Welding sliders on frame.

[NorCalJalopy]

I’m getting ready to weld my sliders on my 1994 4runner. The Po cut them off for some lame reason. My question is, would it be of any benefit to weld on a 4”x4” 3/16” plate on the frame then weld the slider tubing on first or just say fuck it and weld it to the frame again? I’m thinking may add a bit of strength. I also plan to gusset each tube at the top. Any thought are appreciated.

 

[BDK]

I've welded plates on the frame to weld the tube onto of both the slider sets I've made. One was on a 4Runner. If something tears loose, I would prefer it be a plate and not the frame. Gussets add a lot of strength and push the flex points away from the frame.

 

[NorCalJalopy]

A

I've welded plates on the frame to weld the tube onto of both the slider sets I've made. One was on a 4Runner. If something tears loose, I would prefer it be a plate and not the frame. Gussets add a lot of strength and push the flex points away from the frame.

Awesome, kinda what what I was thinking. Figured I’d listen to someone with more experience.

 

[RunningProblem]

the plate would add strength, and weight. You’re essentially doing the jeep Cherokee thing of welding on stiffeners.

 

[YotaAtieToo]

You have to do something. If you don't, it will just flex in the vertical part of the frame.

 

[NorCalJalopy]

Do you guys think 4x4 would be adequate? My sliders have 4 legs each.

 

[YotaAtieToo]

Do you guys think 4x4 would be adequate? My sliders have 4 legs each.

You want to tie into the top and bottom of the frame imo, so whatever that hieght is.

 

[NorCalJalopy]

You want to tie into the top and bottom of the frame imo, so whatever that hieght is.

Awesome, will do.

 

[BDK]

I think I used 3/16 4x4 plates when I made sliders for my Dad's 1998 4Runner. It was a lot easier than my 1994 Explorer. Nice straight boxed frame rails. I used 3/16 wall 2x4 square tube for the sliders. He wasn't a hard core wheeler so they only stuck out 2" past the body. I flattened the pinch weld to get the sliders a little higher off the ground. Did the same with the Explorer.

I did the sliders when I borrowed his 4Runner over a weekend. I told him my vehicle was in the shop. About six months later I borrowed it again and installed a leveling lift.

 

[NorCalJalopy]

I think I used 3/16 4x4 plates when I made sliders for my Dad's 1998 4Runner. It was a lot easier than my 1994 Explorer. Nice straight boxed frame rails. I used 3/16 wall 2x4 square tube for the sliders. He wasn't a hard core wheeler so they only stuck out 2" past the body. I flattened the pinch weld to get the sliders a little higher off the ground. Did the same with the Explorer.

I did the sliders when I borrowed his 4Runner over a weekend. I told him my vehicle was in the shop.

These sliders are 1 3/4” .120 wall. The generic slider with the kick out in the rear. I have some heavier tubing at the shop so I’ll prob weld those on the sliders instead for a lil more beef. I already have the rocker under the drivers door with a wrinkle and am trying to save the others. Hopefully hit the high lakes or rubicon next weekend.

 

[YotaAtieToo]

Thicker tubes for the stringers won't really do anything.

 

[buzzbombxj]

On my 3rd gen 4runner I did roughly 4x4 frame plates, 3/16". Not square but hexagon so the vertical welds aren't quite vertical. For the gusset on top I used 1x2 .120 instead of the usual triangle of plate because it supports the out side of the tube, not just the middle where it can dent in easier. The gussets go out as far as the pinch seam. I folded the pinch seam up so I could mount the sliders that 1/2" higher as well. So far no movement on them after a few years, only damage being dents in the 1.75 Dom outer tube

 

[NorCalJalopy]

On my 3rd gen 4runner I did roughly 4x4 frame plates, 3/16". Not square but hexagon so the vertical welds aren't quite vertical. For the gusset on top I used 1x2 .120 instead of the usual triangle of plate because it supports the out side of the tube, not just the middle where it can dent in easier. The gussets go out as far as the pinch seam. I folded the pinch seam up so I could mount the sliders that 1/2" higher as well. So far no movement on them after a few years, only damage being dents in the 1.75 Dom outer tube

Your setup sounds about like what I’m going to do. After getting the advice last night I dug through pictures on here and at the other place.

 

[BDK]

My sliders are less than 1/2" from the body. If they contact the body (mine do) it won't cause any damage because the load is spread out over the entire length. I wanted them up as high as possible because I have a long wheelbase rig (1st Gen Explorer).

Happy wheeling

 

[2big bronco]

Remember if you use them enough they will bend up regardless of frame plate or not. Set them so they hit the rocker pannel before preventing your door from opening

 

[NorCalJalopy]

Yea I’ll def keep them high and tight. Seeing one bent up and another one low would bug the shit out of me. I’ll get them on this weekend prob. I’ll definitely use all your guys recommendations.

 

[Slander]

Like other said gusset/plate it. For perspective I ripped a set of trail gear sliders off my frame and I had the "L" brackets wheeling one day, after 7yrs of them being on there. That would have really been annoying if they were just welded on there with no plate.