Has anybody tried any aftermarket steps that is mounted on the stock rock sliders on FE? I wonder is there any good recommendations and real world user experience?
Rock Slider Steps
- Thread starter Marinna
- Start date
You might run into archetype racing on your online search. The company advertises modular steps for the rock rails but the company is fraudulent. Many of us here have cases against them.
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- Thread starter
- #3
I was reading that thread, sorry to see it happening. I do think the guy have a cool design at least in his rendering. Not sure he would choose to scam people rather than actually go through it and actually make the steps.
I think it's just a matter of time some quality step will come out. If not no big deal neither as it is not absolutely required
I liked the idea of modular step and was looking forward to hearing how archetype design worked in the real world, but that was unfortunate..
I recently got a rock slider since I liked the look better than the running board but soon realized that grab handle was getting extra workout and it was not a good substitute for running board.
So, until I can find a decent modular step, I’m using them in “running board’ish” way by moving them farther out so there is bit more rail to step on. Still can’t put full foot on it but now at least I can side step on it enough that I get a decent footing and also applied a strip of skateboard tape which helps.
I didn’t want to modify them nor the body/frame so tried stacking multiple ¼” spacers to see how far I can space it out and found that 1” is about most I can get before the rear bracket of the slider was hitting the rocker panel. I did have to remove rearmost mounting bolt for the running board on the driver side but other than that, it was a simple bolt in.
With the spacers, slider is only held in place with 3 brackets (6 bolts) and frontmost mounting point is hanging in space so I’ll have to make some adapter plate to secure that later. Meanwhile it’s stiff enough to be used as running board and look hasn’t changed. Not really functional as rock slider but looks good and I can get my foot on it.
I recently got a rock slider since I liked the look better than the running board but soon realized that grab handle was getting extra workout and it was not a good substitute for running board.
So, until I can find a decent modular step, I’m using them in “running board’ish” way by moving them farther out so there is bit more rail to step on. Still can’t put full foot on it but now at least I can side step on it enough that I get a decent footing and also applied a strip of skateboard tape which helps.
I didn’t want to modify them nor the body/frame so tried stacking multiple ¼” spacers to see how far I can space it out and found that 1” is about most I can get before the rear bracket of the slider was hitting the rocker panel. I did have to remove rearmost mounting bolt for the running board on the driver side but other than that, it was a simple bolt in.
With the spacers, slider is only held in place with 3 brackets (6 bolts) and frontmost mounting point is hanging in space so I’ll have to make some adapter plate to secure that later. Meanwhile it’s stiff enough to be used as running board and look hasn’t changed. Not really functional as rock slider but looks good and I can get my foot on it.
I really am still on the fence to buy a rock rail or not. For me it’s just aesthetics. I really like the clean look with nothing there to be honest. Plus some designs look really cool others seem way too bulky. One thing I really don’t like and it’s been mentioned somewhere else is the Westcott Design one. With their setup you have to drill into the frame to mount them, thats a huge no go for me.
Thanks for pointing that out. I saw true bolt on in the description and ordered them. Did not realize drilling was required. Next time I will watch the install video.
No problem glad I could help. Yeah I am just not a fan of messing with the frame on anything to be honest.
Greenlane has rock sliders. They don't look as strong as factory ones for actual rock sliding (happy to be corrected here), but they look to be good for steps and offer some parking lot ding protection. I'm looking for some steps for the OEM ones or some more options...
The web site NYTOP.com has a set that doesn’t look to bad. I know I’m going to hold off for now and see what comes out. We should see some new ones coming out, hopefully, soon.
I second this, I really like the Greenlane design which provides both protection and a step. They should provide reasonable protection from rocks, they just say don't use them to jack up the truck. I'm not sure if the factory ones can be used for that either. That's fine for my purposes, I don't go rock crawling, I just want some protection. For real rock crawling, steel is better simply because it slides over rocks better.
I ordered these for my FE. They are sliders with a step. Frame mounted. Steel but also a functional step.
