Sliders

[Greg B]

Another question I have is on sliders. I have visited Sleeoffroad.com to see what is available. I really like the idea of the slider with removable running board. Does anyone have this? Thoughts, opinions? I have a three year old boy and a baby on the way, so a step is definitely worth looking at. But, the stock running boards have to go immediately. I feel like grandpa with those things on my LC!

Also, I have been driving LR Disco's for the last 6 years and on both models I had "sill-mounted" sliders because it's very difficult to mount to the frame on LR's. This design is flawed from the start. Many times the sliders can bend the sills or the sliders themselves bend. I've seen that Slee's sliders are bolted to the frame with U-bolts. (Slee, I'm not picking on you, I swear) Does this ever have problems with bending up into the sills or moving at all. Keep in mind, from where I've been vehicle wise, I am very skeptical of sliders.

I guess what I'm looking for is for someone to give me the warm fuzzies for the bolt to the frame slider. I want to believe that I can bolt these on and not worry about them folding up on me on the trail.

 

[e9999]

been plenty of discussions of sliders strength -at least for the 80s but the 100s are pretty similar I imagine- have a look.
short answer is they're fine

 

[Greg B]

Good call, I'll go do my homework on the 80's list and see what I can find there. Thanks for the tip.

 

[calamaridog]

My sliders on the Tacoma are unbelievably solid. They have supported the entire weight of the vehicle as jacking point for high lift as well as a pivot point for boulders.

I have weld on ones for the Taco but I am planning to get some bolt on style sliders for the Landcruiser. The Slee product looks very solid and I have no doubt it will support the weight of the vehicle.

Anyone have a few pics of the running board style Slee sliders???

 

[Greg B]

OK, holy s***, there is probably a thousand threads on sliders on the 80's list! I'll have to start looking there for things that are the same between the 80's and 100's. Definitely a topic that has been covered a lot!

After reading several threads, I now feel a lot better about bolt on sliders. It looks like Slee's are super tough and shouldn't have any problems holding up. The more I think about it, the more I like the removable step option. On the down side with those though, the tube type probably keep rocks off your doors a little better. Decisions, decisions huh? Either way I go, it looks like they're bad-ass!

 

[Landpimp]

I would like to hear more from folks with Slee's sliders with the removable step, I need to keep a step for my clients to get in.

I am sure they are plenty strong, just wondering if the step is enough step to use to get in comfortably

and yes I feel silly with my lifted 100 with the stock running boards

 

[e9999]

I have to admit that I don't quite get the "removable step" approach I see there.
Seems like when removing the steps for offroad you are left without outside protection (meaning sticking out from under the rocker panels). Wouldn't that be a problem?

I would rather see the tube setup, with sticks out much more (better IMHO) and just bolt a flat step to the top of that. Or just flatten the outside tube in a couple of places and put some antiskid on it...

 

[sleeoffroad]

The step style is out of stock. Yes it is not as much protection as the tube style for sidways damage, but the rock is still protected from the bottom. We will have 80 series sliders soon with a tube that is laid flat, plate on top and powdercoated with special slip resistant coating.

If this proves to be a popular option, we will probably expand it to the 100 series as well and discontinue the other style.

The original step was made to look like a running board, but be functional. They also stick out a little more than the oem running board, which is really not wide enough. When you step out you kinda hit them or miss them.

 

[dclee]

I have the removable step sliders from Christo on our 100 Series. Same reason: family (baby on the way). The step is plenty tough, and actually is wider and easier to use as a step, as compared to OEM, but still manages to not protrude too much (probably because the entire surface is usable as a step, unlike the running boards). Christo made a suggestion when I bought them: "After the kids are older and you start wheeling this truck, just remove the step completely and weld on some tube outriggers."

Anyway, I love this setup, as the truck look better, has better protection (for both rocks underneath, as well as side impact), and has a more functional step than OEM. What's not to like?

 

[calamaridog]

Wouldn't the 100/470 benefit more from the introduction of the new step sliders since they are all mall cruisers anyways???

I mean, nobody with an 80 wants a step, do they???

 

[sleeoffroad]

yes, you would thinks so. That is why we did the other style and tried to have it look close to a oem running board. However not a huge seller. There are quite a number of 80 series people that want the step style.

 

[Greg B]

The new step style you are talking about sounds like a good option over the running board style. So is the step attached to the tubular part and can be removed or is it more integrated into the tubular part? I think I like this approach the best because you get a step, but you also get more side protection. Very cool stuff!

 

[e9999]

I must say that even with my stock springs and 33s it is a pain to get in and out without steps for for wifey and kiddos... And for me, it increases the chance of damaging the side of the seat.
Seems like an appropriate outrigger style of sliders wouldn't need any special step though, just step on the tube...
(of course if it's almost the height of the sill that won't do too much good)

 

[Greg B]

Seems like an appropriate outrigger style of sliders wouldn't need any special step though, just step on the tube...

Yeah, especially if you added some of that black no-slip tape to the top of the tube.

 

[sleeoffroad]

The new step style you are talking about sounds like a good option over the running board style. So is the step attached to the tubular part and can be removed or is it more integrated into the tubular part? I think I like this approach the best because you get a step, but you also get more side protection. Very cool stuff!

Instead of the round tube at an angle, it is flat. Then the gap between that and the rectangular tube is filled with a filler plate. You need the filler plate to stop the little rug rats legs from falling into the gap. All welded construction and the step is not removable.

 

[e9999]

Instead of the round tube at an angle, it is flat. Then the gap between that and the rectangular tube is filled with a filler plate. You need the filler plate to stop the little rug rats legs from falling into the gap. All welded construction and the step is not removable.

aaaah, the rug rats...! good point! didn't think about that.
one thing I liked about the RBs was the protection from flung rocks. The step would help with that too.
By "flat" did you mean the outside tube is at the same height as the rectangular bar under the rocker panel? that would help with the stepping up. Not quite as pretty, though, and less clearance... But intriguing...

 

[Greg B]

Not quite as pretty, though, and less clearance... But intriguing.../QUOTE]

Very intriguing, I can't wait to see the first proto-type!