OEM Rock Rails Install Write-Up DIY, Photos, Review

[zbennett]

I'm seriously considering the OEM rock rails, I really like how they look and they don't stick out too far from the body. I'm wondering if a strip of grip tape on the top surface would make it more functional as a step if needed?

I have the OEM rock sliders and im gonna try this with some grip tape from amazon. I will report back. As is, they are pretty slippery, especially if wet.

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[zbennett]

I have the OEM rock sliders and im gonna try this with some grip tape from amazon. I will report back. As is, they are pretty slippery, especially if wet.

I bought a 2" wide 35 foot long roll of black grip tape on Amazon. It was like $11 so why not. I tried installing freshly after it rained and it was much too humid for it to stick. Waited for a drier, sunny day and it went on well. Made sure to clean the rail with isopropyl alcohol and dry them with a rag. I cut two pieces that were 72" long and started applying right at the point of where the outer rail is completely straight. I lined up the inside edge of the grip tape with the top welds of those several cross members. Once I got to the rear, I had to cut off a couple inches or so to stop before the outer rail starts to curve again.

I think it turned out well and has definitely stuck on well. They are magnitudes more grippy when standing on them. I think they are usable as a one foot step to help get into to truck. It definitely doesn't look as janky as I thought it would.

Here are some pics:

 

[rybern]

I have an incoming '25 TRD ORP and am interested in these OEM rock rails. I don't do a ton of offroading but I like the idea of something like this that provides some legitimate protection when off road and also from rocks from tires(I have Canada version of mud guards ready to install).

Do they seem like they would provide some protection from door dings? I like how they seem tucked in because that makes entering and exiting the vehicle easier to IMO(I'm 5'7"). But of course because they don't stick out very far, they probably don't provide as much protection against door dings.

How far do these stick out past the door sill?

 

[zbennett]

I have an incoming '25 TRD ORP and am interested in these OEM rock rails. I don't do a ton of offroading but I like the idea of something like this that provides some legitimate protection when off road and also from rocks from tires(I have Canada version of mud guards ready to install).

Do they seem like they would provide some protection from door dings? I like how they seem tucked in because that makes entering and exiting the vehicle easier to IMO(I'm 5'7"). But of course because they don't stick out very far, they probably don't provide as much protection against door dings.

How far do these stick out past the door sill?

I dont think these would provide door ding protection in my opinion. The bottom of the doors bulge out further than the sliders.

 

[rybern]

I dont think these would provide door ding protection in my opinion. The bottom of the doors bulge out further than the sliders.

Thanks for the input on that. It's hard to get the perspective from photos. The thing I like about these is that they are kind of tucked in.... it's hard to have it both ways I suppose.

 

[OldOre]

I dont think these would provide door ding protection in my opinion. The bottom of the doors bulge out further than the sliders.

Just installed these, not much if any protection from flying doors.

 

[rybern]

Just installed these, not much if any protection from flying doors.

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[ATacoInAZ]

Toyota makes a decent set of rock sliders that come on the Trailhunter. You can consistently find them online for around $365 each, but shipping is not usually possible. I took a screenshot to my local dealer and got them to price match and was able to pick them up today.

Rock Rails:
PT738-35243 (Right Side - Shortbed)
PT738-35242 (Left Side - Shortbed)
Weight: 56 lbs. each including 11 bolts, and warning card that says not to jack it from the ends of the rails (which are just floating)

Powder coating seems great and the welds and bends and cuts are all perfect. They've doubled up on the steel on the back of the mounting points. This helps strength but also spaces the rest of the bracket face off the frame by a 1/4" so it won't trap as much water against it.

Installing takes about an hour, and totally doable by one person. One of the back bolts is designed so you can thread the bolt to the frame first them hang the rail on it, while you go to the other end and prop it up with your knee while centering and tightening the front bolt.

Takes several turns of the ratchet, especially the higher of the two bolts. I wrapped some vinyl tape on my ratchet handle so I could "bounce" it off the two sides of the bracket without damaging the coating while spinning on the bolts:

I didn't read the TIS, and not actually sure what the torque values should be but will add it if someone knows in the comments!

Anyway, perfect OEM fitment, well-designed, and easy to bolt on. Here are the installed pics:

I got mine for a STEAL! $200 total from a local guy who took them off for a custom build that is being raffled off. I got it off this build..

here is the install guide for the rails. It says to not torque

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