Top Rock Sliders for the 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner: Features, Specs, and Company Offerings
Consider this your complete buyer’s guide for rock sliders on the 5th Gen 4Runner. Whether you’re an off-road expert or you just bought your 4Runner, below is the guide for you. From cheaper sliders with minimal gussets to stronger versions that come shipped and powder coated, there are plenty of options to choose from.
When it comes to offroading, rock sliders are considered a must-have mod. Next to a good set of AT or MT tires, I would argue that rock sliders are one of the most important mods you can do. They will protect your 4Runner for years to come. Rock sliders protect the rocker panels on your door and will prevent your body from being bashed in by large rocks on the trail. Without a good set of sliders on your 4Runner, you leave yourself open to serious trail damage that could have otherwise been avoided.
Want to learn more?
- Read More: Technical Overview on Rock Sliders
Rock Sliders: Buyer’s Guide
What are Rock Sliders?
Rock sliders are steel or aluminum step-protectors that get bolted or welded to your frame. You can weld rock sliders to your frame if you want increased strength. Most of the options for the 5th Gen 4Runner are bolt-on options; however, if you want, you can take it a step further and weld them to the frame as well.
Sliders are used on an off-road vehicle to protect rocker panels (the lowest section panel below the door and above your running boards), doors, and quarter panels. They can also be used as a general step when entering and exiting your vehicle. While most sliders are only meant to protect your rocker panels and body, sliders serve many purposes.
The name slider comes from it allowing to “slide” over rocks, stumps, and trail obstacles. Sliders do just as they sound, they slide over obstacles and prevent damage to your rocker panels or body.
Sliders come in many shapes and sizes. They can be configured as a flat top with plates, flat top without plates, angles with plates, angled without plates, and with or without kick-outs.
The purpose of flat vs. angled is personal preference but angled usually sit closer to your body and provide a sleeker look while flat plates reach obstacles faster and act as a solid step when entering and exiting the vehicle. Flat top sliders can also be beneficial if they sit out farther as they kick your 4Runner away from obstacles sooner.
The purpose of a kick-out is to help kick or push your vehicle away from obstacles, like trees and rocks and even humps as you navigate around them. Every scratch or blemish your slider takes is one less on your 4Runner. Many rock sliders are dual-purpose. Many options provide a step and protection as well. They are great for anyone who uses their 4Runner for offroading and daily driving.
Do You “Need” Sliders?
That depends on what you do with your 4Runner. Typical slider protection is important for anyone who sees rocky terrain and is pushing their limits offroad. They might not be necessary for those who do not wheel though. If you’re strictly exploring places on paved roads, sliders are something you will never need. It all depends on how you intend on using your rig.
- Looking for off-road protection on mild to moderate trails? Buy sliders.
- Looking for a better aftermarket step with minimal to zero protection, nerf bars might be for you.
Unsure of the difference between running boards, nerf bars, and sliders? Read this post: Running Boards Vs. Rock Sliders.
1. N-Fab Nerf Bar (Not a “Rock Slider”)
Find it online:
- N-Fab Nerf Bars: Check Price
Super affordable and will give you the “slider look” without spending $700-$1000+.
The N-Fab nerf bars are wheel to wheel steel or aluminum bars that come in a black textured powder coating. The N-Fab Nerf Bars while not being a true rock slider do offer mild protection compared to the factory running boards.
They bolt to pre-existing running board mounting points. This is by far the easiest to install step out there. That may be a good selling point for you if you’re looking for something easily removable.
Overall the N-Fab bars are great for anyone who daily drives or explores on easy trails. Unlike the rest of the sliders on this page, the N-Fab nerf bars bolt directly to factory running board holes, so they are much less sturdy than a rock slider that bolts to your frame.
These can easily snap at the bolts and possibly rip off your rocker panels under extreme force. This is the cheapest and most underperforming step out there when it comes to moderate to hard trails.
