Rock Sliders. Custom made for this Toyota Landcruiser

In order to get the Dumpster Fire fj80 / Lexus Lx450 ready for the OnX Offroad build challenge I fabricate a set of custom rocksliders This is a long video, but it moves pretty fast and has many tips and tricks.
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[@CACressida]

The "Dumpster Fire" turned out to be the Picasso of the competition. You guys definitely are showing the world the fj80 doesn't need to be re-engineered to compete yet you dedicated your time with cranking out some truly beautiful work.

[@DesertRox]

I think you hit the nail on the head! The ramcharger build kills me specifically because of this.

[@CACressida]

@@DesertRox i just can't watch that build without making WTF faces. It makes you wanna call Matt to rescue the build.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate that. It’s a clean rig

[@mikepoint4717]

Another win for Dirt head , is it me but welding is so therapeutic lol . Cheers 🇨🇦

[@thedirtheadshed]

It is pretty good when it’s good!

[@justacarfan]

Two of the best fabricators online, great to see you working together.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Much appreciated

[@saltymethods2637]

I would put a plate over the face of those lower rear trailing arms front mounts. On my 100-series, banging those on the rocks, the weld down the center splits eventually.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s in the works

[@bobbolieu9013]

Fred, every time that I watch you work on a project I am amazed at the level of workmanship that is the result with the tools that you work with. You show us that it really is possible for a person to work out of their garage and get a high degree of quality work accomplished. Those rock sliders are very cool. Simple, very functional and nice to look at.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate that!! But I’m Dave. Fred’s the other guy

[@bobbolieu9013]

@@thedirtheadshed I am so sorry for that mistake. The compliment is genuine, and it is meant for you Dave. It may have been a mind slip because I enjoyed watching you and Fred on Dirt Every Day. Still, I enjoy watching your ideas flow and becoming drivable reality.

[@johnvilleneuve7944]

This channel should take off quick. You have a lot of loyal fans that value your work and skills. Thanks for keeping the show going brother 🤙 Top notch sliders

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate that! I’m looking forward to where it goes

[@kailuagarage]

Have to start calling you TechHead Dave

[@thedirtheadshed]

That’s not me man

[@tevitatupouniua2930]

Looking like the winner for sure 🤙🏾

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Bleepin jeep is running away with it though

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Rock sliders looks great finished just Stunning with the black against the orange

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s nice to finish things off

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@thedirtheadshed I bet

[@blkmoon5596]

Always a pleasure to watch a master at work!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much!

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

A MASTERbater. Sorry had to do it. I love the White Dave Chappell

[@blkmoon5596]

@@BPF80MCar-vi1pg lol

[@rediron44]

Ironworker here. When I built handrail in the field.I always cut those fishmouths with a cutting torch..lol. got pretty good at it. That notcher woulda been sweet.

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s like cheating. The old way is the way to learn

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Cnc plasma cutters are amazing

[@thedirtheadshed]

They really are

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@thedirtheadshed you will be wondering how you got things done without it after you get used to it

[@danfay4860]

Remember when you built your shop, how big it was. Funny how fast it fills up.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yep. The key is to not let the clutter get out of hand. Mine is getting there

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

The odd couple working to make Summit Great. Good job fellas

[@thedirtheadshed]

I would like to go one day

[@jaimemorenonevarez8862]

Woow! Fantastic work, appreciate all details, start rating 10 stars!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Custom rock sliders coming along sweet looks good

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@thedirtheadshed anytime

[@chriscummings9491]

I miss dirt every day episodes

[@thedirtheadshed]

Me too

[@OutdoorsmanBushcraft]

That rig is so slick! Voted Dupster fire

[@thedirtheadshed]

Much appreciated

[@88HillTop]

I've been waiting

[@thedirtheadshed]

Hopefully this keeps you stoked on it

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That machine to automate cutting is going to be a amazing game changer when you get used to it down the road

[@thedirtheadshed]

Let’s hope so

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

I'm loving the dirt head shed , why couldn't we have had dave for our metal shop teacher back in highschool ,we would have built some awesome stuff.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That would be a good job

[@hoeynoey7451]

Love this video, great to see a longer episode!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Glad you didn’t get bored with it

