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Gold Hills Posse 4×4 Club · Folsom, CA

Rock slider opinions wanted (maybe facts too).

  1. richfroh Subscriber
    #15 May 2015, 1:36 PM

    I really need to get good rock sliders on my F-150. I cannot find any for a realistic price, so am going to fab my own. My dilemma is wether to go with frame mounted or body mounted. Body mount will have more ground clearance but will only protect the cab. Frame mount will protect from wheel to wheel, but will reduce ground clearance. I would like any opinions or facts sharing the pros and cons for each style. Also, what wall thickness would be recommended for the main slider tube?

    Also, what thickness is recommended for skid plates?

  2. Specialsoundman Member Joined: January 2013
    #26 May 2015, 10:54 PM

    On my Samurai I used 3/16" thick plates and hooked to body. Yea I know not even close, but you asked. For your F150 I think at least that thick of plate. The tube I would think 1/8" or even going 3/16" for serious rock crushing. If you hook to frame you'll have to brace it a lot more sense it will have to reach out further. The question would be to decide what and how much are you wanting to protect.IMG_1070.jpgIMG_1072.jpgIMG_1076.jpgIMG_1094.jpg

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    David and Lori
  3. Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
    #36 May 2015, 11:59 PM

    In my humble opinion, I would go frame mounted. The weight of your truck and the thin metal factory uses to construct vehicles, I think you would have major structural issues mounting to the body.

    My suggestion would to look around at the club meeting at some of the other full size trucks and see what they are running. Jeff for example has box tubing on his dodge that he used mounted to the frame.

    Like David said, what is your end goal? You will loose ground clearance but if the sliders aren't below the frame are you really loosing ground clearance? If you have a big lift in mind, then mounting off the frame may not be a big deal. I have only seen true body mounted sliders on samurais and jeeps. I also think fabbing your own is a great way to go.

    You might find some good ideas in here: http://www.f150online.com/forums/suspension/317938-rock-sliders-who-has-built-any.html

    And when your ready to swap out that front IFS to SAS: http://www.f150online.com/forums/2004-2008-f-150/271709-btf-built-2004-ford-sas-swap-2.html

    Um...what?
  4. Fred Subscriber
    #47 May 2015, 2:40 AM

    Carl's (Wh1t3Nukle) not in the club any more but he had some nice frame mounted rock sliders on his full size Dodge truck. Maybe there's a picture floating around here somewhere?

  5. Fred Subscriber
    #57 May 2015, 2:50 AM
    Fred said

    Carl's (Wh1t3Nukle) not in the club any more but he had some nice frame mounted rock sliders on his full size Dodge truck. Maybe there's a picture floating around here somewhere?

    It's not much but here's a partial picture - http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/climpus/Posse4x4/Hell%20Hole%202013/IMG_20130505_164959_575_zps1fbace25.jpg

  6. Fred Subscriber
    #67 May 2015, 4:25 AM

    Jeff also has frame mounted rock sliders on his Dodge. Here's a pic for ideas.

    https://posse4x4.org/wp-content/gallery/2013-10-26/4wheeling-096.jpg
  7. kris_olof Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #77 May 2015, 9:30 AM

    I agree with the frame mounted sliders.

    As to skid plates, these guys appears to sell complete skidplate packages. Note that I am not recommending these as I have never purchased anything from these guys so I don't know 'em from anyone else on the internet. http://crownoffroad.com/product-category/protection/f150-2009-14/
    It would require calling some of the companies to ask but there are a few other companies that make Raptor specific skid plates that might also work for standard f150s.

  8. kris_olof Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #87 May 2015, 9:49 AM

    Just popped into my head, look for some "universal slider kits". I know a few companies sell them as DIY kits in various lengths. They are generally made from 1 3/4" by 0.120" wall tubing which might be a little on the thin side for a full size rig, but way better than nothing.

  9. richfroh started this Subscriber
    #97 May 2015, 4:57 PM

    Thanks for the input. I have discovered that my truck has a high carbon steel frame, which is not recommended be welded or it will cause localized weak spots unless properly heat treated after welding. That leaves me with bolting to the frame or going with body mount. I am leaning towards body mount with 3/16" or 1/4" wall rectangular tubing. I am on my fourth design (on paper) and I'm not sure I am happy with the design yet.

    I saw some of the universal slider kits. Most are not long enough.

  10. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #108 May 2015, 12:29 AM
    richfroh said

    Thanks for the input. I have discovered that my truck has a high carbon steel frame, which is not recommended be welded or it will cause localized weak spots unless properly heat treated after welding. That leaves me with bolting to the frame or going with body mount. I am leaning towards body mount with 3/16" or 1/4" wall rectangular tubing. I am on my fourth design (on paper) and I'm not sure I am happy with the design yet.

    I saw some of the universal slider kits. Most are not long enough.

    I'd consider bolting it to the frame. I just don't think the body will manage the weight of your vehicle.

    Kathleen and Brad
  11. richfroh started this Subscriber
    #1112 May 2015, 11:59 AM

    I've decided to go with body mount for now. I think my sixth design is the one I like. I bought most of the steel and hope to make major progress on fabrication this weekend. If I decide I don't like the body mount, I should be able to remove them and weld tubing to them and bolt them to the frame.

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