They do serve a purpose though for some people. They look great, and they can take a few hits on rough terrain. I have seen some guys running NFab steps that are beat-up, have serious damage but ultimately they protected the 4Runner. These guys eventually upgrade to sliders.
PROS
- Affordable
- Look great
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS compatible
- Quick install
- A great option for steps
CONS
- Rocker panel bolt-on
- Not strong compared to sliders
- Not as much clearance as sliders
- No kick-out option
2. C4 Fabrication
Find it Online:
- C4 Fabrication With or Without Top Plates: Check Price
The C4 Fabrication Rock Sliders are a great choice for a bolt-on. Unlink the N-Fab steps, the C4 sliders bolt to your frame instead of your rocker panel factory running board mounting points. This provides a much more solid, stable, and protected solution.
The C4 Fabrication sliders at their cheapest price are pretty simple in design and for $125-$150, you can bolt on step plates.
There are options available with different text options; C4 Fab Text or no text. Previously there were other options like Trail, TRD but those have been retired. You can also choose no plates and C4 will ship without holes to install plates. If you want to add plates at a later time, you will need to drill holes yourself into the sliders.
The step plates are dimpled so they give traction for standing and clean out easily when driving in mud or snow. The step plates are also removable which make painting easier and allows for multiple different coating options. They also come in two tubing options regular steel tubing and dom tubing both pre-welded. The dom tubing cost’s an additional $89 but is worth it if you’re doing heavy wheeling.
Similar to all other sliders, they are easily removable so you can take them off if you re sell your rig. However, sliders can potentially increase the value of your vehicle due to having increased performance off-road.
Check out a full review and Install on these sliders.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Text options
- Bolt-on
- Profound kick-out
- Good off-road protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
CONS
- Added price for step plates
- Long lead times
- No powder coat option is available
3. Cali Raised LED
Find it online:
- Cali Raised LED Step Edition: Check Price
- Cali Raised LED Trail Edition: Check Price
Cali Raised features a 1.75″ DOM tubing with a slider wall thickness is .120″ thick – like most other companies that manufacture DOM sliders. In addition to the DOM steel, they include Grade 8 hardware for installation. They also feature more frame supports than a few other companies. If you hit their product page, you will see under-frame supports from front to back.
A big selling point for many people is that Cali Raised offers a wide range of finish options.
You can choose between kick-out or no-kick out, along with RAW, Powder Coat, and Bedliner finishes. Cali Raised offers more finish options than any other company on the market which is nice if you don’t want to mess with prepping, painting, or power coating your sliders.
They offer two versions of their slider; a step edition and a trail edition.
The step edition sits at a flush 0-degree angle with a wide range of filler plate options; raw filler plate, powder coat, or the bed liner filler plate. The cool part about these sliders is that you can combine the filler plate finish with a different slider finish. For the slider finish, you can choose between powder coat or bedliner. Finally you can choose to add the kick-out or no-kick out.
The trail edition slider features a 20-degree angle with no filler plate option, however, they do offer the option for kick-out or no kick-out and multiple finish options; raw plate, powder coat, or the bed liner finish.
PROS
- KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Under frame support design
- Step edition used as a step
- Raw, powder coat or bed liner finish options
- Mix and match finish options
CONS
- Non-weld on option
- Expensive if you add all the finish options
4. CBI Offroad
Find it Online:
- CBI Rock Sliders
- Classic Series: Check Price
- Overland Series: Check Price
- Trail Series: Check Price
CBI Rock Sliders are a bolt-on option like the previously mentioned sliders. These sliders come in two options for powder coating. You can choose a satin black/smooth finish or to receive them in bare steel.
You have the option to have kick-outs added or not.
These sliders come in two different options for the tubing. The first option is the standard HREW (Hot Rolled Electrically Welded) tubing but for an additional $100 you can get the DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) upgraded tubing.
The extra $100 may seem like a lot but it is worth it if you decide to do heavy wheeling.