[@TheKustomBeardoh]

Those look awesome! Your fab skills are so good.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Well done Sir, love your fab work!! Thanks for pointers.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the support

[@chrisherrmann9627]

Awesome sliders, good explanation

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. Glad it wasn’t too boring

[@mickeysrccrawl]

Now i need to make rocksliders 😥 😅 well done Dave.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@richwood8650]

Hands down my favorite off road fab dude! Great job once again Dave. Making it so i can understand is a job in itself! Thank you again.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Them welds lools Gorgeous

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@thedirtheadshed very welcome

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Always amazing to watch a master at work

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m still learning every day

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@thedirtheadshed great thing about life We never stop learning

[@AtlasOffRoad]

Great video dude! Been looking forward to this one!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@othoapproto9603]

What pleasure to watch your videos. Your language to describe both your thoughts and action are wonderful. The editing continuity leaves little room for confusion.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Filming myself as I build, and trying to do it in a timely manner is difficult

[@ebalmes]

Hey dave! Thanks for waving to my kid today right there at the Yellowstone trail! We had a fun day riding bikes at 4th of July pass! So cool seeing your Mazda, and you!!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice! It was beautiful out there

[@danielcarroll5667]

I'm always amazed at how many hours there must be in a Dirthead day , please give yourself a break now & then , great work , as always Man...

[@thedirtheadshed]

I was freaking exhausted at the end of the video

[@rediron44]

I really like that FJ..its sweet. Good video. You've done well with all the editing. We need DIRTHEAD SHED shirts...lol

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ve got them. Shoot me a message on Instagram and we will figure that out

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Cuttin, Weldin, and Grindin. Cool!! Love dirt. Thanks

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for the support!

[@davidchappelle6480]

Nice Job Dave !👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you!

[@theericbenson1692]

I just did sliders on my 2nd gen 4runner. The rockers were already smashed somehow... I cut the rockers out and welded 2 pieces of rec tube corner to corner. I welded those to the pinch seam and along the top. Fully welded. They are so strong! All just body mounted. I went to moab last month and hammered on them hard AF. The driver's side literally broke a chunk of rock out of a step on Jalepeno. It just had a little chunk of paint missing.. Anyways, good job on the fj and everything else. I'm not tech savvy either. I just melt metal, drill holes, break stuff, and fix stuff. Every day!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice! That’s a preferred method of mine too

[@theericbenson1692]

I've watched you and Fred since I was a kid. I hope to meet you in person on the trail someday. You'll know me when you see me.. I'm the guy in a Toyota doing the funnest lines, with a red beard, a bunch of cute kids, a good woman behind me in her big black toyota, and an Italian mastiff... Living the dream. Party because of you.

[@chriswheeler4255]

Great job and you are my vote for the right guy for the job

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Cheers

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

Starting on fitting sliders and a tube rear bump on the Silverado after 2023 UA Loui V10's success and see how Bleepinjeeps S10 works .. looking for Dana 60 : ) .. Gee u sure are a regular on Motortrend lately ...... hope that gets u ur own show

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. Hope it turns out well!

[@snivesz32]

I’m about ready to build mine, but instead of marking angles on the bench and worrying about symmetry I find it more accurate to define the position by way of constraints. Using a simple 3/4”wooden block as an offset from the body to position the slider rail. Then connect the supports to the chassis wherever there is room. Then the angle is defined by the constraint that it must not be higher than the door. The “poke” is defined by the tire extents. It pretty much defines its location itself.

[@mh-qq2hj]

I’d love to have half of your talent!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you for the compliment

[@jeremyyoung986]

MAD SKILLS!!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Medium skills.

[@Hartz187]

I Needed that…good info for one of my Todo stuff in the next years to come👊 All the best from upnorth Norway

[@thedirtheadshed]

Cheers! Thanks for watching

[@lennyross2813]

I like ‘em! When I welded mine onto my 80 I added square plates on the frame to disperse the load. I am curious how this style handles the weight of the 80 when it nails a rock

[@thedirtheadshed]

I initially planned to. But didn’t feel it was necessary

[@xavior718]

I would’ve done plates on the frame knowing how hard Nate goes on the trails.

