Proper Slider Length for a '97 EB 4Dr.

[97XEB]

My patience has finally run out on waiting for the aftermarket to make sliders specifically for the Explorer. Combine that with the fact that my new 285/75R16 Radial SSRs rub on the stock steps and I'm ready to pull the trigger on some armor from All Pro Offroad.

I'm sure the All-Pros are hell-for-strong, I really like the style and the rear "kick-out" will come in very handy on the trail. (I want something that sticks out far enough to be used as step and to provide protection for the stock EB tupperware.)

My question for Jefe, Gerald, Ray, Jason, Cory and the anyone else who has had/made custom sliders for their 95+ is what's the ideal / proper length? What's too short and what's too long?

All Pro will not make a custom set, but I think I can make one of their Yota offerings work >> the 72"s might be the perfect size- or are they too long? I don't want them to interfere with front or rear axle flex - even after I do my SAS and upgrade to 35 or 36s - or when turning lock-to-lock.

Any input would be appreciated - Thanks.

 

[Jefe]

My sliders are exactly 72". My 35's just touch them in the rear (lined up with the body), and are clear in front both when I had 35's on IFS, and now with the SFA (1" forward from stock).

 

[97XEB]

Since you hit in the back with 35s and I eventually want to run 36s - when I finally do a SAS - you think 70 or 71 inches would be ideal?

 

[Robb]

Mine are at about 66". That leaves plenty of room for tire size upgrade, but increases the chance of something getting "jammed" in there. I would think of 66" as being a minimum length to go for.

 

[Jefe]

Since you hit in the back with 35s and I eventually want to run 36s - when I finally do a SAS - you think 70 or 71 inches would be ideal?

Well, if its gonna be shorter in back that means you're gonna have to hack out some significant portion of the body. I plan to move the rear axle back if I decide to run larger tires.

 

[Doug]

If i remember correctly the sliders i built for my 2dr are 63". just go outside with your tape measure and measure the length of your rockers.

 

[97XEB]

Thank you, Captain Obvious for the tape measure suggestion... j/k.

I've already used the tape measure and I've actually mocked-up various main bar lengths using 2x2 lumber. Looks like 72 inches will work fine, and that's what Jefe is running. (Thanks for the invaluable replies!!)

But Grasshoppa, never underestimate the value of getting input from those with real-life, honest-to-goodness, actual experience on as similar a setup as possible - ie. 4dr. What looks good on paper doesn't always work well...and since I can't weld, I'll have to live with whatever I choose. Hence the questions before I drop the cash.

 

[97XEB]

Well, I called All Pro Offroad a couple of times about their sliders.... Spoke with Jay who is just an awesome dude - extremely willing to work with me. He took exact measurements for me, talked me through various mounting options and told me there is at least a 1/2 inch that could be ground off the 72 inchers if need be. It's nice to deal with great people, especially since some of the places I called wouldn't even give me the time of day...

Anyway, over the weekend I mocked up the dimensions with some 2x2s, c-clamped them to my X, made sure I would still fit in the garage...and placed my order with All Pro this morning.

Hopefully I'll have them mounted by Thanksgiving and can share some pictures.

Thanks for all the help to those that responded!