Sliders to frame bolt recomendations

[5.0L96Exp]

Can anyone recommend an appropriate bolt to mount my sliders to the frame. There are 3 mounting points per slider with 4 bolts each (total of 12 bolts per slider). The slider-frame plate is 4"x4"x1/4" with another 4"x4"x1/4" backing plate (ie the frame is sandwiched). I think 12 5/16" grade 5 bolts should be more than enough (tensile and shear strength are about 4500 pounds). Any comments would be greatly appreciated.. Regards

 

[IZwack]

You have to remember that the tensile and shear numbers are at static.
An Explorer sliding down and landing on a rock is hardly static.

While you do have 12 bolts per side, I still personally wouldnt go with anything smaller than say 1/2-inch bolts.

 

[Blee1099]

I'd recommend 5/8" grade 8 bolts and don't forget lock washers & locktite. All of my slider bolts are I believe 3/4" head grade 8 bolts with locktite. When drilling the frame rails, make sure not to drill any of the fuel/brake lines or anything else in the rails.

 

[gijoecam]

Indeed, nothing smaller than 1/2" will hold-up, and nothing larger than 3/4 is necessary. Anything in between will work well. Grade 5 will be sufficient, grade-8 will just be a little stronger.

-Joe

 

[5.0L96Exp]

Thanks for the input guys. 1/2" it is..