh. Somewhere there was a post with ARB sliders that I recall being bent. Just seemed much lighter duty than slee or WK...but someone here may correct me on that.

My personal opinion after owning Slee sliders on my 100 and now 200? Wow! They are stout. I don't know anyone with Metaltech, ARB or VPR. Nearly all here go with Slee and some with White Knuckle.

 

[codyaustin5]

I love my white knuckle's. the main reason I got these was the kick out in the rear which makes it easier to access roof and kids getting in and out. John the owner can also do custom options for you. What has become called the "Cody Special" you can get a 2x3 rail vs the standard 2x2. Also the step surface area is bigger than Slee. These bolt to the frame and some drilling is required.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

^^^ I second what Markuson says

Slee has a good strong step, DOM construction and all (I have an issue with how they route the e-brake cable so I modified it), white knuckle is also a real off road slider but it will just be a tube. Nothing bad with that, run some grip tape along the outer tube and you won't notice much difference.

Ive had sliders on all my 4x4s and in college I always had some different colored paint from someone's door, love it. The kicker that is on white knuckles is nice, that's what I'm used to and if you are in the rocks, it works, that's why I'm going to weld a kicker into my Slee sliders.

I would ask white knuckle for some mounting pictures and post them, hopefully they are not like metal tech and just use two legs with some ubolts. All sliders will flex when pushed hard enough, and two legs, reguardless of material, isn't enough.

Edit: @codyaustin5, could you take a picture of the slider to frame mount?

 

[kreiten]

I roll the Metaltech sliders and love them! We have bashed the hell out of them and they have held well. I installed them in a couple hours on a Saturday morning, ya do have to drill a couple holes in the frame etc...

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

I roll the Metaltech sliders and love them! We have bashed the hell out of them and they have held well. I installed them in a couple hours on a Saturday morning, ya do have to drill a couple holes in the frame etc...
View attachment 1373834

Mean absolutely no disrespect, but my metal tech sliders on my last truck didn't survive the rubicon. They bent into the rocker panel and weren't strait again, and that is the same construction material with double the legs on a truck that weights 1,500 pounds less than a 200. I like metal tech, and LT is a great guy, but those sliders aren't going to handle that level of wheeling.

 

[codyaustin5]

^^^ I second what Markuson says

Slee has a good strong step, DOM construction and all (I have an issue with how they route the e-brake cable so I modified it), white knuckle is also a real off road slider but it will just be a tube. Nothing bad with that, run some grip tape along the outer tube and you won't notice much difference.

Ive had sliders on all my 4x4s and in college I always had some different colored paint from someone's door, love it. The kicker that is on white knuckles is nice, that's what I'm used to and if you are in the rocks, it works, that's why I'm going to weld a kicker into my Slee sliders.

I would ask white knuckle for some mounting pictures and post them, hopefully they are not like metal tech and just use two legs with some ubolts. All sliders will flex when pushed hard enough, and two legs, reguardless of material, isn't enough.

Edit: @codyaustin5, could you take a picture of the slider to frame mount?

Here you go

 

[kreiten]

Mean absolutely no disrespect, but my metal tech sliders on my last truck didn't survive the rubicon. They bent into the rocker panel and weren't strait again, and that is the same construction material with double the legs on a truck that weights 1,500 pounds less than a 200. I like metal tech, and LT is a great guy, but those sliders aren't going to handle that level of wheeling.

none taking, We have come down hard on them several times and they have not budged at all yet, guess time will tell how they do... thanks for the feedback!

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

Here you go

View attachment 1373839

View attachment 1373840

View attachment 1373841

Thanks for the pictures of the front legs, do you have any of the middle and rear legs?

 

[Reckless]

I like the White Knuckle Sliders for the bigger kick out plate but the mounting frame looks less beefy than Slee's:

 

[TonyP]

Jason at Trail Tailor is starting to make 200 sliders too. From the pics of his previous sliders they look pretty stout. Plus, they're a few hundred cheaper than the other guys and I'm all about supporting smaller businesses.

 

[Reckless]

I saw his and I liked his pricing but shipping it out to get powder coated and then shipped to me will add up as much as Slee's.

I have been debating whether I want a bigger side step or not. I think it will add width to the vehicle and it is already 1" wider than the 100. I do like how narrow the vehicle is.

 

[TonyP]

I'd just slather on some POR15. They'll probably get scratched any ways so it'll be easy to touchup.

 

[Reckless]

Interesting idea.... I think I am just in love with powder coating for my Land Cruiser. It's all black and looks sinister to me especially with the KO2s.

 

[Willy beamin]

The frame is a tough mother to drill into.
Buy a good bit and have a torque monster of a drill on hand.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Jason at Trail Tailor is starting to make 200 sliders too. From the pics of his previous sliders they look pretty stout. Plus, they're a few hundred cheaper than the other guys and I'm all about supporting smaller businesses.

T, thanks for the post. I should have a visual on mine next week. All my brackets and step treads are coming in from the laser cutter Mon/Tues next week. Mine will be a flat step like others. Once I get a rig in the shop I will make a pitched version as well. I have 5 sets ready to weld up as soon as my pieces are inspected.

I'd say mine are a hybrid between a full covered stepper and a tube design.

Bolt-on and Hilti self tap bolts to install. (drilling required)
3" x 2" x 3/16" rectangle tube
1-5/8" x .120" or .188" DOM (std or HD version)
1.5" x .250" square tube runners
.250" gussets
3/8" frame plates (bolt on or contour shaped for better welding angles to the frame.. if that's your thing)
3/16" plate step treads

Yes, bare metal is my only offering. Just my .02¢ I'd never waste money on powder coating for sliders. As always, I will ship to any coating facility to save the extra manhandling of a 140# box of goodies and usually a tad cheaper too.

J

 

[mcgaskins]

Anything that comes from Slee is absolute top notch, and they're the only sliders I even considered for both my 100 and now my 200. When I took a sabbatical from the LC world and built a Jeep, I often lamented that Slee didn't make Jeep parts because his quality is so much better than virtually anything out there. You cannot go wrong with Slee sliders.

 

[Canyonero]

I can only speak to my sliders - Slee sliders - but I can tell you that they have taken the weight of my fully loaded 200 many times, without bending.

Mine are slightly dented in places, scratched like a mother, but they do their job exceptionally well.

Plus, Slee is a small company that really supports our 200 Series group - I personally think that should factor into sending some money their way for sliders, in addition to them making an outstanding product.

 

[mark71]

Another vote for Slee.

Overbuilt, just like the vehicle they go on.