Building Your First Rock Sliders Full DIY. Ultimate Toyota Tacoma Build Episode 2

Lets build some rock sliders!
This video is intended to help those of you that are new to metal fabrication. DIY rock sliders are a great early fabrication project to learn some of the basics without having to invest a bunch money in material. Today we cover the basics and utilize a design that has been proven over decades.
Enjoy the video!
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Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#metalfabrication #welding #DIY

[@ianprince7118]

Anyone else's Sunday ritual watching matt's off-road, fabrats, and nate?

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Yes. Hahaha

[@ryankindel9748]

Yup lol

[@tmurray12]

Mhmmm yup yup

[@chadreimer8848]

yuppers

[@davebaker7110]

Yep

[@KevinButler35]

Man we got a fab rats jeep video, a Corvair video and now a video from Nate? what a great Sunday.

[@jtto6364]

Right!!!

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

You making the rounds too?

[@asdfjkl426]

Your "consumable" sliders came our as good as any "permanent" ones that I've seen being offered commercially.

[@brentfellers9632]

From Canada 🇨🇦, thanks for using PPE, it's refreshing on an American site. P.s. your vehicles are powered by engines not motors....unless your in a Tesla 🙂👍

[@nm-qt2hb]

Love your builds. The best part is how most DIY people can do similar without a full blown million dollar shop.

[@JohnnyChimpo907]

Nate, thank you for everything you do. I only recently discovered your channel, and it has helped me SO much!! I live completely alone on a mountain in Alaska, and I moved thousands of miles to get here away from my family and friends. Since being in Alaska the past 4 years have became very into 4x4 and all that comes with building rigs from scratch. I have no mentors here, not many friends, nobody to show me how to do anything so everything I know is self taught, and your channel is so concise and clear any time you address any topic. Your videos have been invaluable to me. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@danielm6049]

Thank you for mentioning a Suburban, I have an 05 Tahoe and there isn't a whole lot of discussion for the full size 4x4s

[@bcmandel]

He kept talking about Ultra 4 and reading their rule book, makes me think there might be a build/plan in the future to run KOH.

[@maxxchewning]

quality filming on this dood!

[@whiskeytangofoxtrotover9651]

*dude

[@TriggerHapySheep]

@@whiskeytangofoxtrotover9651 you must be new here lol

[@hunter_pauley]

DOOD!!!!!

[@dREaDneck_Moto]

I've built countless sets of rock sliders, and always use 1/8" wall with great success. I also do 4 legs per side on Tacomas.

[@erichughes9098]

Thank you Nate, for the inspiration to get off my dead ass and go work on my fabrication project this morning LOL😎👍

[@jd_6042]

Man you are just ahead of what I'm doing to my tacoma. I have a 2nd Gen, doesn't stop me from enjoying your work. Thanks!

[@jonathanconway7256]

My first set of sliders were 2x2x1/8" square tube. After a few years of hard hits, I changed the outer tube to 3/16 wall. Haven't bent them yet

[@1malikalik]

Am a 3rd Gen 4runner and 1st Generation Tacoma owner and enthusiast but I watched and learned a lot from your channel. Thanks. You earned a HUGE LIKES 👍AND A SUBSCRIPTION

[@todaysrandomexperience6869]

Been one of my "next" projects for over a year. Hopefully soon... Thanks for the ideas.

[@huntersmith8930]

pro tip for those mig pliers if you put them all the way against the nozzle with the side with the bigger gap touching the nozzle it gives you the perfect stick out length every time

[@MichaelGalletly]

This is going to be my first project for my 2019 Ranger

[@denvernow7294]

Nate does/builds the things everyday that we all want to do, but don't actually commit the time to. He is my vicarious fabrication person.

[@denvernow7294]

@IrishStew my lower back is terrible if I crouch down or bend over for too long. I WANT to fabricate but some stuff is a little tough for me to do. I can't imagine how difficult even simpler things are for you bud. Do what you can. I'm trying to find easier ways to do things that one would normally have to lean over or crouch down for long periods of time. It's especially tough working over my engine bay. 🤷‍♂️

[@denvernow7294]

@IrishStew Appreciate that mate.

[@sirchirpalot]

New to off road life style. And building my 1st truck, Very helpfull vid on how how to make 1st sliders,

[@boar211]

I'm not sure if you've ever covered this, or if it's even still a thing, but do you disconnect the battery when welding directly on the vehicle? I always used to as it didn't hurt to and the old timers in the shop insisted that you could fry a computer if you didn't. Thanks for the great video, I'm planning on building myself a set of sliders for my Trusty Rusty XJ this spring and this video and channel have been a great resource.

[@thedolt9215]

Really nice video! Very good production value.

[@DesertFernweh]

The Fact that you published this on my Birthday tells me all I need to know. The off-road gods have spoken.

