Hi all! Its been a long while since I've been here, but I'm finally getting around to doing some trail mods to my '08 Taco.

What are the current thoughts on a kick-out on sliders? As far as I can tell, there are a number of different designs (see my ˟˟˟˟ty diagram below).

How about mounting? The Stubbs sliders have scab plates to weld onto the frame - is this sufficient to support the truck's weight for hi-lift? Or should I go more along the lines of all-pro, which has an L shaped plate that welds/bolts to the frame? This seems like overkill for my purposes (hi-lift jack point, lateral protection for the body

'm having a local NorCal/Sacramento area fabricator make them custom for me, any advice would be appreciated!

<img src="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1jPT8t0zEZSZNV0YuA1wyREwRhu9UrVP2jLpGMrPD6qk/pub?w=960&amp;h=720">

 

I went with traditional Trail Gear sliders + a hoop for cab/bed protection since I have an xcab. I thought about the kick out but went with the hoop instead - since in Tahoe there lots of trees depending where you go.

TG is the cheapest option aside from DIY sliders. Ideally the rail should be positioned under the pinch weld of the cab so if the slider flexes, it has a large contact area on a strong section of cab. I also added a 4th leg to each side of my sliders for more beef since I didn't add scab plates or gussets (might add gussets someday). Scab plates and gussets obviously will strengthen everything even more. Weld on is stronger than bolt on and ubolt style rock sliders.

Another kick out variation not very common is to make outer rail angled outward as it goes rearward, sorta like an elongated pie slice or a backwards fj40 slider.

 

I went with traditional style TG sliders but kicked rear out some to help transition obstacles to rear tires. I made my own plates and gussets. My sliders have held weight of truck multiple times on trail and as a lift point for hi-lift. Having them slightly angled out has worked very well and looks good.

 

Kick outs are great for pivioting around trees. I mounted mine just farther out than the farthest part of the body. I went with 4xi sliders, Welded to the frame with 4" plates,

Plus with them mounted out that far, they make for good scaffolding when your stuck in something deep.