Think of it as added insurance because while the HREW is strong (mild wheeling) if it gets hit hard enough it could damage your rocker panels. This is likely never going to happen with the type of terrain the most 5th Gens are wheeling on at the moment, though.
The CBI sliders stick out far enough they can be used as steps. Also due to there strength, they can be used as Hi-Lift jack points.
In our opinion, the CBI Rock Sliders are a great choice for anyone who is looking for a very capable bolt-on slider.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Good protection
- Multiple Kick-out options
- Pre-welded as one piece
- DOM or HREW
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
CONS
- Non-weld on option
5. RCI Offroad
Find it Online:
- Rock Sliders with or without top plates: Check Price
The RCI rock sliders provide great protection along with lots of functionality. They are also very clean with a simple design.
They have an optional full-length tread plate if you decide to use them as a step. This is nice for small kids or women with awkward shoes like heels that may need something stable to place their foot on.
These full-length tread plate-style sliders are ideal for a family where your woman or children are jumping in.
The full-plate design on the RCI sliders is great for a multi-use rock slider/ step. They offer the best of both worlds, a full plate step along with a heavy-duty build that is designed to take some serious abuse off-road.
For powder coating, the RCI sliders only have one option, satin black. They are designed with 11 gauge DOM tubing with a 1/4″ heavy-duty frame mount. While being bolt-on, their full-length frame mount provides maximum strength, ensuring peak protection for your rocker panels.
Overall for the RCI sliders are a great addition if you’re looking for a strong yet minimal in design rock slider.
Check out a full review and Install on these sliders.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Full-length step plate option
- Long angular kick-out
- Good off-road protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a jack point
CONS
- Added price for step plates
- Long lead times
- One powder coat option is available
6. Metal Tech 4×4
Find it Online:
- Metal Tech TRD Pro Rock Sliders: Check Price
Metal Tech 4×4 Sliders are another great choice. These sliders come in one option for powder coating. A semi-gloss black/smooth finish. These are the only sliders you can purchase that are powder coated inside and out without a special request.
They come with and without kick-outs and double as a step, but lack a full tread plate step design like the RCI rock sliders above.
The grade of the metal and the diameter are not listed directly on their site but they have amazing reviews. Their customers provide feedback of being strong and withstanding a lot of wear and tear.
Metal Tech 4×4 produces quality products and awesome customer service. If like the look of this slider and think it will work for you, give them a shot. Metal Tech 4×4 is a great company. Call them right now and tell me I am wrong.
These sliders are perfect if you want to do mild to heavy trails but still maintain a clean and simple look.
Check out a full install and review on these sliders here.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Good off-road protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a jack point
- Extended length kick-out
CONS
- Long lead times
- One powder coat option is available
- No tread plate option
7. Shrockworks
UPDATE:
- UPDATE: Shrockworks is no longer in business (Jan 2023).
Shrockworks are bolt-on slider that mounts directly to the frame with a frame plate, like most other rock sliders.
They are made with a 1.75″ outer rounded tube and 2″ square tubes for mounting. The actual frame plates are 1/4″ thick steel so they have a solid mounting base so there not easily torn off like other bolt-on options.
The Shrockworks Sliders come in two options. The Two and Three tube options. The two-tube option is more of a dual-purpose slider that offers a step and protection.
The Three tube option is a true slider, That is kept tight against the body so it has a nice sleek look while only providing protection, with a minimal step at best. This is absolutely a great option to look at if you consider really pushing your 4Runner off-road.
These sliders come in two powder coat options along with bare steel. The first option is a regular black powder coating. The second option is a textured black powder coating providing you grip.
The Shrockworks sliders are going to be the best choice for somebody wanting a bolt-on kit that offers a true slider not a step. It provides great protection and won’t tear off easily due to being tight against the body.
