I'm about to install some new TG sliders. I don't have a body lift so I either have to notch or bend the pinch weld back to accommodate the supports that are welded to the frame. Any thoughts on which is better? I'm leaning towards notch as it would leave the pinch weld less disturbed.

I plan to center the inner rail under the pinch weld and give it about 1/4 inch clearance and then angle the outer rail so that its center is plum with the widest part of the body. I live out west so trees are less of a concern than rocks.

Any other advice?

 

If the inner rail is centered on the pinch weld and spaced 1/4" then you shouldn't need any notching or bending of the pinch weld. The idea is that if there is any flex, the pinch weld will contact the slider and give more support since its a vertical fold in the sheet metal that's fairly strong.

I have TG sliders. Would have installed myself but no welder at the time. Anyways the guy put mine really close to the pinch weld (like 1/8" or less) which I was kinda unhappy about (and that he didn't put scab plates like I requested - shaking fist...now I do MY OWN mods!) - but he did follow through with an extra leg on each side and some x-cab protection. The slider was so close under the drivers side that with my body weight compressing the body bushing I ended up having the slightest contact with the slider while driving offroad. Solution was a crowbar between the two and putting just enough bend in the pinch weld to clear. I wouldn't cut the pinch weld as it will weaken it.

 

Thanks for the reply. You are right. I clearly wasn't thinking when I posted. If the rail is under the pinch weld then the brace to the frame has to be too. I'll make sure to get a 1/4 inch clearance and hopefully avoid rubs or squeaking.

I have an extended cab. Any advice on where to place the last brace before the rear tire? The frame curves inward there and there is already stuff welded to the frame (supports for the bed there.) So that last brace before the rear tire can't be very close to the rear tire.

 

I notched, then bent the cut section under the cab. I then repainted the cut section to prevent any rust. It has worked great, and I prefer the tighter look.

 

I just bent mine in with a ballpeen hammer to tuck them up close. It can be bent back out if I really wanted to.

 

I used a BFH and went to town to fit 2'' square tube under there.

 

Hmm... Welding is my trade and everything I know about seam/pinch welding is to not bend it if you can help it. If you notch it you'll still have structural integrity.