[@stevesalsman5184]

I just started watching your videos just before Xmas,I was home with a back injury.Now I am back out on the road again in my semi .I have a yj and a 71 fj40 but the rig I have had the longest is my 76 Ramcharger I bought it when I still lived in the Seattle area over 20 years ago.I have run trails in Washington,Oregon north Idaho and montana with it all the while pulling a small travel trailer to different places northern Alberta and to Indiana back to montana I could never find bumpers or sliders for it but now after watching you I think I can do this the only problem is I don't have a shop so everything is done outside,engine swaps axles welding painting.besides the work I have to do to my old peterbilt thanks for the inspiration take care

[@ratfarmers]

The video notification woke me up this morning then the bass woke up the rest of the house! Haha Awesome video and audio tracks! Have a fun and safe trip to Mexico!

[@zephaniahdehaven]

They don't make sliders for my escape. Glad I saw this video to help me design and make my own for my off-road project. Gonna make it an overlanding rig.

[@WeekendWarriors87]

perfect timing, getting my car lift put up next week and the DIY rock sliders getting built for my rover!

[@thenomad01]

Definitely building these soon. Don't rock crawl but should be good for the occasional bump so I can remove the factory "minivan" side steps on my gx460

[@MrSrtman18]

Nice job Nate! Good ideas here for sure! Ive never welded before, im 55, just got a welder, and a new to me wj. Let the good times roll. Thanks for sharing all the knowledge.

[@TheIJoystick]

Hey man, just wanted to give you a huge thanks for inspiring me to start my first real metal fab project. This was one of the first videos I've watched from your channel and have rewatched it multiple times while researching. I started working on a set of sliders for my Tacoma about 3 weeks ago. Just finished them today. Built them out of 3/16 square tubing and couldn't have been happier with the results

[@reidthompson8979]

Awesome! I’m just starting my first overlanding build on one of my dad’s old parts trucks, a 1969 Jeep gladiator j3600. This is a great help, thank you!

[@wirebrush]

Almost exactly how I built mine five years ago. I had the fab shop I got the DOM tube from make the bends, then used my Horror Fraught pipe kinker to fine tune the bends.

[@piasprojects]

I agree the Raptor Front Grill very nice, I am glad other companies are making them for other models!! I really like the rock sliders. Simple, yet effective. It makes sense going the route you did so you don't break the bank on temporary or version 1 sliders. Have fun in Mexico and can't wait to see that adventure!!

[@life_ontheranch]

The rocksliders definitely did their job. I’m excited to see what this Tacoma is capable of once your build is complete.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I agree! They held up well all things considered. I can't wait to get the parts to build the rest of this truck 👍

[@jeepn0811]

Another great video. Don’t know why people would give it a thumbs down

[@Mcevoy91]

Man imagine being a beginner with a 2021 tacoma. A man can dream, and then a man can work 💪💪

[@jlautomotive6349]

Another amazing video, quality and content!! I’m a beginner welder and am halfway through building my own custom back rack for my truck and this summer will be going all in on building custom bumpers... love the channel and everything you bring, you’ve most definitely helped me learn and grow as a beginner fabricator!!! Keep up the amazing work 👍👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Much appreciated 🙏 I'm happy to have helped!

[@tomtech4224]

I had put some Rocky Road Outfitter rock sliders on my Commander, The main parts are really nice and strong, but they used 1" square to make it back to the frame and then self tapping bolts. The bolts stripped or would not stay tight. The 1" bent on the first real hit. For the bolts I made some new ones that worked REALLY well. I took some extra long bolts and cut a flat for a wrench in the end and cross drilled a small hole. Pushed some long thin wire threw the holes and pulled the bolts in from openings in the frame. Longest pull was about 2 ft. Threaded a washer and nylock over the wire and onto the bolt. Double wrench on the outside To tighten them. As for the sliders I am going to bend it back in place and add some real mounts using the method in this video.

[@everythingsucks6086]

Awesome video brother! Thank you for thinking of us beginner's! I'm new to off-roading, and just got myself a 93' 4runner for my first trail rig. Thanks again buddy!!

[@billocampo1365]

Man ! I wish I live next door to you, I'll have you build me all sorts of things !

[@TheBeedeegee]

I built some almost exactly the same. Used schedule 80 pipe and 1/4" for mounting to frame. Really wish I would have watched this first and welded the mount plates last like you said. When I welded in the gussets I warped the piss out of the mounts even though I welded in short sections. Great video as usual

[@risk_immersed]

one of my best subscriptions on YT. thankful for your content!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for subscribing brother 👊

[@invisiblebike99]

This is perfect. Planning some sliders for my Ford Ranger once the weather warms up. Always great content Nate, much appreciated!

