How many of you with rock sliders have actually used them?

I'm on the fence on purchasing. My rig came with the predator tube steps which are nice for my wife to use when climbing in but are otherwise lame. Ripped off one step over the weekend when off-roading in the desert. They hang way too low and are in the way when off road. They are coming off this weekend!

I don't plan on serious rock crawling but do venture off the beaten track semi-regularly. I understand the benefits of sliders and their ability to provide a step (in addition to protection) is worthwhile. Just not sure I want to dump $1000 into them and add 100lbs + to my rig.

Could care less about the appearance factor. Not trying to look like a Broverlander.

Have sliders saved you from damage? Did anyone not have them and regret it after damaging their vehicle?

 

"Broverlander"

 

If you ripped of a predator step, I'd say your usages justify investing in sliders

 

They have taken a few hits. The reality is, the 4runner doesn’t have a ton of clearance, so better to spend the 600-1000 bucks and prevent what would otherwise be some expensive body damage

 

Better to have them and not need them, than the reverse. And like y=mx+b said, you could probably justify having proper sliders if you tore one off already.

 

the OEM sliders from Toyota might be just what you need but they are not that good as steps

 

I've been wondering the same thing.

The lowest part of my Nfab steps to the ground measures around 15".

If I run across a rock or log with a 15" diameter, I'm gonna find a way around it whether I have sliders or not.

 

I replaced my predators with rsg sliders.. no rock crawling for me

 

lol

 

I have used them. As mentioned above, they protect from more than just boulders. A set of flat sliders with top plates would probably be the best as a step. They're good insurance if you ever do decide to get into anything nasty.

 

Even with good driving and carefully chosen lines, stuff happens… even without rock crawling or heavy off-roading, it only takes one brief moment of oops to roll over a stump or rock or dirt pile and catch the rockers, or slide/slip sideways in some soft dirt or snow into a tree trunk. I’ve always considered sliders to be a high priority upgrade.

 

^^ Good way to look at it.

 

My 2c (take it for what it's worth)
Will save you @$$ on/off road
Aside from coming down hard (unintentionally) on some pebbles
They help jack@$$corvette drivers cutting across 2 lanes from crunch oem parts and body panel
- a$$ clown tried sayin it was my fault...F@$%ing d!ck hole...didn't you see this BIG@$$ prius?!?! (I'm over it,LMAO) mainly because I drove away and he needed a new fender/hood/wheel/ driver side door and probably some more crap
they also help minimize damage actually save your rig from damage when college girls on the damn phone driving jeloppys cut into your lane (same side) she also needed a new fender/headlight and bumper

Knock on wood I've been lucky! Blessed

Anyhoo YES get the darn slider imo WORTH EVER PENNY!!!

 

It’s kinda like insurance, you don’t think it’s worth it until you need it.

 

You’re more likely to use your sliders than a bumper.

 

Yes - used them just last Saturday & Sunday. Off camber with a dirt / rock wall on the driver side. The slider rubbed the wall instead of leaving a huge crease in my doors / body.

Some folks touch up their sliders. I'm not there yet, I like seeing that rusty gash to remind myself why I put up with them.


Fun trail had a huge mixture of vehicles over the 2 days.

 

Took the same trail Sunday and the owner of the silver Jeep at the head of the pack, mentioned to me that his sliders are still on the way to his house. He wished he them as he dented the running boards.



And some fun from the trail. Had a pair of Subarus and a Jeep Compass on this ride. They all went full send.
The Subaru's had their front bumpers removed. Pretty smart.