Bolt on slider frame prep?

Is there any prep necessary for the frame when bolting up a set of sliders? Has anyone noticed any rust damage at the mounting points between slider and frame? Every install shows just bolting them in, with the exception of one that showed spaying the inside of the frame with fluid film while your playing under the rig. I will be coating the sliders with POR15, not sure if doing the frame at the mounting locations is over kill.

 

I plan to clean very well then apply Fluid Film where the sliders will mate. And bolt to torque spec, with no thread locking or anti-seize agents.

 

Why no anti seize?

 

I believe anti seize affects torque readings, so it's not possible to get accurate torque readings when using it? I'm not an expert there, but that's what I've read. Either way, I don't think it's necessary. I plan on removing my sliders anyway, bi-annually in dry climates, annually in snowy climates, to clean and reapply fluid film, so I'm not too afraid of them seizing up.

 

Yes, any lubrication affects the torque value. A lot of the force needed to torque a bolt comes from the friction between the bolt and threads. The clamping force of the bolt is from the stretch of the bolt as the threads are pulled on.

But these aren't really critical bolt torques, so I wouldn't hesitate to anti-seize them up to prevent them from getting stuck.

 

I like to clean the area well, then top coat with a fresh layer of satin black or clear. I like the idea of using fluid film though; in fact, next time, I'll probably just do that myself.

I do loctite my slider mounting bolts (usually would use blue and not red though). It's one of those things I don't want rattling loose, I want it to stay tightly clamped to the frame. I typically cover off surrounding areas and touch up still installed when needed as opposed to removing; unless I see signs of rust around the mounting areas, then I would likely pull them off to address it.

The typical rule of thumb when using something that could act as a lubricant is to reduce your torque value by 20% (to avoid over torqueing); but I don't torque slider bolts, I just bubba tighten them (I torque spec most other things though).

 

I was looking at all the different slider choices. Lots of good options. I really liked the Cali-raised with the step plate. They look like they would make a better step than my N-fab nerf bars. Just can't justify the need/cost at this time.

 

Fluid film seems like a waste of time to me if you're planning on actually going off road. Won't it just wash off?

Off Road in this area of the Ozarks means - rocks, mud, dirt, water crossings, hills, etc.
After going off road, I pressure wash all that crap off my 4Runner.

My Shrockworks are bolt on. I could easily see having them permanently welded on down the line.

 

The idea of fluid film is that it sticks well to the areas that are actually mated, and keeps other ish out. Where it will wash off won't matter, because rust shouldn't occur there as badly. The issue with sliders is that you're now sandwiching metal on metal over a large area.. as abrasive dirt/sand/sediment make its way in there, it will act like sand paper over time via vibrations, and wear away at the paint, then metal. The fluid film helps keep that stuff out. Washing under your 4Runner, even with a pressure washer, can't get that stuff out.

Of course nothing is perfect or lasts forever, which is why I remove my sliders and clean, repeat, etc. annually or so. IMO rock sliders are only worth it if necessary, because they take a lot of maintenance and effort. The cost to buy them alone is only part of the struggle.

But hey, all the mall crawlers can have their Swiss cheese frames in 7 years because they threw unnecessary rock sliders on and forgot about em, if they want.

Also, not all rock sliders are built equally. Some have laughably small mounting areas if you ask me. Many don't even wrap around the frame for strength.

I'd say that the Toyota "Rock Rails" can get away without fluid film. I'd still use it.

 

The 4Runner frame has so many holes in it. The whole Fluid Film thing still seems like a waste of time to me. Maybe if I lived in a state that covers it's roads in salt every winter, it might help..

 

Have you ever pulled them to inspect the frame?

 

The possibility of trapping moisture and contaminates against the frame, leading to a rusty frame is one of my concerns too.

 

Getting them on there was a real SOB with those stick nuts. No way do I see myself unbolting them. Major PITA.

 

Forgot about shrockworks and their sick nuts.

 

I could be wrong, but this is the 1st I've heard of removing rock sliders for maintenance, frequently.
Personally I'd could see welding them on, and spraying them with bedliner.

Do people also take their whole front aftermarket bumper off yearly, for maintenance? Seems crazy to me.

 

I'm more curious if such damage has accrued, 1st time running a bolt on set up and if i can do some preventative measures prior to the install, i will. I have not seen it posted that such damage has/will happen.

 

I had to go google it. Seems like it is a thing:

http://www.lastgreatroadtrip.com/4x4-tech/how-to-maintenance/rock-rail-slider-maintenance/

 

Your goggle game is strong.

 

You do you.

Off-roading is trendy right now. Sliders are selling like hot-cakes. Give it a few years, and come check out the forums then. See how all of these frames are doing.

On the older, more general off-roading forums I read, I've seen pics of what's behind (used) sliders after a couple of years. Of course, it somewhat depends on where you live, too.

For me, a day per year isn't too much maintenance for something I abuse so much. I plan to give my truck to my kid that isn't even born yet. Some guys throw on sliders then trade the truck in a year or two later, sliders still attached. Why would you bother with the maintenance, if that's you? I wouldn't. You think the dealer is going to look behind those sliders and adjust your trade-in accordingly? Nope.

Front bumper is of course a completely different situation. Not under the vehicle, nowhere near as much metal to metal contact, etc.

 

Thinking for winch maintenance (greasing etc), you basically have to remove the whole bumper.

 

My RSG sliders have neither a 'laughably small mounting area', or a wrap around mounting. I'm not the least bit concerned about their strength or how they are mounted. If you have the wrap around version, more power to you.

 

Fortunately i don't have one... yet. Reminds me its about thst time to put it on stand, pull all 4 tires and give it a good scrubbing.

 

All depends on how hard you slam that puppy down on that rock... and how many times.

Options are good.

 

It seems a little anal to me. If I don't weld them on, I'll add periodic removal to my list of things to do. I'm now an expert in stick nuts.

 

Oh, it is. Have we met? lol

But honestly, at last a yearly inspection around where they mate, and a removal and cleaning every 2 years or so, depending on conditions, is probably best for the vehicle.

 

Anyone have pictures of the frame once you remove sliders? Any rust present for the rust belt people?