RCI Rock Sliders Install

The RCI Rock Sliders are a top choice for 4Runner owners, offering full-frame support to protect your rocker panels from trail damage. With multiple bolt locations, they provide excellent durability and dependability.

These sliders not only excel off-road but also guard against parking lot dings. Compared to Nerf bars or aftermarket running boards, sliders offer superior protection and functionality.

Made in the USA, they feature 11-gauge tubing/DOM and 1/4″ heavy-duty frame plates, weighing about 45 lbs. each. Optional upgrades include tread plates and black powder coating. Pricing ranges from $809.99 to $1,079.99, depending on the options selected.

Find it online: 

• 2014-2024 4Runner: Check Price

Specs: 

• Dual Purpose Step/ Slider
• Protects 4Runner Rocker Panels
• 2″ Square main tubing with 1/4″ gussets on legs
• Full length 1/4″ steel frame plates
• Use with Hi-lift jack OK
• Low profile design
• Direct bolt-on Sliders
• Not compatible with Limited 4Runner (removing or cutting plastic trim needed)

1. Remove Brake Line and KDSS lines

The biggest pain of any rock slider install is if you have KDSS. You need to start by unbolting your brake line and your KDSS line. Make sure everything is loose and you set your bolts aside. In this step, it will help to have plastic pry tools on hand.

2. Remove KDSS Skid

For the RCI sliders, you will need to remove the front KDSS cap that is covering your KDSS lines. In other rock sliders, you may need to remove the second KDSS reservoir cap.

3. Jack Sliders into Place

After unbolting everything, use both jacks and the hydraulic lift to position the slider. Slowly lift the rear side while gently pulling the KDSS cables and brake line to slide it in. Plastic pry tools or spacers can help create space under the KDSS lines, making the process smoother.

The tight gap around the KDSS lines requires careful positioning. Slowly pull the lines or use the spacer while pushing the slider into the gap. Since the sliders are heavy, jacking them into place is a good strategy.

Once the sliders are in position, loosely bolt down the rear section over the KDSS and brake lines. After securing the rear, adjust the jack stand at the front to complete the installation more easily.

4. Bolt Down Front Sliders

Once the rear side is loosely bolted up, you can use the jack stand to jack up the front portion of the slider into place. Once you have the slider in place, you can loosely bolt down the front. If everything looks good and matches up, go ahead and bolt down the entire RCI sliders to the frame of your 4Runner.

5. Reinstall KDSS Skid

Double check all your bolts and if everything is tight and in the correct place, reinstall your front KDSS cap.

Passenger Side 1. Unbolt Brake Line

Start removing your brake line bolts. You will need to use new bolts since the old bolt is too short to install back in.

Passenger Side 2. Jack Sliders Into Place

Then use the 2 floor Jacks to lift the slider up and install. It is also helpful to have a hydraulic floor jack for lifting up each end of the slider. For protecting your rock sliders from initial scrapes and scratches you can use towels or microfiber towels to place on top of your floor jacks. This will just prevent any unneeded scratches and scrapes.

Passenger Side 3. Bolt Down Sliders

Once you have your sliders in place, you can start to loosely bolt them down on each side, just like the driver side.

Passenger Side 4. Reconnect Brake Line

Once you have everything bolted down tight, you can then reconnect your brake lines over the sliders. This should just about wrap up the install.

For reference, here is another look at the RCI rock sliders.

Gold RCI Rock Sliders