Toyota 4Runner Rock Sliders Guide

Rock sliders are the first piece of armor many 4Runner owners buy. The rocker panel and door bottoms sit right where rocks and stumps hit, and they are expensive to fix. Picking a set comes down to your generation, your trim, whether you have KDSS or X-REAS, and how much you want to stand on them. This guide sorts the 4Runner rock sliders NVMOS carries by truck and explains the choices that matter.

Short answer: Buy sliders listed for your generation: 2003–2009 (4th gen), 2010–2024 (5th gen) or 2025 and newer (6th gen). Pick a frame-mounted, bolt-on set if you want real protection without welding. Choose a flat 0- to 5-degree slider if you will use it as a step every day, or a steeper 20- to 25-degree design with a rear kickout if you want more clearance and tire protection on the trail. Limited owners and trucks with X-REAS or KDSS should check fitment notes first.

Rock sliders, rock rails and side steps

These look similar but do different jobs. Our rock sliders buying guide covers the basics for any truck.

Rock sliders. Steel tube or box rails that bolt or weld to the frame and sit just below and outside the rocker panel. They are meant to carry the weight of the vehicle so the frame takes the hit, not the sheet metal.
Rock rails. A lighter, lower-profile take. Some mount to the frame and some to the body pinch seam. RCI says its Low-Pro Rock Rails protect the pinch seam and give moderate protection to the rocker panel, which is a fair description of the category.
Side steps and nerf bars. Built to help you get in and out. Most are not built to carry the weight of the truck. NVMOS also carries 4Runner running boards and nerf bars in Steps & Foot Pegs, but they are not armor.

Frame-mounted vs pinch weld

A frame-mounted slider bolts to plates that attach to the 4Runner frame, so a hard landing is carried by the frame. A pinch weld mount clamps or bolts to the seam under the rocker panel, which is body sheet metal. A heavy hit can fold that seam. Every full slider in this guide that states a mount is frame mounted. RCI uses full-length 1/4-inch frame plates, Body Armor 4x4 says its Revo sliders are 100 percent frame mounted at factory hole locations, and C4 Fabrication and Rago Fabrication both describe frame mounting.

Toyota 4Runner rock sliders by generation

Every slider here is listed for one generation, so start by confirming yours.

2003–2009 4Runner (4th gen)

The RCI Rock Sliders for the 2003–2009 4Runner / Lexus GX 470 use a 2-inch square main tube with 1.75-inch DOM outer tubing, a three-leg design, a fixed 5-degree angle and a low-profile rear kickout. RCI lists them at 50 to 55 pounds per side and says they fit 4Runners without X-REAS, with an X-REAS version by special request. Cali Raised LED offers Step Edition Bolt On Rock Sliders with a 0-degree step and Trail Edition versions, both listed as not compatible with X-REAS or the 4Runner Limited.

2010–2024 4Runner (5th gen)

This is where most of the choices are. The RCI Rock Sliders - 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner come at a standard 20 degrees or an optional 5 degrees, with a low-profile rear kickout and an optional bolt-on dimpled tread plate. One line in RCI's notes describes them as designed for 2012–2024, so confirm a 2010 or 2011 truck on the product page. The RCI Low-Pro Rock Rails sit at 5 degrees for maximum ground clearance.

Body Armor 4x4 sells its Revo sliders in a 25 Degree version with a slight kickout and a 0 Degree Step version with a solid step along the cab. The Backwoods Adventure Mods 5th Gen 4Runner Rock Sliders are flat with aluminum top plates and a rear kickout. Cali Raised LED offers Trail Edition and Step Edition bolt-on sliders, with a kickout option listed on the Step Edition, and C4 Fabrication splits its 25-degree sliders into 2014–2024 and 2010–2013 listings. CBI Offroad Fab lists Classic, Trail and Overland bolt-on sliders with 2010–2023 in the titles, so confirm 2024 fitment on the product page. ARB lists its Deluxe Rock Rails for the 2010–2012 4Runner as well as the FJ Cruiser.

2025 and newer 4Runner (6th gen)

The 6th gen is a new platform with its own sliders. The RCI Rock Sliders - 2025+ Toyota 4Runner carry over the 2-inch square main tube, 20- or 5-degree angle and rear kickout. RCI says they are confirmed on a 2025 TRD Off-Road and suspected to fit all 2025 models, so call us if you have another trim. C4 Fabrication offers the Rock Slider Steps, listed for all 6th gen trims, and the Rock Runner Sliders. The Rago Fabrication Rock Slider Side Steps are a frame-mounted bolt-on with a hammer black powder coat. Cali Raised LED lists its Trail Edition Rock Sliders For 2025+ for all models including hybrids, and CBI Offroad Fab has standard and Overland versions.

Bolt-on vs weld-on sliders

Weld-on sliders are welded straight to the frame. They can be very strong, but they are permanent, need a fabricator and show up mostly on dedicated trail rigs. Bolt-on sliders use factory frame holes, or a few new ones, and come off if you sell the truck or need frame work. Most install in a driveway with hand tools and a helper.

