Linked Rock sliders.

[joshthemule]

So I'm brainstorming on how to attach sliders to the frame and not damage the frame under load (skinny frame, lots of leverage). First, I'd like to cut the bottom of the rockers and just weld in sheet metal to close them up. Then, I can locate the main box tube just underneath with about 1 inch of space for flexing. Then, instead of welding braces to the frame rails, I would cut holes and run two or three lengths of tube strait through the frame linking the box tubes together. Obviously, there would be problems in the front where the TC and Tranny would be in the way. This would require a truss system of some sort. Maybe If I build a new cross member that held the frame rigid, I could tie the front of the sliders to the frame and only run the rear al the way through. In this scenario, the frame is only serving to locate the tube and the tube is absorbing the stress of twisting and what not. What do you guys think? anybody done it? I don't want to boat side and I want to integrate some removable steps.

 

[bftank]

hey josh this is something i have been thinking about lately, for my burb. using link bushings for the frameside so the slider had up and down move ment and then linking the end of the bar to the rockers with some plate and tubeing. i would like to make mine so that it had different heights they could be set at. low for around town like steps, and high for clearance offroad. bushings will absorb the strain rather than the frame. i like the concept of tieing the frame rails together. maybe a belly pan and clocking ring for the tcase?

 

[cuervo]

I've seen where someone also made extra brackets that bolted to the body mounts. I know there was conversation about transfering road noise to the cab. I'm interested in this idea as it would seem to take some of the load off of the frame as well.