BoraBora

I rested the weight of my entire 2-door on my left side VKS slider. Didn't move, and just needed a sandpaper/rattlecan touch up a few days later.

The sliders are tough as nails, don't be discouraged. I'd buy them again, and just to reiterate, I'd pair them with a set of rocker protection again too...just incase the body flexes enough to contact the slider.

DJ1

You're missing my point man. Both Psycho and I, as well as the OP, are currently running frame mounted VKS.....

The VKS are pitched as "bolt-on" sliders. LOD and White Knuckle Offroad are also "bolt-on" sliders but don't "flex" under load.....

You can probably also throw in Poison Spyder "bolt-on" frame-mounted sliders that also don't flex. Poison Spyder's boat-side sliders are the ones to actually stay away from....


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BoraBora

Yeah understood, and I get how it's frustrating. However, having someone mig weld them would leave you with a clear head....and add a few more gussets. I'll post some pics in the morning, but my frame mounts have at least 3 more gussets.

I think the VKS sliders are still a steal for what they are, and for how much you can get them shipped to your door for. Having someone local to you weld them on shouldn't run you more then $100 to $150...then again I simply consider bold on products as a "ready for light trails, not for extreme trails" kind of deal. That's why I had my Nemesis front shock brackets, rear track bar bracket, and sliders all welded on in addition to bolting on. Any skilled welder near you can burn on whatever you need for not too much $$.

DJ1

Our VKS pre-runners have 2 frame legs and are bolt-on. LOD has 2 frame legs and are bolt-on. Poison Spyder has 2 frame legs and are bolt-on. EVO has 3 frame legs and are weld-on.


If you're running the same VKS bolt-on sliders we're running, not sure how you're getting 3 legs / more gusset support for a 2 door setup.










I don't buy into the whole bolt-on thing is for light trail use only. Show me an instance where frame mounted bolt-on LOD, WKO, and Poison Spyder Rocker Knockers flexed into the tub.


Adding to that, your wheels are bolted on. Your engine is bolted on. Your transfer case is bolted on. Your drive shafts are bolted on. Your axle shafts are bolted on. Your steering wheel is bolted on. Your tub is bolted on. Your bumpers are bolted on.


The VKS has nice welds and I can appreciate they're made in the US, but they clearly are not on par with the others in terms of structural support.


The LOD's actually come out cheaper since you still have to powder coat the VKS.



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PsychoCupcake

I want to reiterate, this wasn't just about the sliders being too close to the tub or the body mounts flexing. Go back and look at the picture I posted. The mount plates bent like potato chips. The one closer to the hit was more bent. The one further away is tweaked too, but it's less visually noticeable. This wasn't a "flex", this was permanent deformation of the metal.

I think VKS makes a good looking product. The welds are nothing short of works of art. I'm running his front bumper too. Needless to say I was a fan of what he was putting on the market. All I'm saying is that there is something lacking in the strength of the legs. Other manufacturers seem to be putting nearly identical products on the market and I've never heard complaints about this.

kjeeper10

I did not use the what seemed short bolts VKS provided. Instead longer grade 8 bolts. I was afraid there was minimal thread engagement and could rip from the frame like stated here.

PsychoCupcake

Ya interestingly enough it wasn't the threads on the bolt that gave, it was the threads in the frame. But regardless, when I rebuild the legs, I won't use those bolts. I have enough access to the inside of the frame that I'll put nuts on the back instead of depending on threads in the frame.

kjeeper10

Thats what i mean, dont know for sure but it looked like the threads would barely pass through the frame or maybe by a thread or two.

Mike H.

All I can do is support your original consideration.
I have no experience with any other.
I have had my Jeep layed over on it's side (rail and rock stopped the slow flop), nothing touching but rock rail to solid rock(and 2 drivers side tires), and creeping forward dragging it along.
It destroyed the finish, but structurally it is intact and no body damage/wrinkles.
Someday I will paint it pretty again, but for now it serves as a memory of the event... yes, new underwear was required.

DJ1

Have you had a chance to really test the sliders, bang em' up hard, put it through it's paces yet?




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