[@Blobby_Hill]

I will never understand why people avoid CNC. Having that skill makes your metalwork more percise and you a more advanced fabricator.

[@thedirtheadshed]

For me I am always building one off parts and am pretty fast at it. The computer seems like it will slow me down for a while

[@floydstowe]

Awesome fabricator good looking sliders

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@CounterproductiveproductionDIY]

I like the gazettes. I have always wondered if transferring the body weight to the rocker was the best idea. Thank you for the real world off road tech.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching

[@MAJORAUTO]

Just when I thought I was getting somewhere on my fabrication skills, I see this. Definitely one of my favorite video, seeing you in your element and so informative 👍 baaaaaaaaadasssssss

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Glad you dig

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Good stuff Dave.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Rock sliders oh yeah

[@thedirtheadshed]

👌

[@jackmehoff2961]

Thank You for sharing your video Dave .

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks for watching it

[@archangel7673]

I'm pulling for you and Nate. So far you guys have the best looking rig!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’s simple and should work well

[@scottburrow8717]

Ya always great to see you custom make stuff. Very talented guy!! They really messed up letting your guys show go away. Dirt EveryDay was my favorite show when it was on tv.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. Those were good days

[@brandonbaldwin6845]

You should pair up with the guys at Grind Hard Plumbing Co. over in the Sandpoint area to build Ethan's Tacoma "Crunchy Taco" crawler! Would be an awesome collaboration!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh I will! I talk to Ethan regularly

[@brandonbaldwin6845]

@@thedirtheadshed awesome! Can't wait to see it, should be epic!

[@jpk1962]

There is only one word really. LEGEND!!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Aww man. Thanks

[@JimBosGarage49]

Just want to tell you I got me a mom’s spaghetti. Mine going to be more mall crawler and light wheeler. Dana 44 front and 9 inch in the rear with 35 on it. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Also still waiting for your and Fred to do something together. Love both you guys.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That will be a fun rig. I’d like to build a long travel ttb one

[@JimBosGarage49]

I’m sure if you do it will be awesome.

[@keithalbrecht4785]

Nice job on the rock sliders! I hope Hollie will be ably to compete in off road challenge, after she broke her back!! Hope she heals up fast!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

For real. Hope it’s a quick and full recovery

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

Just saw the ROADKILL with RODKNOCK in MOAB .. lol .. want more of you on MOTORTTREND !!! conspicuous absence of another personality .. oh well .. UR channel is getting better and better 😏

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@dirtyfingersgarage]

another one glove Michael Jackson welder...lol... Wish those Arcdroid units were around when I got my Lincoln table would have saved me a ton of $$$ You will wonder how you ever lived without it soon enough. Great build hope you guys win the OnX challenge

[@thedirtheadshed]

Yeah, I have a bunch of burned up right gloves and new left ones

[@Onebad96zj]

It’s a good day when the dirthead uploads!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Much appreciated!

[@jonenstrom1694]

Heat shielding fabric used for sweating copper pipe in tight wall areas works great. It was the only thing between my roll bar and headliner for my 12 point cage in my 71 Mach 1. I've soldered custom battery cables right on the fender. Great work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I was wondering where my blue demon cloth was

[@Vagitarian01]

Hah! I was asking about this very thing when he was doing the interior cage.

[@CaptainSkidmark74]

Good stuff per usual!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@effinhaoli808]

Cage and sliders came out top notch, nice work Dave 🤙🏽

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@jasonscharf97tj]

Good job man they look awesome!👍👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Need to make some for my rigs now

[@jasonscharf97tj]

Whip me up a set for my tj while yer at it 😁

[@markfehrenbach4204]

Love watching your fabrications and narrative 👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@BRTBladeworks]

Great work as always, loving this build!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@nicolelongneckergallery]

Love this build.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@mudman98TJLocked]

Nice work!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@i_fudg3d_my_pants]

Hey Dave, great video!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@jessedavis4699]

Now that’s a nice set of sliders! Great video

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@colebertils7359]

Really dig the sliders Dave! Never built anything like that myself. But I learn new stuff from your projects 🤘🏼

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right on! That’s the goal

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

Totally agreed!!

[@4x4_mark]

Those turned out awesome

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks Mark

[@shanewright6958]

Great job 👍👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you!

