White Knuckle Slider Install (1 Viewer)

[Congo Cruiser]

Greetings. 1995 FZJ80. Finally found some time for my White Knuckle Slider install.

Remarkably smooth so far. Decided to do the passenger side first, as working around the catalytic converters is a little tricky.

I’m really impressed with the precision of the design. They line up perfectly to the frame. Has worked out real well so far.

Be prepared for a bit of wrestling with these things. They’re heavy! Definitely jack the truck up a bit and make good use of jack stands. Also, all the packing material they ship these with helps as cushioning.

I took some time to clean out the four factory capture nuts near the catalytic converters. These are important for the passenger side install. Cleaning these out made everything go pretty smooth. One bolt to go...taking a short break to post.

I’ve read great things about these sliders. Very impressed so far!

 

[Congo Cruiser]

Passenger side done. Took about an hour, but I work slow. Driver’s side tomorrow...

 

[Congo Cruiser]

 

[nukegoat]

Looking good. Im sure more than once the irony of cushioning your rock sliders from the jackstands set in...

 

[Congo Cruiser]

Oh yeah! Nicely said @nukegoat. Hopefully they’ll also protect the head gasket...

 

[steveLX450]

The finish looks great , did you order them powder coated or did you paint them ? I like that you got the full top diamond plate option.

 

[Cass007]

Enjoy the brake line relocation. All the write-ups I read were discussing how the pass side was more difficult with the cats. That one went on in ~10 mins. Moving the brake line took forever for me.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

The finish looks great , did you order them powder coated or did you paint them ? I like that you got the full top diamond plate option.

Thanks! I ordered all the options - the stronger material, the powder coat and the diamond plate. I’ll post some photos once they’re all done.

When camping I put a good amount of gear up top, so these will probably be used more as steps for better roof access than as sliders, but it’s great knowing the protection is there. That’s why I opted for the diamond plate and slightly different tube angle - White Knuckle can accommodate that.

I had some cheap side steps from Ecuador on the truck when I was overseas. Removed them a few years ago. Glad to have easier access to the roof again.

Great set of sliders and White Knuckle is very easy to work with. I thoroughly recommend them.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

Enjoy the brake line relocation. All the write-ups I read were discussing how the pass side was more difficult with the cats. That one went on in ~10 mins. Moving the brake line took forever for me.

Thanks for letting me know. You’re right - the cat side was pretty easy. I’ll be tackling the driver side shortly. Any tips?

It didn’t look all that bad...is it just that the brake lines are difficult to move around?

I’m also guessing it’s harder to line up the driver side, as there are no frame capture nuts like on the passenger side - which really made alignment easy.

Appreciate the heads up - I’ll go slow.

 

[Cass007]

I personally found it difficult to get the spacer over the longer bolt and to then get it to line up with the hole in the frame. After I installed the 1" body lift, I was able to easily put it in from the top side of the frame rail.

Getting the rear line holder off was a pain straight off. Hard to get a tool in and then needed another tool to get the leverage to break the bolt loose that hadn't moved in 20 years.

Best tip I can offer is to unhook the stock mounts front and rear, then do the rear line spacer first. Don't be overly afraid to manipulate the lines (I know I was). They have a good bit of flex to them.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

I personally found it difficult to get the spacer over the longer bolt and to then get it to line up with the hole in the frame. After I installed the 1" body lift, I was able to easily put it in from the top side of the frame rail.

Getting the rear line holder off was a pain straight off. Hard to get a tool in and then needed another tool to get the leverage to break the bolt loose that hadn't moved in 20 years.

Best tip I can offer is to unhook the stock mounts front and rear, then do the rear line spacer first. Don't be overly afraid to manipulate the lines (I know I was). They have a good bit of flex to them.

Thanks much. Really do appreciate the quick reply. Starting shortly.

 

[Starlord]

I installed mine a couple weeks ago on my 94. The upper bolts by the CAT were a real PITA but the guys at White Knuckle warned me when I picked them up. The overall fit and finish on the product is fantastic though

 

[Congo Cruiser]

I installed mine a couple weeks ago on my 94. The upper bolts by the CAT were a real PITA but the guys at White Knuckle warned me when I picked them up. The overall fit and finish on the product is fantastic though

Agree completely. Finishing up the driver’s side now...

Brake Line Brackets...

 

[Cass007]

First pic looks like the front, my 97 has the rear crammed up vertical by the fuel tank.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

@Cass007, I just figured that out!! Arghhh!

Working it. Any tips are most welcome. Now I see what you mean!

 

[Congo Cruiser]

@Cass007...tips that don’t involve a body lift that is...!

 

[Cass007]

Don't bother trying to get a socket or a speed wrench on it ... it's a no. I had a long 12 pt combination wrench that I used with a small pipe over it to break it loose. Then many small turns until it was backed out enough for the speed wrench. Then a beer and some swearing.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

Removed that rear brake line bracket with this “custom” tool...

And don’t worry...that fluid is PB Blaster...not brake fluid, thank goodness!

Now to squeeze the White Knuckle spacer in and tighten it up...

 

[Congo Cruiser]

Don't bother trying to get a socket or a speed wrench on it ... it's a no. I had a long 12 pt combination wrench that I used with a small pipe over it to break it loose. Then many small turns until it was backed out enough for the speed wrench. Then a beer and some swearing.

Thanks!

My solution, per above post, was a ratcheting wrench with a heavy zip tie to pull...was surprisingly fast!

 

[Cass007]

Dammit ... I wish I would have thought of that!!! Nice job!!

No lets see how the spacer install goes. Pull the lines down, then pull the top of the clip towards you and get the spacer behind, put the bolt in and then do your best to push it back up to the hole in the frame. This was easier to do with the front lines not tied down yet.

Gotta kid related event to head off to now. Will check back in and expect to see completed pics. Make sure to check the brake line clearances before you start bolting up the slider. The rear line pretty much determines where the slider needs to be placed so it doesn't rub.