Check out a full install and review on these sliders here.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Multiple design options
- Good protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a jack point
CONS
- No weld-on option
8. RSG Metal Works x RSG Offroad
Find it Online:
- Rock Sliders with or without top plates: Check Price
RSG is a fabrication company located in Lakewood, Colorado that specializes in rock slider and skid plate armor for the 5th Generation 4Runner, as well as a variety of other products. If you haven’t heard of them before, you’ve likely seen their solid axle swapped 5th Gen that is on 40” tires on the gram‘. RSG has two divisions of their company; RSG Offroad and RSG Metal Works.
RSG Offroad is their installation and service shop where you can purchase almost any offroad product and they will install it on the spot. They offer custom fabrication services like BMCs and CMCs along with other installation and modification services such as lift kits, tire/wheel mount, and balancing, switch installs, armor installs, drawer systems, bumpers, roof racks, and much more.
RSG Metal Works is their fabrication shop which is also located in Colorado. RSG Metal Works specializes in rock sliders and front skid plates and KDSS skid plates.
They offer a wide variety of options when it comes to top plates, kick-outs, and other features.
Basically, you have the option of angled or flat rock sliders – with or without kick-outs. Then you can choose top plates or no top plates. If you choose the top plates, you can add the grip top plate or the flat top plate. Finally, you can choose to add the RSG offroad logo or no logo. So many options!! RSG Metal Works probably offers the most amount of options in the industry for the 5th Gen 4Runner.
RSG Metal Works is also well-known for having one of the strongest designs in the industry. Everything they make is constantly being improved and the guys who run their sliders constantly brag about the strength and design.
Check out a full review and Install on these sliders.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Logo options
- DOM or HREW
- Bolt-on
- Profound kick-out
- Great off-road protection
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
- They offer powder coating
CONS
- Added price for step plates, logo and powder coat
9. White Knuckle Offroad
Find it Online:
- White Knuckle Off-Road Rock Sliders: Check Price
White Knuckle Off Road is another bolt-on slider that comes in two different options for the tubing. The first option is the standard HREW but for an additional $40 you can get the DOM upgraded tubing.
An extra $40 for the upgraded DOM tubing is worth it because that extra cost could save you from hundreds of dollars of damage to your rocker panels.
White Knuckle Sliders only come with two options for powder coating. You can choose a semi-gloss black/smooth finish or to receive them in bare metal.
They are made with a 1.75″ outer rounded tube and 2″ square tubes for main support. The actual frame plates are 3/8″ thick steel so they have a sturdy mounting base that is not easily torn off. These sliders stick out from the body slightly so they can double as a step.
They also are able to be used as HI-Lift Jack points.
There arent a ton of guys out there running this slider but it looks nice and it’s priced well. It starts at around $550 but depending on your location can amount to $700+. That’s still a good price for a set of rock sliders.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Good protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- DOM or HREW
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
CONS
- Non-weld on option
10. Pelfreybilt
Pelfreybilt filed bankruptcy in 2018 but I wanted to leave the image up for people if they wanted to pull some inspiration form their design.
Email us if you think another company should go here.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Good protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
CONS
- They filed Bankruptcy
11. Hefty Fabworks
Find it Online:
- Hefty Fabworks Rock Sliders: Check Price
The Hefty Fabworks rock sliders provide ultimate protection and functionality. Every set of sliders are built utilizing a CNC cut, bent and fabricated mounting system, all American top quality steel, 2×2 hitch steel main slider with a 1 3/4″ x .120 wall DOM tubing rub rail with a rear kick out and all assembled using a set jig to eliminate human error.
The Hefty Fabworks sliders come with an integrated tread plate that gives the sliders not only the strength to add protection while offroading but they double as a step. The tread plates come dimpled like the C4 Fabrication sliders which add traction for standing and clean out easily when driving in mud or snow.
They also come with a Kick Out like the previously mentioned CBI Offroad sliders. When it comes to powder coating you can choose either bare steel or a semi-gloss textured black coating.
