Slider and Frame Rail ?'s...

[wilburburns]

Ok, with all this discussion about Different slider brands/types, I have a few questions. There's some really good info in the More Sliderz Thread. But all this talk about stengthening the sliderz at the mounts has me wondering.

How many people have bent a slider or a frame rail. I'm not talking about just normal flexing of the frame or supports. I mean actually deformed the frame. Metal will flex and give, if not it would break.

I've given ways to strengthen any brand, now I wnat to know if it's really necessary.

I don't care which brand you have, I just want to know if there is any damage caused to the frame. I would also like to know how this happened. One last thing is, Did the frame/slider bend enough to get into the rocker panel you are protecting.

Thanks for all the replies...

Cliff

[Philosopher]

I answered "Yes, and it damaged my rocker panel".

You already know the story, so ...

[Dayspring]

Hell, I've jacked the truck up using my sliderz. I had no problems whatsoever. That's EOE craftsmanship for you!

[rrdstarr]

EOE sliders and camping....

I really didn't get to used the sliders out on the first weekend out but I did put them to good use and a little bit of a stress test! I leveled the X for sleeping that evening and left the hi-lift in place for 12 hours! No deflection or anything! I know mine are welded on but it is still on hell of a sturdy design!

[wilburburns]

Not that I care that a couple of you said which brand they were. I just don't want this thread to turn out to be another which slider is best/strongest, or I'm loyal to EOE/Calmini/my dog..

While it's good to hear that only 1 person has caused damage, I don't think he's the only one. I have heard of others. I am just trying to see if there is a need to strengthen the mounting platets. From the info provided so far, all the talk in the other thread was just a waste of a lot of thought..:o

So, surely there's more. If not, then where are all these people who were worried about the pinch seam on the rocker panels.

Cliff

[rrdstarr]

I really don't think one design is really stronger than the other. But if you utilize all six holes with grade 8 hardware and buzz a little weld along the bottom, you should be 99% safe! You shouldn't have to have a plate thickness of more than 1/4" thick and probably 5" X 5" in size.

See this link here in AF how i attached mine.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...5&pagenumber=1

[wilburburns]

I agree, I don't think strength wise one brand is stronger than the other. They all have their good points and bad points.

Likely, I will at least tack weld the bottom of whatever I go with. realistically, I will completely weld mine. Because My Frontier is an XE from early 99 and there are not any Step Rail mounting locations. This would require me to drill all the holes in the frame. As we know it's not an easy task. Welding will be much easier..

I'm glad that with 15 or so replies to my poll that only 2 have noticed any flexing and contact with the pinch seam. One of those was a prototype design, and thte other did not cause damage. That should make everyone invloved happy. For those of you who alread have Sliderz, they are strong and do work, and for those of you who are looking to buy Sliderz, all the current products are good, just determine which style you like best.

Thanks to all who answered the poll, and responded here.

Cliff
Coolkits Tester

[Craigs_Tonka]

I have built my own with 3/16" steel, gusseting, and some slightly different dimensions / angles than others as to not copy any particular design. I can get both front and rear wheels off the ground with my 48" even after installing my lift kit, although a 60" would be optimal for uneven surfaces like jacking from a hole. I do notice some flexing when lifting the ENTIRE side of the X when jacking from one of the custom hi-lift mounts that I designed. The flexing is normal, from the frame, and barely touched the pinch seem but did no damage.

Now the $10,000 question is: If I drop onto a rock with some force, will the flexing and pinch seem contact hold up? Or, will I end up with a bent pinch seem, bent fram rail, and screwed up rocker panel?

In the final analysis, I agree that it is not a big issue. I currently have mine attached with grade 8.8 metrics (as metrics are not rated the same as SAE and this is equivalent). I WILL be welding the bottom of the mounting plates, which incidentally are 1/4", once I finish some more testing and pull them off for final fit and finish. I'm confident that this will stop the minor flexing that I'm currently experiencing even though I'm not highly concerned about it.

[wilburburns]

Originally posted by Craigs_Tonka

Now the $10,000 question is: If I drop onto a rock with some force, will the flexing and pinch seem contact hold up? Or, will I end up with a bent pinch seem, bent fram rail, and screwed up rocker panel?

Yep, that is the million dollar question. The whole reason for this poll. According to the results, this is not an issue. I personally think it
"could" happen. But that's just my theory. Apparantly, Welding the bottom nearly eliminates all flexing, which in theory would answer the million dollar question.

Cliff