[@andrewschwerdtfeger5165]

Love my sunday moring dose of Bob Villa, I mean Nate. Keep it up man, love the content.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks man

[@mwjii]

Its always a pleasure to watch you make stuff for trucks.

[@jeffdoak8444]

My last set of sliders were 1/4 2×4 tubing with 2x2 for the legs to 1/4 plate. I used 2x4 as a nice lifting point for the hilift

[@michaeleguiza5010]

I love your channel and content! I just started the welding program at my local community college last month and I drive a 2018 Tacoma TRD OR. Thanks for the motivation!

[@edwinthomas618]

Look great. I can't wait until your Toyota rig get some tires and suspension.

[@CasperRc81]

This is a great video thx you for your time on this. For my Colorado and rzr thx Nate I appreciate you and your family. God bless you and your love ones.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! I hope it helps 🤘

[@4wheeling]

Self tapping make their own hole, self threading, a pilot hole is drilled, then they make the thread when screwed in. I would say that you mean self threading. Another advantage is once it is threaded, it is a standard bolt thread.

[@ben2687]

Sir, your videos are simply excellent. You are so clear and precise in your explanation. Thank you!

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

great advice on choosing material thickness and diameter for the sliders, Nate!

[@MrAcuta73]

Clean and simple. I like it! Would like to figure out how to incorporate a foldable step for at least the passenger side for my rather small girl to more easily get in.

[@eus090474]

Perfect timing! I just started learning to weld and ordered some steel for just this reason. Building my own sliders for my JK as my first real project.

[@kirklynschultz4184]

Nice. Rock sliders and a winch in my opinion first thing need done to a wheeler. I'm building a set basically the same style for an Exploder right now and my swing out tire carrier for the Bronco.

[@PandaSJU]

With tools we can do anything awesome build

[@Reagansolum13]

Considering tackling a pair of sliders for my brothers 3rd gen 4Runner after a finish up my transmission and transfer case skid plates on my Tacoma.

[@rickm4295]

These are probably gone but Id totally buy them from you...They would fit on my truck perfect

[@adda58]

Yeah! Love that this is for us beginners!!

[@taztraceztreks2135]

Hey bloke love the show watch ever show great builds good how explains everything an the idea you have given me lot ideas to do on my 4wd over here in Western Australia cheers man number 1 fan

[@cincybrian5177]

Excellent video, Nate. Got me thinking about integrated sliders on my 2001 Sport Trac 🧐...

[@russjowett2137]

Hi Nate. Great video and inspiration for newbie welders like myself. Thanks I have a tire video idea that I would love to see you do. And I have not seen one done like this on KZbin. A video that truly shows just how important tire pressure is vs just fitting aggressive tires and not airing down. I know a lot of people who don’t air down or anywhere near low enough when off road and then start to use momentum or throw $ at there rig trying to get up the trail each weekend. For example your factory Tacoma tires up a section of trail at on road psi. . Then repeat at same psi with more aggressive same size off road tires to see if you get any further. Then factory tires again but down to off road psi to see if you get further than you did with the more aggressive tires. Then off road tires at off road tire pressure. Then disconnect the rear sway bar if it has one? Then use a little e brake to act like a limited slip. Then rear locker. And you might as well show what crawl control can do again. All up the same trail. I think it would be interesting for people to see what a huge difference tire pressure makes with getting up that trail. I know it’s obvious that lockers will make a huge difference. But for a lot of people lockers are not in the budget, but tire pressure costs you nothing. (Well except the compressor to fill em up again!). I just thought this would be a good video to make before the lift and 35” tires go onto the Taco. Cheers 🍻

[@dmwi1549]

Nice. Need to fab a set for my 170 Sprinter 4x4. I’ve only seen 144’s in aftermarket. Harder to mount due to unibody but still want something to avoid dinging a rocker during long wheelbase high sides.

[@nemesis851_]

Re decals. Sunfade on the exposed paint and decal covered paint may be noticeable after x months. I even experienced tint fade on glass where I had an outside decal on the glass

[@scottc0510]

THANKS BUNCHES for this, Nate! You made many good points about tubing size and reinforcement. I plan to build something very similar for my squarebody Suburban. I' want something geared more for utility than for sheer strength, because I'm building mainly a bug-out vehicle that will very likely NEVER see rocks or deep woods. Still, the basics are the same, and I really like this design. You're tha man! Also, huge kudos for the Raptor-style grille on the 'Yota... GREAT CHOICE! Nothing against the stock grille, but the Raptor-style one DEFINITELY kicks up the appearance a few notches at least... Keep 'em coming!!!

[@rangerdoc1029]

Love your attention to safety. The more PPE, the better. Wish I could turn the clock back 30 years & take better care of my hearing.

