Westcott Designs sliders fitment problem on long bed Trailhunter

[FlyAngler]

These took more than 8 weeks from time of order and now I've got a fitment problem. And a group ride that I signed up for next Saturday. Frustrated, to say the least.

Does anyone know what this bracket is for that is welded to the frame at the rear of the truck? There is not a cutout for it on the Westcott Designs sliders like there is for other brackets along the frame. As a result, the sliders don't fit correctly at the rear. The vertical slider plate that mates up to the side of the frame rail hits it, preventing the sliders from raising up fully. This means the bottom bolts under the frame rail (into the rivnuts) won't go in all the way and there is a gap. It also means that last hole that I took a plastic cover off that uses the unique bolt with the nut on the outside won't line up with the hole in the sliders. I started on the driver's side, so that's what I'm referencing here. I see the same bracket on the passenger side. I wish Westcott support was available on weekends. I would guess that many of us DIY install primarily on the weekends!

I suppose I could cut into the bracket to notch it, though without knowing what the function of it is makes me hesitant to do that. Besides, these premium sliders should just fit out of the box. I shouldn't have to hack up my truck and risk additional rust. I might be able to notch the sliders, but again that's not really something I'm prepared to do. I've reached out to Westcott, so hopefully Monday (holiday) or Tuesday I'll be able to speak with someone. For now, I'll drive around with one slider and hope for the best (I'm not sure what that would be!).

Any ideas or additional info is welcome. Maybe I'm doing something wrong and just not seeing it yet.

All of the pics below are from the driver's side except the one labeled passenger side bracket.

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[Turbo2Pete]

I would never cut the frame for something like this... if everything else looks OK, and I wanted them for sure, I would just cut a couple slots to fit into the bracket (and paint of course) then after it fits make a pattern from it to send to the MFG, And hopefully they'll update their product!

 

[FlyAngler]

I would never cut the frame. Maybe the bracket that is welded to the frame, but more likely (I hope) I will just work with WD to have them make it right.

 

[Turbo2Pete]

I would never cut the frame. Maybe the bracket that is welded to the frame, but more likely (I hope) I will just work with WD to have them make it right.

The bracket being part of the frame..... especially if the truck is still under warranty!
My thinking is always modify the new part and not the factory parts whenever possible, so it can be put back if you decide to change it

 

[LiveFast]

Let us know what Westcott says.

 

[FlyAngler]

After a couple of texts with support, I got a call from Jeff directly. It was a good conversation. I'm impressed with the way it is being handled thus far. I'll finish getting it worked out over the next few days and report back with details as time allows.

The short version is that I am likely going to choose to trim the bracket a bit myself because I have a group ride on Saturday and this feels like the most expedient path forward. I'll provide more details later. If not this week, then early next. I am being provided good support.

 

[NoSlushbox4Me]

So you're cutting the truck to make these fit? There's no 'undo' for that.

 

[maxx075]

So you're cutting the truck to make these fit? There's no 'undo' for that.

Bracket, not truck...

 

[FlyAngler]

Just a little bit of the bracket. It isn't structural and my understanding is that WD has only seen it on the Trailhunters when they did a small number of installs in their shop. I'll prime and paint it, of course. And I'll take pics to share. More later... I think the weather in my area (and my schedule) will finally cooperate on Thursday. No promises on the timing though!

 

[Turbo2Pete]

Still, always better to cut the replaceable part than the warranty voiding chassis bracket. Brakcet or not, it's part of the frame, and huge risk for warranty issues. Besides, its MUCH easier to notch the rails while you're upright on a bench, rather than upside down under the truck....

...from my time working with warranty claims.

 

[FlyAngler]

I finally had a break in the rain yesterday and got it done.

First, I'll say that I'm totally comfortable cutting into a bracket that has no apparent function. Anyone trying to refuse warranty coverage would find the law on my side unless they could prove this modification caused whatever problem needed to be covered under warranty. This is both my reading of the law as well as the info Jeff W. relayed to me. Additionally, it is my understanding that he has talked with people he knows at Toyota and confirmed these brackets have no function on this truck. I sincerely appreciate the concern and advice. Let's leave it at that so this thread doesn't go off topic. Thanks!

It wasn't particularly difficult, though I'll say that getting the angle grinder to do exactly what I wanted wasn't as easy as when I watch the pros in videos. Experience counts for a lot! That said, since this is under the truck and not visible, I'm happy with it. It wasn't that big of a PITA, though I wish I had known ahead of time. I might have made another choice of sliders, though then again other sliders could have a similar issue on this truck because of the extra bracket. And these really are great sliders, so I might have gone with them even if I knew ahead of time.

Again, I'm happy with the way Jeff and his WD team handled it by giving me choices, supporting my choice, and making good on everything. I couldn't ask for any better.

Pics below show the basics. Let me know if another view of something would help you.

I'm especially happy because I was able to get it done before my group ride tomorrow. I didn't trust my OEM sliders for a pivot move on a previous ride, but I would definitely trust these. They are a serious upgrade in design and strength, plus my wife no longer needs a step stool to get in.

 

[Will721]

Looks great. I highly doubt there will be an issue in the future. Frankly, most people won't keep a new truck long enough for frame issues to effect them.

Although I think its important to note, the burden of proof isn't actually on Toyota. They can deny your warranty for any reason. It would be up to you, and your attorney vs their team if attorneys at that point to prove it shouldn't void it. It would not be criminal court where your innocent until proven guilty. This woul civil court where one party just has to be more convincing than the other.

 

[FlyAngler]

They did their job well yesterday! New England trails have lots of ledge and boulders to navigate.

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