Looking back on my build, the first thing I should have done after upgrading my tires was get a good set of sliders. The Land Cruiser is a pig off road: she’s wide, heavy, and longer than the average trail rig – it’s pretty much like wheeling a lifted Sienna minivan.
In my search for sliders I only found two non-custom options for the 200 Series, one was manufactured by ARB, and the other was built by Slee Offroad. I did some research, talked to a few other 200 Series owners, and found that no one had installed the ARBs but two others had purchased and installed the Slee’s.
Next thing I know I’m on the phone with Cristo (owner of Slee) for over an hour talking about the design of his sliders and his experience with 200 Series Land Cruisers. Shortly after our conversation I ordered a set of sliders from Slee and called the guys at Main Line Overland in Philly to schedule a time for an install.
The sliders arrived on a pallet via freight and were in excellent condition with only a few rust spots on the step plate where holes had been drilled to install screws. I was a little disappointed in this considering the cost of the sliders but it was nothing that wasn’t easily fixed with a wire brush and some rattle can. I opted for Slee’s textured step plate on the sliders for added traction as opposed to the optional stainless step insert, considering that I’d be stepping on the sliders when they were muddy and wet.
Installing the sliders was more time consuming than difficult. I would recommend that you give yourself about 2-3 hours to complete the job. You’ll start by removing the OEM running boards which are only held on by 4 bolts on each side. Then you unbolt the KDSS line that runs along the frame of the driver side (be careful not to bend the line as this is a pretty costly mistake). Finally, remove a set of bolts that hold the drive side of the fuel tank skid to the frame.
Now that you have everything removed from the frame you’ll need to make sure you have on hand a 17/32″ drill bit and a rivet nut tool (both can be purchased relatively reasonably online as they are not included in the kit). Luckily you won’t have to drill any holes; you just have to ream out preexisting ones in the frame. This is a lot harder than you might think and is the most time consuming portion of the install. Once the frame holes are reamed out, use your rivet nut tool to insert rivet nuts into the frame per Slee’s instructions.
You’ll most likely notice 2 “lollipops” are included in the hardware. These bolts were included from Slee due to the difficulty of installing the rivet nuts towards the front of the vehicle. Install one of these on each side in place of the rivet nuts.
Once these steps are completed simply bolt up the sliders to the frame. I recommend using 2 jacks and an extra set of hands to help with positioning. If you have any questions give the folks over at Slee a call – they are more than happy to answer any questions or walk you through the install.
Afterthoughts
There is no way I would have survived the Vermont Overland Trophy without a pair of sliders. They quite literally saved the Cruiser’s lower body panels you can see in the excellent video below taken by Jamil Abassy.
I came down hard on the sliders numerous times and on a few occasions they were supporting the entire weight of the truck. The sliders are proved to be great for holding the Land Cruiser off obstacles. Because they stick out about an inch from the body, I was able to pivot around rocks and trees, and hold myself off door-smashing obstacles while off camber.
Through all kinds of rough abuse and punishment there wasn’t one failure and they really changed my opinion of bolt-on (vs. weld-on) sliders. The only issue I’ve had is the powder coating understandably scraped off (on rocks), so I’ve just started touching them up with some good rattle can.
I still cringe every time I watch this video, but I’m sure glad I have my sliders.
Thanks for sharing the process how to install.
I will also do same for my Toyota land Cruiser.
It would be much better if you show photo of every step.
Thanks Anthony, we’ll be sure to take more photos of future installs.