Victory 4X4 Blitz Rock Sliders Install

Victory 4X4 Blitz Rock Sliders: Install Overview + Comparison to ARTEC Rock Sliders For 5th Gen 4Runner

If you have been following along on my 4Runner build, then you’ve already heard about Victory 4X4.

If not, here’s an overview of my build so far:

• Victory 4X4 Blitz Front Bumper Install and then also the Review
• Victory 4X4 Skid Plates
• Center Console MOLLE Panel

Why Choose Victory 4X4?

For this install, I am going to be covering one of the two options from Victory 4X4 for 4Runner Rock Sliders, the “Blitz” Series.

When I was shopping for my 4Runner I have a particular style and need that I wanted for my Build, that not everyone may want for theirs.

The main rock slider features I needed:

• Protect my vehicle from damage and allow me to fully weight the sliders if needed
• Add a step for my little ones and wife to get into the 4Runner… Safely.

I added ‘safely’ because many of the sliders out there have step options. However, many of them can create hazards such as gaps for careless little feet or high heel shoes. And no, I don’t wear high heel shoes (all the time), but the 4Runner is a daily driver, and if my wife is wearing them, I want her to be able to get in and out easily and safely.

So with these two factors, there are only a handful of options out there.

Victory 4X4 Blitz vs 5G ARTEC Rock Sliders

My final two competitors were the Blitz and 5G Rock Sliders from ARTEC.

By the title of this article you could tell which one I picked, but here is why. They are the same price, which in the market, this category is very competitive. They both are extremely beefy units and have a solid top plate step. But the differences are what set them apart.

The ARTEC sliders are a one-piece unit that bolts to the side of the frame. While the Blitz has legs that bolt onto the slider and then onto the frame. Another difference is that the Blitz mounts the bottom of the frame as well, not just the side.

I’m not a structural engineer but it may limit any frame bending if I drop the full weight of the vehicle onto a boulder. More mounting points are usually a good thing.

Also, the Blitz comes with LED puddle/rock lights and Hi-Lift Jack Mounts for even more benefit. Seeing how the slider is a bol-on kit broken into sections means that it can be swapped out if a section gets damaged. Technically, you can save some money by ordering only the damaged part with these sliders.

So, while the ARTEC is a good rock slider, the Victory 4X4 had a few more benefits that made them stand above.

Find These Products:

• Victory 4×4 Blitz Rock Sliders: Check Price
• 5G ARTEC Rock Sliders: Discontinued

Note: ARTEC sliders are NOT compatible with KDSS. The Victory 4×4 sliders are compatible!

How To Install Blitz Sliders For 5th Gen 4Runner

Victory 4X4 has a video and PDF of the install so I will only be going over key points that need mentioning.

After unpacking the very heavy box, 130lbs to be exact!

I laid it all out to inspect and make sure that I had everything. I ordered powder-coated sliders since they’ll be visible and used daily, so I wanted something durable that will look good for a long time.

The powder-coating was a high-quality finish with no defects or issues from shipping.

Parts Included & Tools For Install

Tools Used For Install:

• Pry Tool: Check Price
• Ratchet
• 12mm, 13mm, and 9/16 sockets
• 5/16” Drill Bit: Check Price
• 5/16” Allen Set (USA Made set): Check Price
• ½” Wrench
• Thread locker: Check Price
• Heat Gun: Check Price

Install LED Lights

The LED lights are actually the same marker lights that truckers use, so they are inexpensive and easily found online and truck stops if you’re on the road.

Installing them into the gaskets was easy for me since the garage temps at night were only 103 degrees… Did I mention how much I love Arizona during the summertime?

I am sure colder temps could make it more difficult, so you might need a heat gun.

Install Top Plate and LEDs

Once the LEDs were assembled, install the top plates then the LEDs.

The decorative top plates (V for Varney!) are easy to install, but, as you can see from the final product, there are a few missing.

After test driving, I noticed that one came off.

Make sure that you tighten them like a wheel as the button bolts may come loose when another one is tightened, Loctite (or thread locker) would be a good idea as well.

Victory 4X4 sent out replacements at no charge!

Remove Factory Gas Tank Bolts

I removed the factory gas tank bolts along the frame.

Removing the plastic covers is a pain, I ended up breaking the end of my plastic trim tool. A metal trim tool or screwdriver works much better.

Connect Slider Legs To Slider Frame

Next, you’ll need to connect the legs of the sliders loosely to the slider.

Note: I used the dummy arrows to make sure they are going in the correct direction.

Mount Sliders To 4Runner

Using my ramps, I got them close to the install location and bolted them into place.

Note: I missed the part about retightening the legs’ button head bolts before drilling and using the self-tapping bolts. I didn’t want to remove the sliders since self-tapping bolts may not go back in and larger bolts may be needed to fit the stripped-out hole. So, I ended up using a socket Allen head to tighten them while installing, and that works on the lower bolts.

Tight Working Space on Backside of Slider & 4Runner Body

As you can see from the images above, it’s a tight space to work with from the back of the slider and body of the 4Runner (left) and by the Hi-Lift mount cutout (right).

However, the upper bolts closest to the body needed a ratchet angle socket to get into the tight space. This worked but barely, I am not 100% on the amount of torque I got on those and double-checking them a few times to ensure they are secure.

If you have been following my build, then you know that I hate button head bolts, and this is another reason why! I wish that they would have just welded the legs to the sliders. This would not allow for replacing a damaged slider or leg, but dang, wouldn’t it be a much easier install.

The other option would be to gain access to the bolts from the outside perhaps by enlarging the Hi-Lift jack points enough to have the head on that side.

Before & After Install

Either way, they are on and they are nice! Like the Blitz Front Bumper, it follows the lines of the 4Runner that I love.

The step platform is large and textured enough to not lose grip even when wet. Snow and ice may be different but we will see this winter, perhaps some grip tape. The wife and kids have a much easier time getting in and out.

Final Thoughts

While I have not dropped or slid them on any rocks… yet, they are very solid and should be able to take any beating I could give them.

You may have noticed that I have not connected the LED lights as well. I am still researching the way to be able to connect these to courtesy lights and rock light lights as I want to be able to use them in both functions.

Also, I wanted to no melt in the garage anymore, but as the Starks say “Winter is Coming!” and so are the milder temps for Arizona.