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Well, I finally got my sliders installed this weekend, so I thought I would post a few pics.
I ordered a set of the 66" long HREW sliders with kickouts from 4xInnovations, but slightly modified. Just to be different, I wanted the 3 bars between the two main bars to be at a 45 degree angle to match the front angle, instead of perpendicular to the main bars. Adam did a great job, and the customization didn't cost much either.
Here's how they looked when I received them:
I don't do rockcrawling (no rocks here in SW Michigan), so the sliders will be used mostly for steps for the wife and kids. But used also for protection on wooded trails from trees, stumps, etc., and in parking lots from door dings.
Therefore, I wanted to enclose the openings to provide a better step surface area. My neighbor had some 1/8" diamond plate he let me have. Here are the plates cut out to fit the openings.
I set the plates below the top surface of the tubes by about 1/2". My neighbor welded them in for me. (He let me try welding for my first time ever, man do I suck!) Here they are all welded into place.
I cleaned up all the welds and smoothed everything out. I spray painted them with 2 coats of primer, and then 4 coats of flat black. I also put a coat of rubberized undercoating on the underside of them to help eliminate stone chips. Here they are freshly painted:
This weekend my neighbor welded them on for me (I didn't even try welding this time for fear of screwing up my frame). There is about 1" between the top of the tube and the pinch weld. Pics of them installed:
Then, I wanted to see how strong they were, so I took my Hi-Lift jack and my new WabFab slider adapter, and jacked up one side of the truck. It worked great, with very little flex at all:
So far the wife and kids really like them. I think they turned out great and look awesome. Let me know what you think, and thanks for looking!
Last edited by Bandit Runner; Jul 20, 2017 at 05:47 PM.
Def a nice touch. I have an 01 and am in the process of lifting it somewhat and sliders are a must in place of the flimsy old boards wether you are draggin on rocks or stumps they will for sure be functional. Looks tuff man.
great. I have been looking for a durable and functional alternative to my running boards. I want to removve them but don't want to get my doors chipped up. You have got it. Good thing you are in MI because I might steal you idea but I am in TX lol
Also I like that if they get scraped or scratched just rattle can them with more flat black and they will look like new.
Last edited by 98runner210; May 18, 2009 at 10:19 PM.
I wouldn't recommend using a Hi-Lift like that again on concrete as they slip out extremely easy on the slick surface. Hi-Lifts are dangerous enough as is and don't need any help.
I wouldn't recommend using a Hi-Lift like that again on concrete as they slip out extremely easy on the slick surface. Hi-Lifts are dangerous enough as is and don't need any help.
X2. I've seen this his happen first hand. Guy had his truck jacked up in the same manner in his driveway. He was about to remove the first tire, when the jack slipped out from the concrete and the truck came crashing down. No one was hurt, but the hilift jack did scratch his paint job.
If mud/water puddles up on the recessed areas, I plan on drilling some small drainage holes in the corners of each plate. I thought about this alot when building them, but decided to wait to see how bad the problem really is. I don't think it is going to be that much of an issue, but we'll see.
As far as jacking it up like that, yeah it was just a quick test of the sliders strength. I certainly wouldn't change tires or work on the truck like that. No way!
I just jacked it up, quick took the picture, and let it down. It passed the test.
X3 on the jack.. My pops had one just fly loose and the handle hit him in the mouth. Needless to say it wasnt pretty. Hes ok now and still has all his pearly whites luckily!
May 18, 2009 | 09:58 AM