[@Ben-sz5po]

Again and again...how clean and educated material you put out. Love seeing both the simple mods with simple tools and super sick mods for the advanced fabricators. Nice work! I am sure i speak for most, you motivate us to just go for it! Thank you

[@eltonhigginbotttomii6586]

Nate, I've had a very busy sunday.. I always watch the new video every Sunday. Got home after a long day today, opened KZbin and forgot today was Sunday. Thanks for a great video bro! 🤟

[@christianglaude6659]

Looking good! Looks to be cold in there! Lol you just said it I could see it when you talked

[@TheGiant42]

This makes me think 1/4" thickness and 2" diameter for the f150... but it will be a while till I can. Love the information and tips 👌

[@051biohaz]

Awesome video man, just got my first welder and this seems like a great first project. Thanks for the upload..:)

[@LuazCustoms]

Hello from Ukraine., great video!!! Perfect timing, I'm just going to build something similar for my SUV. Thanks for the detailed explanation. it helps a lot.

[@cementtacocalifornia5638]

I don't do fabrication but love watching your content for ideas of how to outfit my rig. We started a channel recently and loving it so far. :)

[@madhousediy5050]

Thanks for the video. I’m looking to harden up my ‘07 Suburban 2500 with some sliders that stick out far enough to get a Hi-Lift underneath. It looks like I have to get some pipe to kink.

[@miguelamartinez1411]

Great ideas, and easy to follow instructions. Thanks.

[@jwillpin1599]

Man and here I thought u would use the harbor freight bender for us average Joe's lol 😆. Awesome job as always Nate and thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills with us.

[@anthonyraines5951]

Love your stuff brother can't wait to see what you build on your new lathe!

[@stacyreid5077]

Thank you Nate, I’m gonna try to build something similar to this to use as steps for my Ram 4x4 dually only I want to make mine stick out far enough to get a good foot hold for getting into my truck

[@Donorcyclist]

Love the look! I bought some tube rails for mine, and I'm going to chop them, but I like the look of your sliders better!

[@NKPGarage]

You made it look easy! That install looks super clean and like it was made on a jig. You did a fantastic job!

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Found the video! Thanks for all this awesome content.

[@raysiebert6758]

Lol, I'm building sliders for my 01 Tundra. Just up the road from you in Granite Falls.

[@mikepierson3097]

This is great! Just starting to weld and this will be a perfect first project. Thank you!

[@BenWebster84]

The Taco is looking awesome!! Can't wait for the lift

[@vorant77]

Thats one sharp Tacoma!

[@adventuresuntold4822]

This is a great template for me to build some sliders for my own Tacoma! Great vid

[@judge_executioner]

Hey bud, I like your channel and for some reason, I wasn’t subscribed until just now. You’re doing all the things I want to do with my Dango. I wish there was more content on Durangos but it’s all good. I’ll be one-of-a-kind. Keep it up and I’ll keep watching.

[@kleinbiker1]

Everyone going for the “raptor lights” these days. Lol Either way, solid and informative video as always man.

[@useryggfdcc]

My Toyota Tacoma TRD 4X4 OFFROAD is coming soon! Rock sliders is difficult to find here in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦. I may have to make it myseld.

[@TerminatorJuice]

Damn those sliders are exactly what I'm looking for to put on my 17' TRD Off-road. They are light weight with a minimalist profile that covers up that ugly spot where the rockers meet the frame! I don't live near any rocks here in West Michigan so I just want them for cosmetics, but I don't have the tools or skills to make them myself... : (

[@jasonh4167]

Awsome taco sliders subtle.

[@djeondj]

Bender on a bender 🔥

[@kellyschue3103]

Great video as usual man I've got a 97 tj dude I live in southern indiana if I had the money it would be in Washington haha great job keep it up

[@gratefultedd969]

It's looking really great. This one is inspiring. Great entry level project.

[@rebellion_fabrication6268]

Love this. I am going to be making some for my 2020 ram 1500 redel.

[@caveman9275]

Thanks Looks great What a nice upgrade!

[@jk_wrangler13]

Looking good Nate. I've been trying to figure out how to make me some sliders for the old Dodge.

[@PaulKaiser42]

Taco coming along nicely 🔥🔥. Hope you had a blast I Mexico 👊🏻

[@calebenlow]

Love your work. Great quality video as always. Just food for thought. Have you ever thought about making a “sissy step” that hooks onto the door sill of a Jeep. There are a lot of us out here that have lifted vehicles that our significant others dread climbing in and out of. Might be a good video idea for your next beginner fab video

[@cartermoses4136]

I love this!! Would you make a detailed video of the front and rear bumper that you did for this truck before king of hammers? I am going to take a welding class and would love nothing more than to make my own very simple tube style bumpers just like you dud.!!! I love the look that you did with this and am going to try to make some just like you

[@dustinross0910]

Thanks for the tips! Will do some similar for my KJ