If you plan on doing any off-roading that’s more challenging than fire roads, you’ll want to start looking into some armor for your rig. Nothing will kill a trip more than smacking your rocker panel on an unsuspecting tree trunk – leaving your truck busted. Not to mention, it will cost thousands of dollars to repair that kind of damage.
Rock sliders are the definition of cheap insurance, with their cost and utility far outweighing the cost of repairing damaged rocker panels.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the Cali Raised Trail Edition rock sliders. Compared to their Step Edition sibling, these sit high and tight to the rocker panel. So, if you’re looking for some sliders that are minimalistic, these are for you. I’ll run you through a quick install guide and share my thoughts and experience with them on the trails.
Find It Online:
- Cali Raised Rock Sliders (2005-2023)
- Trail Edition: Check Price
- Step Edition: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Overview
These sliders are available for all Tacoma bed and door configurations. They are made from American 1.75″ DOM tubing (see DOM vs. HREW)Â and are completely bolt-on, with zero modification needed to install. There’s an option to add a kick-out and you can also choose between raw, powder coat, or bed liner as your finish.
My selections were for a double cab short bed, with a kick-out, and a powder coat finish.
I chose a kick-out for multiple reasons. First, you can use it to pivot your truck in a tight area on the trail, and second, as a step up to reach the top of your rig. For the finish, a powder coat can easily be touched up with a bit of Rust-Oleum Matte Black rattle can in the case of damage.
Installation
Installation should take you about 1-2 hours. It’s not particularly hard, there are just a bunch of bolts. Also, a second set of hands will help a ton with lifting the slider into place.
This installation will cover the passenger’s side with a few notes on the driver’s. The driver’s side is going to be the same process minus moving a module and making room around the brake lines on the frame.
We also included an installation video, linked at the end of this post.
Note: Do not fully tighten down any of the bolts until after you’ve aligned the sliders to their final position.
Required Tools
- 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm Wrenches
- 9/16″ & 3/4″ Wrenches
- 9/16″ & 3/4″ Sockets & Ratchet
- 10mm Deep Socket (optional)
- Magnetic Flashlight (optional)
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Knife/Snips
- Another person (optional – if you’re the Hulk)
Step 1. Remove OEM Components
There are two bolts; one at the top and one at the bottom. Remove both and set aside. You will reinstall after you’re done.
Driver’s Side Module
This module could be different depending on the year of your truck, but it’s in the same position. A few bolts are holding it in. Remove the bolts and push this to the side to make room for your slider. It will be reattached at the end. There are holes that will allow it to sit like it did from the factory.
Step 2. Moving Brake Lines
On the inside of the frame toward the from of the truck, there are a couple of bolts holding onto the brake lines. Remove the bolts and move the brake lines to make room.
Note: This is for the driver’s side.
Step 3. Remove Frame Cover
Remove the plastic cover that covers the inside of the frame, it should only be one bolt. You’ll have to do some shimmying to get it out. This is on the passenger’s side.
Step 4. Remove Frame Bolt
There’s a single bolt under the frame, remove it and set it to the side. You’ll need to reuse this later. A good bolt to use for holding the slider up while you secure the other bolts.
Step 5. Install Backing Plates
Take the first passenger’s backing plate and insert it into the frame where you removed the plastic cover.
The orientation of this backing plate should be as shown above.
Next, take one of these backing plates and slide it into the frame slot shown below, nut side up.
Shown above is how it should look once installed. This is the main crossmember under the truck.
Step 6. Mount Slider
At this point, we can start installing all of the bolts. Keep them loose until final positioning at the end.
Lift the slider up and install the single bolt that was removed earlier. This will hold the slider in place while you insert the rest of the bolts.
Install a combination of two washers, a nut, and a bolt into every open hole along the frame. Also, install the provided hardware for the two backing plates we dropped in earlier.
Once everything is lined up how you want it, go ahead and tighten down the nuts and bolts.
Step 7. Install Frame Clamps
The clamps are installed as shown above. Make sure to use the shorter spacer for the rear.
The longer spacer is used in the front and is installed the same way as the one in the rear. Next, make sure all of the nuts and bolts are fully tightened down.
Step 8. Modify Module Cover
The cover for the wiring can be modified as shown above to be re-installed after installing the slider. Just make a small notch to make it fit.
Review
This install had quite a few steps but overall, it was still pretty easy. It took my brother and I just over two hours to get them on.
I’ve had these sliders on the rig for a while now and they’ve held up nicely. I’ve banged them on rocks and tree stumps with no real damage to them other than some scuffing to the powder coat. This was easily repaired with some matte black spray paint.
I’ve enjoyed the switch from my old step-style sliders to these Trail Editions. When I hop out of my truck, the back of my pants doesn’t get dirty from dirt and mud, which was an issue with my previous sliders! Despite being angled and tucked in, they offer ample protection. However, I do feel like they could stick out a touch more for better door protection from taller objects.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot options on the market, but Cali Raised hits a lot of important marks. They have a ton of options and ways to customize. The super low lead times mean you don’t have to wait for months to get your truck outfitted.
I really appreciate how sleek these are and I love the look. Drop a comment if you have any other questions!
I love how well these sliders hug the body of the truck, nice article Jon!