Welded rock sliders vs bolt on
- Thread starter gydmx
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Agreed, bolt on using factory frame bolt holes...
"bolt on is for beginners" 
As I recall, most FJC options are bolt on (except Trail Gear) and they work just fine. Welding them on later, is just that much more solid.
As I recall, most FJC options are bolt on (except Trail Gear) and they work just fine. Welding them on later, is just that much more solid.
+1, bolt them on, then just run a bead all along the bottom of the mount to the frame.
Lot's of variety out there, so it will come down to personal preference and your wheeling style. I have Metal Tech, but they don't stick out as far as some. Many folks like to have a kickout near the back end to help kick you away from rocks/trees.
I'd put Budbuilt at/near the top of the list, next to Demello "hybrid" sliders.
I like the idea of Demello using the square tubing, making that high contact area a bit more stout. But, like Rick said, its all about preferences. I didn't find the "need" for the kickout myself yet I witnessed quite a few incidents on other's rigs that they saved some sheet metal damage...
I like the idea of Demello using the square tubing, making that high contact area a bit more stout. But, like Rick said, its all about preferences. I didn't find the "need" for the kickout myself yet I witnessed quite a few incidents on other's rigs that they saved some sheet metal damage...
I agree with Jerry; these two would still be at the top of my list. I run the Demello hybrids myself.
Having a kickout in the rear is a matter of personal preference, or where you really like to wheel. Mine don't have a kickout, though a kickout might have saved me from a shallow dent in a rear quarter panel I got when wheeling in some really tight trees at Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area. On the other hand, I have wheeled on some really narrow shelf roads (like Strike Ravine trail south of Moab) where I would NOT want the kickout to push me away from a rock!
I run the all pro with the kickout and I like them. I use my kickout as a step mainly because I have a bike rack on my roof and it would be impossible to get them up there without it. It has also saved me from a few trees (all there are in Louisiana are skinny jeep trails through the woods)
If I were to do it again though I would go with either white knuckle, metal tech or demello due the the square tubing instead or generic round. I also think they use a higher grade steel which seems like it would help with the deterioration of my all pros right now.
Also, I would stick with bolt on mainly because I like to remove my sliders when I sand them down and repaint/touch up.
If I were to do it again though I would go with either white knuckle, metal tech or demello due the the square tubing instead or generic round. I also think they use a higher grade steel which seems like it would help with the deterioration of my all pros right now.
Also, I would stick with bolt on mainly because I like to remove my sliders when I sand them down and repaint/touch up.
FYI the Metal-tech sliders like Rick's do not have a kick out, but you can purchase the Metal-tech sliders with a kick-out and with a kick-out and rub rail. I have the kick-out plus rub rain combo and they have been holding up nicely.
If you bolt your sliders on do check the bolts every so often. Last check on mine found two or three loose ones.
If you bolt your sliders on do check the bolts every so often. Last check on mine found two or three loose ones.
This is very important. Some of mine came loose when they were still only bolted on and the jarring effect caused the weldnut inside the frame to come loose in a couple of mounting points, thus rendering that bolt useless.
Built mine in 2007...bolted them on and used thread locker; have checked them a few times and they have stayed tight.
Ditto on the welded in nuts. So far mine have taken some hard shots and haven't broken any loose yet but this vehicle has a history of welded in nuts breaking. I had to fix two that held my skids, it's a PIA to fix them. You have to drill 4 small holes from the outside of the frame, keep the nut in the inside fixed to the frame and weld them in.
I have the Demello light sliders. they don't stick out far at all. Kinda hard to use them as a step if that's what you are looking for. But they are very stout. I've hit them a number of times.
One thing to keep in mind about sliders is that they are (IMO) intended to be replaceable as you damage them. Better to damage the 400 sliders than to damage the body of the FJ which can costs $$$$ to repair. I love the idea of being able to unbolt the sliders and replace them with new ones if needed down the road.
The next question you'll have is whether to power coat them or not. I can say that I wouldn't. Get them bare metal and rattle can them. Put like 10 coats or as many as you can patiently stand to do. then when you scratch em, sand a bit and repaint the bad spot.
I posted a side shot of mine. The sliders did nothing to stop me from sliding down on an angle off an incline and hitting a tree at the top of my door.
Hope that helps.
One thing to keep in mind about sliders is that they are (IMO) intended to be replaceable as you damage them. Better to damage the 400 sliders than to damage the body of the FJ which can costs $$$$ to repair. I love the idea of being able to unbolt the sliders and replace them with new ones if needed down the road.
The next question you'll have is whether to power coat them or not. I can say that I wouldn't. Get them bare metal and rattle can them. Put like 10 coats or as many as you can patiently stand to do. then when you scratch em, sand a bit and repaint the bad spot.
I posted a side shot of mine. The sliders did nothing to stop me from sliding down on an angle off an incline and hitting a tree at the top of my door.
Hope that helps.
Last edited:
After reading this thread I went and checked the bolts on my sliders and sure enough, they all need to be torqued down. I am glad I caught this before my next outing because if I would have hit my passenger slider fairly hard, I think I would have either busted off the welded nuts or sheared a couple of bolts. Adding this to the oil change check list.
Demello just released a new slider. I saw pics of it yesterday. it's on the blue room so far.
Demello off-road x-wings. - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
They look cool, but I bet they aren't cheap.
The Michael Bay of sliders! (oh, and I'm pretty sure Mr. Lucas trademarked "x-wing" too.)