They said they should be shipping them in two weeks so I can report back when I get them mounted but to me, it’s the best of both worlds (form and function).
dissentoffroad.com
They said they should be shipping them in two weeks so I can report back when I get them mounted but to me, it’s the best of both worlds (form and function).
LC250 Step Sliders
Sliders are among the most critical armor components for your Land Cruiser, with body damage along the side being very costly to fix. Our step sliders function as an aesthetically pleasing step to enter and exit your cruiser but they also double as a fully functional rock slider that protects...
dissentoffroad.com
Those looks ideal - agree on form + function. Please report back on the install when you get them! I think they are longer than OEM as well.
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- Thread starter
- #14
Just curious.... if you don't want the stock slider why did you order FE? LC trim is a lot cheaper and you can use the saved money to buy this slider insteadI ordered these for my FE. They are sliders with a step. Frame mounted. Steel but also a functional step.
They said they should be shipping them in two weeks so I can report back when I get them mounted but to me, it’s the best of both worlds (form and function).
LC250 Step Sliders
Sliders are among the most critical armor components for your Land Cruiser, with body damage along the side being very costly to fix. Our step sliders function as an aesthetically pleasing step to enter and exit your cruiser but they also double as a fully functional rock slider that protects...
I know you didn't ask me, but I also have an FE. If an FE and LC trim were sitting in a parking lot today, I would get an LC trim - that wasn't an option and still isn't because they aren't in dealerships here plus waiting lists. Plus I already needed to buy an aftermarket roof rack, since the factory rack has a low load rating. The OEM rock rails really have not much to step on - it's inconvenient for accessing my RTT and roof top loads and my daughter has nowhere to help her get in/out. I'm going to get a lift kit soon and it will be even more difficult. I guess don't try to put it in terms of money, because that can easily not be the reason. At least I got the upgraded steel underneath
I don't care much for the FE branding or fancy gadgets, so it was not worth it in money terms...
It’s all personal and I’m pretty specific on what I like and don’t like.
It’s funny, but I only liked the trail dust color with the round headlights. I wanted the premium interior and JBL and skid plate. I didn’t like the look of the FE rack but that’s grown on me. I wanted the sliders but they are only great as sliders not steps and I have two little kids. Also, feel the FE may have a better resale down the road if I need to sell it. But I have no intentions of selling it right now.
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- #17
FE is simply LC trim with rock slider, skid plate, and roof rack, and different headlights. I estimated before that if you get a LC trim, you can use the money to upgrade all these components with more personalized (and better) components of everything you get with FE. The resale value would not be lower if you build it the right way.
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- Thread starter
- #18
My true reason for FE is kinda silly… I really don’t like the LC headlight. No legendary offroad SUV has these kind of light. Bronco, Wrangler, G-Wagon all uses round light. LC makes me feel that I am driving a 4Runner. Nothing wrong with it I just really want a more Heritage look. That’s why I bought the two tone blue.I know you didn't ask me, but I also have an FE. If an FE and LC trim were sitting in a parking lot today, I would get an LC trim - that wasn't an option and still isn't because they aren't in dealerships here plus waiting lists. Plus I already needed to buy an aftermarket roof rack, since the factory rack has a low load rating. The OEM rock rails really have not much to step on - it's inconvenient for accessing my RTT and roof top loads and my daughter has nowhere to help her get in/out. I'm going to get a lift kit soon and it will be even more difficult. I guess don't try to put it in terms of money, because that can easily not be the reason. At least I got the upgraded steel underneath
Another reason is that I probably will keep the car vanilla at least for the first ten years. So I figure that I’ll just get a fully loaded trim.
does the LC trim have the driver side sliding bolster? For me, that makes long trip feel good. I believe that was only on the FE.
in Canda, I think it's all trims except 1958. The FE and premium I think had leather:
The FE here didn't get 20" wheels or console coolbox and basically added Rack/Rails/upgraded Skid Plate. Anybody doing purely dollar math and especially buying Roof Rack and Rail Sliders would not have gotten an FE! I'll probably end up getting new rims for the offset, too. LOL
