Bender Built WD21 Rock Sliders

[nige]

After letting my rocker panels rust out, I decided it was time to get some rock sliders to protect them. I got a good deal on some 2x3" 1/4" wall steel, and some 1 7/8" or so tubing and took the material over to Bender's to start building a set of sliders. We decided to make them bolt on, so they could be easily removed for repainting and cleaning purposes.

The first thing we did was get the measurement for the length, which was just long enough to clear the front tires. The ends were cut on an angle so they don't catch, and capped with 1/4 plate to protect them:


After that we made some stand offs out of 1/4" plate and 2x2" square stock. I drilled mounting holes in the frame and got some hardware to fasten them with. We clamped everything together in the right position and tacked them together:








Bender welded them up and I took them home, gave them a coat of self etching primer, and a quick rattle can job the day before I left for Moab. When I got back, Bender and I bent the round tube and tacked it to the outside of the 2x3. That was the hardest part I think. It was tricky to get the angles right and have the tube somewhat flush to the 2x3. I don't have any pictures of that process, just the finished product mounted on the truck:

From the side:


you can see how much they stick out from this angle:


The 2x3 tubing is supposed to take the brunt of an impact while the round tubing offers a place to stand on as well as act as pivot points for trees etc. They are also useful when there is no dock at the boat launch. The round tube is also thick enough to take some bumps off rocks, and support the full weight of the truck when lifting with a jack. There are 2 supports for the round tube to make sure they don't bend in the middle. They are cut from the same stock as the 1 7/8" round tube.

The only other thing i am going to do is go to the skateboard shop and get some grip tape for the tops of the round tube. The paint gets scratched too easily if you have small pebbles stuck in the treads of your boots.

So same as the rear bumper, i would like to hear your thoughts on the sliders. Is there anything you would have done differently or change? I like all feedback, not just the good stuff.

Now we just have to figure out what we're gonna make next

[the x kid]

I am trying to find something to not like but they are basically perfect.It's good someone actually wants a honest opinion.The only thing I could think off is making the top of the round tubing flat for a step.Like a D on the side.Or just do in a rectangle piece to stand on easier.Other than that I want a set.

[Simon]

Nice work lads! Another beautiful Bender Built product

So, if I wanted to add the round bar to my sliders, I assume it would be a relatively easy process?

[Bender]

Yes.

[Jayman]

Lol, I was thinking the same thing as Simon...

OOOO, ROUND BAR!

[Pezzy]

Very nice work, Señor bendy pants!

[262 Chevy]

looks good guys, same setup as the ones ive ordered and am currently waiting for to install...

[nige]

bender, did i leave that jack stand in your garage? i'm missing one of mine from my shed

[Bender]

I don't think so but if/when I remember I will look. Maybe some carnies took that as well!