OK... I'm leaning towards getting rock sliders for the truck. Hold the applause... I have a few questions first.

When calling around, most people charge like $120-150 to install the NERF bars so I imagine sliders would be about the same. Last week while cutting for tire clearance, I noticed how EASY it is to remove the stock running boards. It's just a few bolts and it's off.

Now, question time. Rock sliders that claim to be bolt-on... do they just bolt to the existing holes where my stock boards were mounted? If so, why do places charge this kind of money for minimal work? There has to be some extra work I'm not seeing here! Even 4WheelPart said $110 to put them on! HELP!

Also, I really like the look and functionality of NERF bars (or Xterra bars) but am looking for some sliders that are a single bar like NERF bars... who is the best place to purchase those from? Something simple, inexpensive and easy to install would be nice!

OK guys... fire away!

 

I can't believe no one has responded to this one...

Just found these and I LOVE THEM! The price tag is small also... just $250. Now just trying to see if they make them for our trucks!

 

https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech...s/sliders.html

here is the tech write up for installing demello sliders on a tacoma...to give you an idea on install process...im not sure exactly which brands this applies to, but i know what some are weld-on, some are bolt on...depends on what you want i guess...

someone should chime in that has a more intimate understanding of these...

there are several options for sliders i have seen installed on these boards

 

The bolt on rock sliders that I know of require drilling the frame. The other method of attatchment is by welding them on. Some different slider brands...

Stubbs
4Crawler
Demello
Bent Up
All Pro Off-Road

There are many more, but thats all that I got off the top of my head. Check out their websites for more information on their sliders.

 

I think you know the difference between nerf bars and sliders but just to elaborate, over the counter nerf bars will not give you the same kind of protection as rock sliders. Hmmm...I just noticed you have a 2wd so you won't be needing the kind of protection rock sliders will give you.

No rock sliders will mount to your stock holes since your running boards attach to the body and not the frame. 4crawlers is bolt on but that involves drilling into your frame.

The smitty's you show above should be fine for your 2wd needs. Shops charge a lot because they can. You can install them easily yourself.

 

Rocks think that Smittybuilt's are tasty!

 

I'm not looking for sliders for actual protection... just for the look. I don't plan on attcking any major rocks with my 2wd truck. I don't know if I want something that bolts to the body or the frame though. I am getting a 2" body lift to clear my bigger rims/tires, so if I bolt to the body, there will be a 2" gap now as opposed to no gap by attaching to the frame. I think I like the latter idea better.

I like the bars that are rounded as opposed to the square ones. They just flow better. That's why I like the NERF style. I love 4Crawler products and Roger has the "easiest" install, but his bars are square and that's not what I'm looking for. I am really looking for something like the Smitty's. I don't know if they make them for the 4Runner though.

So do I PAY someone to bolt these on or do I attempt it myself? Is it worth the $150 to just pay someone and be done with it or is it a hose job at $150 for install? Any thoughts?

 

I paid $50 to have them welded.

Here are two pieces of advice for you:

1. Wait till you have the BL installed before you get sliders welded on.
2. Make sure you pay the extra money and get scab plates. I bent my frame trying to hi-lift jack my 4Runner because I did not have scab plates. I won my sliders here on Yotatech (Thank you Richard Stubbs!).

Shop around like I did. Prices varied upwards of $100 for installation.

 

Anyone near Ventura/L.A. County in Southern Califirnia who knows how to weld (well) who would want to make a few bucks welding one some sliders in a few months?

 

You've got that mixed up, it's the other way around.

 

oh yeah, that's what I meant... attach to frame = gap

Good catch

 

Erik,
Check out ebay. I think they have nerf style that look just like the old Xterra stepbars for your Runner.

Actually, I remember a long time ago Calrockx installed Xterra stepbars onto his 3rd gen (same as yours)- so that might be an option for you too. I'm sure Xterra bars on ebay are cheap.

 

That was bob who put the xterra steps on his 4runner.

 

You can read how to install the 4Crawler Rock SliderZ on-line:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...ar_HowTo.shtml

The sliders can be bolted on in several different variations and also welded or even bolted then welded. The latter can save money on the welding time, since the sliders are already on the frame, in position, and all the welder needs to do is run the beads, no need to pay the welding shop time for positioning the sliders, etc.

And these sliders can be built to accomodate any body lift (or lack thereof) in order that any body-slider gap is eliminated.

 

I know that you aren't going to be using these bars for banging into rocks, but another thing to consider is side protection in an accident. I noticed you've got a bit of lift, putting you a bit higher, and a good set of sliders that are angled upward should also help protect your truck in the event of a T-bone type accident, provided it was a car, not some H2 or Ford monstrosity... I know a guy here in town with a jeep on 40's, and he was t'boned by a small pickup, ford ranger or something, and he sustained very little body damage...

However, some nice round sliders with an angle like that are going to be a bit more coin, that may not be feasable...Nerf bars and those smittybuilt are good, and both sliders and bars help provide some "door ding" protection.

Just $.02 BTW, very nice looking truck, i really like the laptop stand.

 

Yep, this 4Runner had a set of my Rock SliderZ on it when it was t-boned a few years ago:





Owner was uninjured but the paramedic that helped get him out said the slider probably saved his legs by absorbing the brunt of the impact. BTW, none of the welds on the slider failed.