The Hefty Fabworks Sliders are a great choice for your 4Runner. They offer a clean, simple, and strong design. They also feature a well-designed kick out that doubles as a step.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Good protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
- Textured powder coat option
CONS
- Non-weld on option
- Not many configurable options
12. Bud Built
Find it Online:
- Bud Built Rock Sliders: Check Price
The Bud Built rock sliders provide great protection. The Bud Built sliders come with an optional full or half tread plate that gives the sliders a great step option. It’s not going to add more strength while offroading but it will assist those little ones you drag everywhere and possibly your lady with high heels.
They also come with a kick-out option for the beefier sliders like the previously mentioned CBI Offroad sliders and others. They come with a HREW option or a beefier DOM tubing option for an extra $75.
When it comes to powder coating you can choose 6 different options. Bare steel, Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, or you can choose any other color of your choice for the same price.
The Bud Built Sliders are a great choice for your 4Runner due to having the options of many powder coat options, optional kickouts, optional tread plates for steps, and the options of kick-outs on the beefier version.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Multiple powder coating options
- Bolt-on
- Good protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
- Textured powder coat option
CONS
- Non-weld on option
13. Rago Fabrication
The Rago Fabrication sliders (although arrived late in the game) provide a great amount of protection. These sliders have been designed to provide the most ground clearance that also provides a kick out to keep your quarter panels dent free.
These sliders are made 100% in the USA using 1.70 DOM tubing with 3/16 pickled and oiled steel. They are bent at a 45-degree angle on both ends that allow more support and resistance to hits. These sliders are over 8 inches wide in three different locations. Big, wide and beefy rock sliders but maybe too wide for some as they look a bit bulky and stick out a little too far. If you are looking for a low-profile/tucked rock slider, these are not for you.
While these sliders may not look the best (no offense) they offer plenty of protection. These sliders would be great for someone who does moderate to very heavy wheeling keeping the obstacles far way, especially with their wide kick-out.
Rago Fabrication offers shipping to a local Texas powder coater to allow Texas residents to pick up locally. Great for people in Texas.
Pushing over $1000.00, they are somewhat pricy for what they are. Other sliders range $700-900 so Rago is on the high side.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Great protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
CONS
- Non-weld on option
14. 4×4 Labs
4×4 Labs as another bolt-on option provides one notable difference compared to all of these sliders. The 4×4 Labs rock sliders feature a “boat style” underside that protects all the way back to the frame adding unmatched protection to the 4Runner’s side (and KDSS systems for those equipped).
This “boat style” underside of the sliders will protect from much more than average trail obstacles. If you are looking for a set of over-performing rock sliders, 4×4 Labs should be highly considered.
If you look at these versus other sliders on the market, they are the most over-built sliders on the market – bar none. That’s why they are so expensive (AND HEAVY!). But for some 4Runner owners out there, the protection was well worth the cost. As they say “Buy once, cry once”.
These only come in two options for powder coating. You can choose a semi-gloss black/smooth finish or to receive them in bare steel.
They come with and without kick-outs as well. These sliders stick out far enough they can be used as a step for your 4Runner which is nice.
These Sliders are meant to handle the weight of the body so they can be used as jack points for your HI-Lift jack. The price on these sliders we feel is pretty killer though even for DOM Tubing and much more material than your standard bolt-on rock slider mentioned above.
The quality overall is very good but compared to most other sliders this option is at the end of the list due to price. Its design overall is very clean and simple, though. So if you’re going for an extremely well-built over-performing rock slider that will protect against just about any hit, this slider is for you.
PROS
- KDSS/ Non-KDSS Compatible
- Bolt-on
- Great protection
- Undercarriage protection
- Pre-welded as one piece
- Can be used as a step
- Can be used as a jack point
- Textured powder coat option
CONS
- Non-weld on option
- Expensive
Which sliders are for you?
