full size rock sliders - weld in rockers vs frame mounted.

[y5e06]

I'm pondering the construction of my own rock sliders for my OBS Tahoe. The majority of the vehicles I see have the frame mounted ladder types which are either welded or bolted to the frame and they extend outward under the body to protect the sheet metal. something along this type.

However considering my truck has nearly fully depreciated and also the fact I don't mind cutting it, I was thinking about the integral type where you would cut out the rocker and weld in an appropriate sized square tube (say 2"x4" with .120 wall?).
sorta like this, however likely not so high into the door sill

So, ignoring the aspects of painting the rockers after cutting/welding, can anyone shed light on to the cons of building the cut/weld-in rocker replacement rock sliders? It would seem one plus would be the ever so slight height increase with the tubes tucked up as part of the body.
Is there a draw back with supporting the vehicle through the body vs ladder type when getting hung up? I always though the the ladder type were subject to high stress at the frame mounting or also bending of the slider with it extended outward.
Use of hi-lift jack with either type?
Any recommendations on square tubing size for either type? What about for additional round-tube step bar construction?

The welding & fabrication aspects shouldn't be a problem, only deciding on type and tubing dimensions.

Lookin' for guidance.

thanks,
Morgan

 

[locrwln]

The weld/bolt on that are tied to the frame still allow for movement between the body and frame, which is how they were designed to work. The cut out the rocker panel versions, unless you are not tying them into the frame, no longer allow the frame and body to move independently of each other, so expect the body to keep cracking away from the box tubing (somethings gotta give).

Unless you are turning this into a serious rockcrawler, build frame mounted sliders and be happy. The extra inch or two of clearance shouldn't be that big of a concern on an expeditionary/exploring rig. Again, rockcrawling is a whole other story. JMHO.

Jack

 

[y5e06]

yeah, I wasn't thinking of tying the body to the frame. The weld-in ones would be body components only. I'm sure, with the unequal flexing of the frame & body, tying them together is a no no.
thanks

 

[Patman]

Naturally depends on planned use.

The replacement rockers work great, but if you take a hard enough hit under the weight of a full size they will bend the sheet metal, making opening the door difficult if not impossible. .125 square, is not strong enough for a full size if you really plan on "using" them. I would go .25, and then you can use them for air tanks too. Definitely do NOT tie them into the frame, unless you have a full cage tied to the frame and all the body mounts are removed. .125 round tube is plenty strong for kickouts, or the whole slider.

Properly mounted and designed, frame mount sliders will hardly move at all under the weight of the rig. If you take a hit, big enough to move them, they will usually come back to the original position, allowing you to open the door.

 

[Rovertrader]

While a bit lighter, though not much, the LR Discovery sliders are a two piece bent plate that sandwiches the rocker. These work extremely well, and bolt together through the rocker. Think two L pieces joined together making a U and overlapping the horizontal legs... Just an option to consider.

 

[tombodad]

Frame-mounted also give you nicer jack points, and a step for easier ingress/egress. I also find it's nice to have more points on a vehicle from which to lash and tie things off, especially for exploring. It always seems like I'm looking for way to tie out the dog, or a tarp, or a line from the tent in the wind or something, and it's nice to have places all over the vehicle...

Plus, when you damage the frame-mounted, if they are bolt-on, you can just take em off and repair them!

 

[stumpjump]

Not the best pic of them but you get the idea, mine are welded to the frame with 3 legs supporting them, i have hit them pretty goo and so far no deflection or movement.

 

[Got Beer]

For what it is worth, integrating sliders into the body is one of the first steps that 4 Wheeler Magazine modded into their Ultimate 4-wheeler project vehicle this year. I had not encountered this until seeing them do it; or at least if i looked at other trucks with such mods I did not notice. It looks pretty cool and clean on their project truck. And likely pretty spendy in the budget. Maybe check their pictures and get some ideas of of integrating the metal tubes more into the body lines instead of just welded on. I'm not debating strength, but as has been said, unless you are hard core rock crawling, anything installed properly will probably do a lot of good in standard wheeling.

Bolt or weld on ladders would be easier. Done right, integrating into the body can add that "Ooohhhh" factor, if you are into that kind of thing.

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/ultima...e_ultimate_2011_ford_f150_ecoboost/index.html

 

[Outback]

I really like the weld on desgn. It would give you the greatest amount of clearance. For me I will be going with a bolt on design that will also double as a step. My wife and kids definatley need a bit of help with the truck lifted. If your vehicle is lifted you may need to figure that into your decision. Post pictures what ever you decide to do.

 

[y5e06]

Yeah, the blue v6 they built looks great. However in the latest issue it gets beat up pretty good. I dont think they had the step tubes and it makes me realize the steps might be harder to add without sticking out too far given the doors need to clear them to open as opposed to the frame mounted style where the can angle up along the rocker some.
Based on the recommendations here it seems the frame mounted versions are the most straight forward. This wont be a rock crawler so they should function quite well. So far my truck really isnt lifted, however the step tubes would probably need to be added as i realized everyone uses the step bars are n there now, including the wife and she is 5'10". I would like to add 1" 'zero rate' lift blocks in the back and crank the front up to match at some point.

 

[chilliwak]

Whatever type of sliders you decide to install Y5, please be sure to post some pics. We all love LOTS of pictures.....:drool: