Westcott Designs rock sliders installation tips?

[Rmarin4272]

Anyone that’s installed their Westcott designs rock sliders have tips on installation?

I thought only the front hole needed a rivnut but it looks like all bottom mounted points need one.

Concerned about the security of them using so many rivnuts.

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[Toyotimothy]

I installed Westcott designs sliders in 24. I highly recommend getting the proper tools and bolts for installing those rivnuts. I had a rivnut tool but not the correct size bolt/adapter for it. If you don’t have it or can’t find it locally I would advise ordering it and waiting to install the sliders until you get it. There are alternatives to the tool which is what I used, but I wouldn’t recommend it. As far as being secure, yes once they’re in place they are not going anywhere. They bolt not only on the side but also underneath where the rivnuts go and a lot of sliders only bolt on the sides of the truck frame. No problems with mine being secure.

 

[Gaspe]

The Westcott installation video on these from a year ago only mentions the forward square hole needs to be drilles to 11/16 and a rivnut placed. Only mention of the other bolt holes underneath is a statement to initially hand tighten the bolts - implying those holes are threaded.

Did the hardware included with the sliders include only one rivnut for each side? What year Tacoma are you installing these on? I’m curious as I have the same sliders on order and will be installing them on a 2026 Off Road when they get here.

 

[co425]

Do you have pics of this? Rivnuts are definitely not as strong as a bolt. I get it if you have to do this because of a boxed frame. But most of the mounting points shouldn’t be rivnuts.

I’m a considering the Westcott and the CBI sliders. If the CBI uses bolts I will definitely go that route.

 

[Toyotimothy]

I installed on a 2024 Tacoma. I drilled out one hole on each side ( if I remember correctly) and I think there were three or four rivnuts on each side of the bottom of the frame. I don’t think those holes are threaded at all. The holes on the side of the frame were threaded. Six to eight locations I think. On the passenger side there are two ground wires that need to be removed and then put back after the slider is installed. I can’t remember but I think they give you new hardware for that. 17 mm on the side, 19 mm on the bottom and 13 mm for the grounds. I bought a rivnut tool at Harbor freight but it didn’t come with the correct size for installing the rivnuts. I could have ordered one but I was trying to get finished in one day because I was using a friend’s garage. Ended up using a long bolt and an impact gun (there are videos on YouTube) I really wish Westcott would have explained the process better in their installation videos specifically about the rivnuts because although they mentioned it, it was only mentioned and not shown. I had no idea what a rivnut was prior to dealing with installing the sliders.

 

[Toyotimothy]

I will say this. The rivnut once in place is not going anywhere. It basically creates threads for the 19 mm bolt to secure to and just one held the weight of the slider.

 

[Toyotimothy]

If I get time later I will try to get a picture of the underside for you

 

[Toyotimothy]

This is what convinced me to the strength of their sliders.

 

[Rmarin4272]

The Westcott installation video on these from a year ago only mentions the forward square hole needs to be drilles to 11/16 and a rivnut placed. Only mention of the other bolt holes underneath is a statement to initially hand tighten the bolts - implying those holes are threaded.

Did the hardware included with the sliders include only one rivnut for each side? What year Tacoma are you installing these on? I’m curious as I have the same sliders on order and will be installing them on a 2026 Off Road when they get here.

Every bottom hole has a rivnut. That drilled hole is larger and packaged separate and obvious.

Having so many points held by rivnuts makes me a bit nervous on longevity if I’m putting any real stress to them. We’ll see!

 

[Rmarin4272]

I installed on a 2024 Tacoma. I drilled out one hole on each side ( if I remember correctly) and I think there were three or four rivnuts on each side of the bottom of the frame. I don’t think those holes are threaded at all. The holes on the side of the frame were threaded. Six to eight locations I think. On the passenger side there are two ground wires that need to be removed and then put back after the slider is installed. I can’t remember but I think they give you new hardware for that. 17 mm on the side, 19 mm on the bottom and 13 mm for the grounds. I bought a rivnut tool at Harbor freight but it didn’t come with the correct size for installing the rivnuts. I could have ordered one but I was trying to get finished in one day because I was using a friend’s garage. Ended up using a long bolt and an impact gun (there are videos on YouTube) I really wish Westcott would have explained the process better in their installation videos specifically about the rivnuts because although they mentioned it, it was only mentioned and not shown. I had no idea what a rivnut was prior to dealing with installing the sliders.

Agreed. For as high quality as they are, they really don’t put much effort into actually educating you on installation. Maybe by design to do it themselves (I live in Phoenix). I think I’ve got a good grasp on it now and am grateful for all your input.

 

[Toyotimothy]

Not a problem at all. You’re welcome

 

[co425]

Every bottom hole has a rivnut. That drilled hole is larger and packaged separate and obvious.

Having so many points held by rivnuts makes me a bit nervous on longevity if I’m putting any real stress to them. We’ll see!

Same. I have seen many a rivnut get loose and rotate. Then the bolt backs out from the vibration. Would not be my first choice for something that is supposed to support a vehicle. Temporarily holding a vehicle with a lift does not tell the whole story. Repeated movement will loosen a rivnut for sure.

 

[Rmarin4272]

Do you have pics of this? Rivnuts are definitely not as strong as a bolt. I get it if you have to do this because of a boxed frame. But most of the mounting points shouldn’t be rivnuts.

I’m a considering the Westcott and the CBI sliders. If the CBI uses bolts I will definitely go that route.

The CBI sliders don’t have any inferior mounting bolts. They are all on the side. I think Westcott thinks 6 inferior rivnuts are better than nothing. And I agree. Just wish that was clear before purchase.

 

[Toyotimothy]

There are six bolts on the sides of the frame that are threaded. Most but not all the other sliders I looked at only use the side bolts. Westcott is simply adding bolts on the bottom for extra support. They are doing this with the rivnuts because those holes aren’t threaded. I have had mine on for a while now and have had zero issues with anything coming loose or backing out etc. I did see a new bolt that Westcott designed that could potentially be used for those bottom holes but I don’t know if you could buy it yet or not. Or if it would work for that application. I agree though that they should be more transparent with the rivnuts and the installation than what they are.

 

[Toyotimothy]

Here’s a link to that bolt

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