Our conclusion to this article is that overall every one of these has great benefits while some do not. The sliders you choose is based on what you are looking for and the type of offroading you do or plan to do in your 4Runner.
There are many factors when choosing the style, functionality, powder coat, and most of all protection. You can always rattle can your sliders if you intend on abusing them so don’t let “powder coat options” get you down.
Look for something that is going to work for you and your family along with something that will protect your 4Runner on the trail.
No demello?
“Our conclusion to this article is that overall every one of these has great benefits while some do not.” If “some do not” then “every one” of them can’t have great benefits. That single statement destroys the validity any other comments you’ve made about their products.
I went with powdercoated aluminum sliders with a kickout made by Greenlane Offroad. They’re out of Vancouver Island BC. Excellent service, super well built, excellent hardware and were extremely well wrapped for delivery. They fit perfectly. Make sure you use a tap to clean out the bolt holes. I added a few galvanized washers between the KDSS assembly and frame to ease installing the sliders between the frame and KDSS lines. I also heavily greased the frame to prevent rust before installing the sliders.
http://www.greenlaneoffroad.com
What about Slee sliders?
I’m looking for steps/sliders for my 2019 Limited Nightshade and there aren’t many options considering the Limited trim piece on the bottom of the side panel. Many recommended shrockworks as they provide a trim replacement piece but I really had my eyes on the Go Rhino RB20s. Is it possible to buy the shrockworks trim piece and then use the RB20s?
Man these C4 Fabrication Rock Sliders look so good. Powder Coated matte textured grey.
I’d like to nominate Resz Fab out of NE Ohio for their new 4 Runner rock sliders! They have a mean look and some reinforcement on the mounts which provide extra strength!
HI YALL LOOKING FOR 60″ SLIDERS FOR MY LIFTED 5TH GEN TRD PRO 4RUNNER. HAVE BUSHWACKER FENDER FLARES WHICH DECREASE CLEARANCE. ANY THOUGHTS? TIA
I noticed the only vendor that emphasized protection of the KDSS was 4×4 Labs. Does this mean it out performs the other sliders when it comes to protecting the KDSS or do other sliders offer similar protection? The 4×4 Labs sliders are pricey but if it’s an extra insurance policy compared to others it seems like it might pay dividends.
Beware of N-Fab Predator bars if you want to go off road exploring. They look cool but that’s the best I can say. I had major corrosion problems in the front caps in the first year (they did send me replacements), and they definitely will not hold up as sliders, at all!
They were a gift from my wife a couple years back. First serious off-roading, first minor encounter with a rock and the poorly welded step support snapped right off.
Just installed these on my 2017 TRD Pro with KDSS and it was a breeze! Two things – make sure you run a tap thru the bolt holes in the frame it will make your install go easier and make sure your very careful with installing the drivers side rail underneath the KDSS lines especially the first bolt hole after the kdss unit – it has a washer on it with a lip that will impede the rail from going up, you’ll need to carefully lift it away from the frame while sliding up the rail. Otherwise its just a matter of bolting it up to the frame. Using a hydraulic jack helps a lot when moving the sliders into place.
N-fab actually has a slider now. They the RKR series and they mount to the frame. They have an optional bolt on step as well. Installed easy and doesn’t look too bad.
Thanks for the detailed write up. I know it says it’s been updated, so you would add a new product if you think it should make the list? What can you tell me about Cali raised sliders? Im looking for something kdss compatible and a really low profile with the protection I need. What would you suggest?
There are many sliders that are KDSS compatible and low profile. The C4 Sliders I am running are without plates, low profile and KDSS compatible. So many options out there that fit that bill. Could be a post on its own really.
Thanks. I guess I don’t don’t consider those low profile.
Hey Justin, I run the Cali raised sliders zero degree with kickout, no KDSS though, however, their sliders can be installed with KDSS. The build is really nice and it’s definitely hefty-really good welds. I went with them because of the top plate and option for bed liner. They are really responsive on Instagram and shipping isn’t that expensive. Whatever you choose from this list or Cali Raised all are great products. If you are thinking something low profile and doesn’t stick out much, I would consider angled or without kickout. The Cali Raised are low profile, but pretty subjective.
Thanks Dan
Hey Brenan, love the site! Do you happen to know the lift height and tires size on the red 4runner in this post?
Not sure at first glance, but looks to be around 3″+ in the front. You can hit the link just under that photo and head over to his IG then shoot him a DM.
I’m new to adding to my 2017 Red Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. It’s been about three years now since I bought it. I’m getting the itch now adding upgraded interior and exterior lights. Emblem’s and knobs. I’m thinking about adding a Warn Winch Bumper and winch! And an Air Intake system. Maybe a lift kit of some kind down the road? Any other suggestions would be appreciated! I’m getting excited now!!!
Thank’s Art!
Any thoughts on the Victory 4×4 Blitz sliders or know what kind of quality they are? They look great but not sure if it’s just gimmicky.
RSG Metalworks are beefy and no lead times.
Yup, just ordered them last week and they were delivered today.
Hi there, I have a 2 »14 limited and I bought greenlane rock slider. My problem is they don’t fit with the rocker skirt. Do you know of an easy fix for replacing the rocker skirt on the limited or do you know of a better product that can be installed on the limited without any modifications? Thank you
Brenan: Great review, would’ve been a big help when I was looking at sliders.
I went with RCI step sliders with covers on my ’17 T4R ORP w/KDSS. They have held up just about perfectly after many off road miles and several direct hits on the sliders. I was concerned about the powder coating holding up and the sliders getting rusty and ugly. So I had them coated with Rhino Guard ( tough bed liner coating) before installation in early 2017. The coating has held up almost perfectly and cleans up like new at a car wash. I say “almost” because one direct hit on a rock ledge scraped off a piece of the Rhino Guard, I just had that side re-coated. Rhino Guard isn’t a cheap option but holds up very well to normal off wear and tear and the “wrinkle finish” cleans up nicely while providing decent traction. I also went with RCI’s full aluminum skid plates (including gas tank) and they’ve held up very well to numerous serious rock encounters with scratches but no dents or deflections. Nothing but good to say about both RCI products.
Brenan: Nice job, I wish this info was available when I was looking at sliders for my ’17 T4R ORP w/KDSS. I ended up going with RCI sliders (and full aluminum skids) with step plates and they have performed perfectly over the last few years and many miles of off-roading, fire roads/gravel roads (Crown King back way, Elephant Hill, etc). I can also vouch for their use as High-lift jack points (no flexing) which is important for me since I have stock bumpers and thus limited jacking points. I was worried about the powder coating holding up to rock and gravel damage as well as wear from stepping on them, getting rusty and ugly, etc. My solution was getting the sliders Rhino Guarded before installing them. The Rhino Guard has held up almost perfectly to lots of off roading, gravel roads, etc. The exception was landing hard on a rock ledge after slipping off a rock (Crown King back way). The slider held up fine but the ledge scraped off a piece of Rhino Guard, probably to be expected and saved the rocker panel above. I simply had that slider re-coated. Not an cheap option I realize but the coating has held up perfectly to “normal” wear and tear and cleans up nicely at the car wash.
As an aside the aluminum RCI skids have held up perfectly to numerous rock encounters, lots of scratches but no deflections or dents. IMO the RCI sliders and skids are the real deal. Just my 2 cents.
This is a great site and outstanding collection of info for anyone with a 4Runner.
Steve, Hey I saw your note and wanted to drop in a line. I think your search can be quickly whittled down to a few companies. There are most likely more that meet your criteria, but these should be able to get you rolling in the right direction.
CBI Off Road Fabrication
Rocky Road Outfitters
C4 Fabrication
If you have any more questions, just let me know. More than happy to continue to assist.
Shout Out to Brenan for having the coolest site on the Internet!
