Sliders: Round vs. Square?
- Thread starter hwi1s0n
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Mike Fox installed round sliders for me on my 3rd 4Runner and they did real well for me, but I'm curious as to what everyone thinks.
every one who sells sliders for 80s uses square tubing, but these are some heavy ass trucks.
I use 2x4x3/16 wall rectangle sliders on my FJ40's. They look very much like the stock step that is removed when I install the sliders. I've dropped the 40 onto the sliders without leaving much more than a scuff. Also would pivot around rocks by leaning the slider into the rock and cranking the wheel while applying some throttle. Used to jack the entire side of the truck up to swap tires with a Hilift at the balance point under the slider too.
A properly designed slider in either round or square tube should be able to do all the stuff I mentioned without issue. It's more a matter of preference than anything else IMHO. I happen to think that square tube sliders look better and dent less easily than round tube. YRMV of course!
Nick
A properly designed slider in either round or square tube should be able to do all the stuff I mentioned without issue. It's more a matter of preference than anything else IMHO. I happen to think that square tube sliders look better and dent less easily than round tube. YRMV of course!
Nick
Mine use both. Rectangle for the main piece and tube for the turned up out-riggers.
I have used 2"X2"X3/16" on my cruiser and have been happy. I agree with Nick that design has more to do with the usefulness and functionality than weather round or square. If you are having them done by someone else use what ever they prefer they will be more quickly and install them for less.
round round round for the outer bar. The legs and main bar dont really matter much.
think of what a slider is supposed to do, SLIDE. The less surface area, the better. = less friction. Round tube has less surface contact area against a rock than an equal size square or rectangular tube.
think of what a slider is supposed to do, SLIDE. The less surface area, the better. = less friction. Round tube has less surface contact area against a rock than an equal size square or rectangular tube.
Never had issue where the drag of the square tube slowed me down. Usually I was sliding along the corner of the tube or on a point of a rock. Most rocks are not flat so you rarely see full surface contact. 
I think round dents easier than square when you drop the slider on a rock. ;p Dents lead to bends and bent sliders mean the doors don't work so good. Can also bend tube up into the bodywork if you don't pay attention to what's going on; but that applies to any slider.
Nick
I think round dents easier than square when you drop the slider on a rock. ;p Dents lead to bends and bent sliders mean the doors don't work so good. Can also bend tube up into the bodywork if you don't pay attention to what's going on; but that applies to any slider.
Nick
You 40 guys advocating round tube is understandable but how much do your trucks weigh and how often and hard to they get slammed. I've got an 80 and wouldn't run small round tubing as a slider. The OP has a 60, while not as heavy as my truck it's just as long and the hits that slider will take can be substantial and frequent.
I have. Waller's similarly built 4Runner with square tube sliders got hung up on a rock that I slid right through... Maybe coincidence, but .... i also dont have any square tube dies so I advocate round 
Never had issue where the drag of the square tube slowed me down. Usually I was sliding along the corner of the tube or on a point of a rock. Most rocks are not flat so you rarely see full surface contact.
I think round dents easier than square when you drop the slider on a rock. ;p Dents lead to bends and bent sliders mean the doors don't work so good. Can also bend tube up into the bodywork if you don't pay attention to what's going on; but that applies to any slider.
Nick
2" round tube on mine, 1/4" wall thickness. Truck is at 4300 lbs right now.
I can't imagine that I'll ever dent that tube. If you've looked at my truck lately
the sliders are about the only thing that isn't bent!
I can't imagine that I'll ever dent that tube. If you've looked at my truck lately
the sliders are about the only thing that isn't bent!
Lane looks as tho your getting back at the trees for previous dents in your last pic
I believe it all boils down to personal preference. It is easer to bend round stock then square stock, with a bender that is.