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

... the build in action on Dirt lifestyle .. Rockers looked good ..

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice. It’s a cool rig

[@richw9205]

I learned a ton about fitting a roll cage and rock sliders. Awesome video!! Thank you and keep the great content coming.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Will do. Thanks

[@4lodad77]

Badass!! Always appreciate your craftsmanship and attention to detail. You make it look easy!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Still a ton of work

[@JeepnJeff]

Those Arcdroids are cool. No more having to dedicate a lot of floor space is a really nice. You're welds look great. They're better than what I can do.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I agree. The Arcdroid is pretty awesome. And thanks on the welds

[@masterdriftr8780]

Good stuff!! I need these on my Sequoia!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Yeah you do!

[@swimmer6890]

Great video!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@taylormade710]

Nice build

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks: it’s a cool rig

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Awesome job on those sliders they turned out great. I’ve been wanting one of those arc droid plasma things for a while

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. I hope to get better with it soon

[@xxBlazinBobxx]

Enjoyed seeing the fab work on those! Rig looks great! You and Nate are a formidable team, for sure!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. I think colt has it in the bag though

[@goinpro1]

Raddest rock slider man on urth!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@deeppowhazylab]

Great video, like the design of the rock sliders, they looks super clean and stout. Very excited to see what this rig can do!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Me too! Thanks

[@HoundofWar]

Great job Dave. Rig looks great.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@jesseyjulson1967]

Insane work as usual. Man I really hope I can get stationed up in washington before you retire so I can bug you to let me be an apprentice and learn from you.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ll probably work till I croak

[@EvanMoon]

Only you can prevent body damage

[@thedirtheadshed]

I can’t. We all know that

[@akhill4898]

RZR 1000 with a VW beatle body . Or can am - beatle , people are doing this as a loophole so they can use their UTVs on the streets , look it up here on the tube . Your gonna want to make one after you see it .

[@thedirtheadshed]

Oh, I’m fully aware of the swaps. They are way cool

[@brentonpaterson7047]

Love it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@stevenoles132]

If you ever have any questions about your new plasma cutter table, talk to fab rats, they have the same one, I think your one of his idols 😉

[@thedirtheadshed]

I talked to Paul when I was getting mine

[@scottr9900]

Excellent sound. Sounds like a new mic. Excellent.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. It was having a few issues. Had to not use some clips cause it was popping

[@burgpath7777]

Great content and great video work. You seem so much more comfortable in front of the camera now. Nice work!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’s a struggle

[@Skiridr22]

I have seen that Mazda in action 😊

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’s a good one. Gonna take it out tomorrow

[@elray2007]

I use a scrap piece of the 1.75 tube and slide it on the drill handle when notching... I've been smacked in the head with a drill before, the tube helps a keep the drill from that

[@thedirtheadshed]

Gives the drill a longer handle to whack you with

[@3jeepfan]

If you don't want to cut out circles for tube ends, steel engine freeze plugs work great! They also give you a rounded end for aesthetics.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I used that trick back in the day. It’s a good one. Put them inside out for a real funky look

[@robschaffer2189]

These look great! I think I'm going to try making a pair for my '68 Bronco. I just bought an Arcdroid for work and the team and I love it. I, too, have tried to avoid technology but I've found that with the Arcdroid once you get the basic instructions down on the screen it's relatively simple. An issue I ran into was the grub bolts that hold the belt pulleys on came loose and it started cutting ovals instead of circles.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good to hear you are able to use it. That gives me hope

[@adman6380]

Great work as always Dave, I feel better now that it took me a while to build the sliders on my fj80, it’s not an easy job

[@thedirtheadshed]

They were a Ton of work

[@johnlombardi1021]

cool stuff

[@devil2jz500]

Absolutely love your videos! Keep up the great work! I’m always TERRIFIED of welding on chassis. I’m scared of stress cracks.

[@thedirtheadshed]

You can fix then

[@devil2jz500]

@@thedirtheadshed you are not wrong. I’m gathering parts for a Cummins 6BT 12 valve on my 92’ Land Cruiser, and I have been thinking a lot about making a few braces to strengthen the chassis.

[@hessejon]

i love that shirt

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you. I should be selling them soon