Travis Baird
OverUnder4x4
Hi Brenan,
I have 2019 TRD Off Road Premium. Just getting started with the real mods. I go off road monthly buy not daily. I am looking for a minimalist functional slider. Not a step, No kick out, no tread plate. I dont mind hopping into the driver’s seat so I don’t want a step but I don’t want a Big slider blocking access either.
Could you recommend one to meet this criteria? Most of the ones in your excellent review are just slightly bigger than I would want. Out of all of them the Shrockworks looks pretty streamlined. I saw CALITR4 gen 3 with a custom slider from California Fabrication which looked great but I do not see a Gen 5 version from them. The BAMF that I saw at Basecamp looked ok but I would like it just a bit further tucked into the rail of the 4Runner. Any advice will be great.
Great article, Brenan. Great site. I really appreciate you putting this together on rock sliders. Its my next up item. I’m with Dan on this one. Rocky Road Outfitters super sliders look amazing. Dan thanks for adding them to the thread and getting them to my radar. I’m torn between C4Fab, CBI, Rocky Road Outfitters and Shrockworks. They all look great! I keep going back to the angled tube design (no plates) that work best with KDSS. Still trying to determine the best of the bunch.
Really enjoy the site. Are the Shrockworks now using the factory bolt/hole locations? All I can ever find is conversations about the SW requiring holes to be drilled in the frame. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!
Price updates would be super helpful. Seems like most have gone up 15-25%
Thanks Brian, I took them off. This was back when we were still adding prices. Now we just link to the source.
That’s a good strategy! I’m sure you don’t want to be updating prices year after year
Great website. Glad I found it. I was surprised that you didn’t mention or slow SSO sliders as Kevin also indicated. I just installed (bolted on) the SSO sliders on my ’16 SR5 and they went on quite easily. Hope you add these to your list.
Yeah, they are nice sliders. We need to add those to the list among a few others. Thanks Bill!
Glad to hear….if you need pics, let me know.
How about adding Southern Style Offroad sliders to the list?
https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/product/5thgen-rock-sliders/
I’ve been wondering about these as well. Would love someone’s feedback here.
Does anyone have any experience with N-Fab T1464R Nerf Step? They appear to bolt to the rocker panel vs. frame. I don’t do much heavy duty off-roading but looking for better cabin and roof top access
Great site! Thanks so much for all this valuable information. Curious what everyone thinks of these aluminum side steps by a company out of Canada called Green Lane. Having a hard time picking one for my TRD Off-Road Premium.
Just received mine in the mail. Bolting them up this weekend. I don’t do any serious wheeling and wanted to save some weight with the aluminum. I think they do great machine work and I dig their design. They’ve got a rock slider look to them with a functional step. No rusting either. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Soo,, how do they fit? I like an aluminum option as I have become very weight conscience to my truck..
I think they should clean up their URLs. They look nice. Steel is obviously going to perform better than aluminum options like this off-road but if you are just going for looks, then aluminum is great. Not to say that aluminum doesn’t perform, steel is just beefier and will take hits and abuse better.
thoughts re: Rocky Road sliders/super sliders?
I’ve been thinking about the Rocky Road sliders for my 5th gen 4r. I’ve checked out so many different sliders I can’t decide. I live in CO. I’ve looked into Shrockworks, but the wait time.
Dan,
Yeah, the Rocky Road Rock Sliders and Super Sliders look pretty nice. I have seen that website before but have not seen too many guys out there with them installed or maybe I just didn’t notice them. They look like a good option to me.
Hefty fab ftw! But hey that’s just me great info here
I could honestly sit here for hours and hours and read every blog, post, or video on Instagram and never get bored. Your content is one of a kind and even me owning 3rd gen 4runner, reading some of your stuff has inspired and helped me decide what I want to do with mine later on down the road. Thanks for all you do!
Instagram @dune_runner97
Mitch,
Thanks, man – I appreciate it!