Gerdo

I'm thinking of building my own sliders. I'm thinking of using square tubing because it is easier to build with and I want to cover the top with a sheet of Aluminim Tread Plate. I am also thinking of having them level out the sides, not angled up. They would sort of be running boards but stout protection also. I would use 1.5" or 1.75" sq tubing for the whole thing.

My questions are:

Would the edges of square tubing catch on obstacles instead of sliding over them?

If the sliders are level, will they catch and impede?

I am thinking of something like this.

spaugh

I don't think you will have any problems getting caught up on things with square tubing. I've seen people who have them with no problems. Also, the common 15 degree on sliders is just for extra clearance I believe. So that is not an issue either. The one thing I can see happening is the edges could get dinged up and not look square eventually, but the same could be said for round tube. Just be sure to use high quality metal and you will be fine.

KyleT

i used 2x2 .120 wall tubing. no issues so far. works great as a step too.

I can measure them so all you have to do is make cuts and weld.
they are longer than the prebuilt ones you can buy, but still have well enough clearence for my 295's

seanz0rz

KyleT, i would love you forever if you did that. i plan on making my own either spring break or this summer. i really like the look of square tube, and for me its easier to work with.

bflooks

i have them and i have beat the hell out of them. plenty strong, and they don't get hung up on anything. the corners do take a pretty good beating, but that is what the slider is for. i have grip tape across the top and use them as steps all the time. the gf especially likes this option.

Gerdo

KyleT, it looks like yours are straight out. That is what i'm thinking of. Does it hinder in any way? looks good!

bflooks, do you have any pictures of yours? Are yours level or pissed up? What size stock did you use?

KyleT

I didnt notice them hindering me in any way, they are above the bottom of the frame rail, so they are definately not the lowest object on the car.
Edit: oh, one was straight out and the other was slightely angled up. I took them off to reattach them. Ill post up the story and some pics when I get home later. the angle was about 10 degrees. didnt notice it when standing on it but it looked a little better.

I like the square look too. flows better with my limited flairs and provides a step to stand on easily. plus a little better side protection from car doors.

-TheBandit-

I built mine from 2"x0.120 sqaure tubing with 1.5"x0.120 for the legs. I mounted them at five points along the frame using some 1/8" plates for reinforcement.











I have beat on these a lot over the last few years and they have held up great. I haven't been hung up on 'em yet. They're great for situations like this where you just want lean over onto a rock and rotate around it.

jsnby

I like mine a lot. I'm glad I didn't go round tube.
http://jsnby.is-a-geek.com/924Runner/IMG_1142.jpg

Fish Taco

Square tubing for your sliders should do you just fine although I prefer round just for the asthetics. Square tube is easier to step up on for sure! Just make sure you provide extra stabilizing pieces at the ends of the sliders. In other words, make sure that those short little pieces of tubing that run horizontally from your slider to your frame are positioned at the front end and back end of your slider. Otherwise, yes, you'll get hung up and bend the hell out of the sliders. Don't laugh, I saw someone do it this way and it sucked!

-TheBandit-

One thing I forgot to mention is that from what I've seen, square tube is significantly less prone to denting than round tube of the same wall thickness.

Tacoclimber

*Subscribes* Don't mind me, I'm just listening in...

bruzer1123

*Subscribes* Don't mind me, I'm just listening in...


ditto

tacoma728

go for it, if you like it, do it. I took my step bars off because when i get in and out of the truck, the mud on the bars cover my pants. Don't worry about other's opinions, if you think its cool, then its cool.

jjrgr21

i built mine round on square, but if i did it again i'd just use square.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I've run both round and square and I prefer square:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...tml#Background

Never been hung up with eitehr type, I just find the square more useful all around.

KyleT

ok, mine are 64" long, the 2 bars are spread out by 4" pieces. they are 6" off of the frame, the inside bar runs right down the middle of the pinch weld, about 1/4 off of it. we welded them to the frame with scab plates, but they didnt lie up the first time, so there was alot of filler weld used. I was thrashing to get them done before the trip. they held up great, but filled with water due to not having time to get back and check welds. I spent 15 hrs grinding the plates off of the frame, using 10 4.5" grinding wheels. that sucked.
I bought 2 sets of scab plates from trail gear and plan to make them bolt on now. I am also going to cut the ends at a 45 degree so that I can take the piece of plate off of the end capping them for a cleaner look.
here is what i want the brackets to look like:


I used 2x2 .120" wall (1/8") i thought about redoing the main bar and the supports with .188" wall but the cost and the slight thickness increase doesnt seem worth it. i think most everyone uses the .120 wall. if i dent these, ill go ahead and upgrade. they are heavy now for sure.

wjwerdna

come on, its all about the 2x2x.250 wall ... I did tube/square combo, and still prefer the look of it, but if you dont have access to a bender, then yeah, stay away...

and i think the .250 wall is way too heavy on mine

wjwerdna

last time i checked ... .120 was really close to .125 which is 1/8" ... typo or am i reading wrong?

KyleT

doh, fixed it... meant 1/8 i think its really 14 guage...