Every 4Runner slider in this guide that states an install method is a bolt-on. RCI and Body Armor 4x4 list no drilling, and Cali Raised LED says its sliders install with no modification. C4 Fabrication lists minor drilling and no welding on its 5th gen sliders. The hardware grade varies: Backwoods and most Cali Raised LED listings include Grade 8 hardware, C4 Fabrication includes grade 10.9 bolts, and RCI uses grade 5 and 8 where applicable.

Angle, kickout and using sliders as a step

The angle of the outer tube decides how a slider behaves. A flat (0- to 5-degree) slider makes a wide, level step for getting in or reaching a roof rack, but it hangs a little lower. A 20- to 25-degree slider tucks the outer tube up toward the body for more clearance and protects the rocker from the side, at the cost of a less comfortable step.

A kickout bends the rear of the slider out in front of the rear tire. Backwoods says its kickout helps pivot the rear tire away from rocks and trees and doubles as a wider step, and Body Armor 4x4 says its slight kickout adds rear protection without hanging up easily. A straight slider is less likely to catch when you back off a ledge.

Slider	Generation	Angle (as listed)	Kickout	Step surface
RCI Rock Sliders	4th gen	5 degrees fixed	Low-profile rear	Optional tread plate
RCI Rock Sliders	5th and 6th gen	20 degrees, 5 optional	Low-profile rear	Optional tread plate
RCI Low-Pro Rock Rails	5th gen	5 degrees	Not listed	Rail only
Body Armor 4x4 Revo 25 Degree	5th gen	25 degrees	Slight kickout	Not listed
Body Armor 4x4 Revo 0 Degree Step	5th gen	0 degrees	Not listed	Solid step along the cab
Backwoods Adventure Mods	5th gen	0 degrees	Rear kickout	Aluminum top plates
C4 Fabrication	5th gen	25 degrees	Not listed	Removable dimpled step plates
Cali Raised LED Trail / Step Edition	4th, 5th and 6th gen	Step Edition 0 degrees (4th gen listing)	Optional on 5th gen Step Edition and 6th gen	Step Edition
C4 Fabrication Rock Slider Steps	6th gen	Not listed	Not listed	Stainless traction surfaces

Trim, KDSS and X-REAS checks before you order

Trim and suspension details trip up more orders than the year. Check these:

Limited trim (5th gen). Cali Raised LED's Trail Edition and C4 Fabrication's 2014–2024 sliders are listed as not fitting the Limited. RCI says the Limited needs its plastic rocker trim removed or cut. Backwoods says the Limited fits once the factory side skirt is removed.
2010–2013 rocker trim. Cali Raised LED says 2010–2013 4Runners must remove the rock trim panel for its sliders to fit.
X-REAS. RCI's 5th gen sliders and rails do not work with X-REAS-equipped trucks, and the Cali Raised LED and RCI 4th gen sliders are listed as not compatible with X-REAS (RCI offers an X-REAS version on request).
KDSS. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System adds hardware along the frame on equipped trucks. Backwoods and RCI (5th gen) list KDSS and non-KDSS compatibility. If a listing says nothing about KDSS, ask us before you order.
Other C4 notes. The C4 Fabrication 2010–2013 listing says it fits Trail Edition 4Runners only, and the 2014–2024 listing excludes the 2022 Sport. Confirm on the product page.

Adding a lift too? Our 4Runner lift kit guide covers that side.

Materials, finish and lead times

Most 4Runner sliders use 1.75-inch DOM (drawn over mandrel) steel tube. C4 Fabrication, Cali Raised LED and Body Armor 4x4 list a 0.120-inch wall, and C4 says its DOM tube adds strength and dent resistance. RCI pairs a 2-inch square main tube with 1.75-inch DOM outer rails and 1/4-inch gussets, and C4 Fabrication's 6th gen Rock Slider Steps use a 2x2-inch square main tube with 1-3/4-inch DOM round tube.

Finish options matter more than people expect. RCI offers bare metal, and C4 Fabrication says its raw sliders must be painted or powder coated before installation to prevent rust. Cali Raised LED offers raw, powder coat and bedliner. Backwoods includes a black textured powder coat, and Rago uses a hammer black powder coat. Many of these sliders are made to order, so check current lead times before you plan a trip around the install. Cali Raised LED lists a 15 percent cancellation fee once a slider order is placed.

Sliders protect the sides. For the underside, see our 4Runner skid plates guide, and for the full build, the 4Runner overland build guide and 4Runner accessories guide. Tacoma owners can use our Tacoma rock sliders guide.

What NVMOS carries

Our 4Runner sliders come from RCI Metalworks, C4 Fabrication, Body Armor 4x4, Backwoods Adventure Mods, Cali Raised LED, Rago Fabrication and CBI Offroad Fab. A few to start with:

2003–2009 4Runner

2010–2024 4Runner

2025 and newer 4Runner

Browse by category: Rock Sliders & Rocker Armor, Toyota 4Runner, Off-Road Skid Plates, Off-Road Armor & Skid Plates and Steps & Foot Pegs. You can also shop by vehicle, check current lead times and read our vendor warranty policies.

Shop rock sliders →

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Frequently asked questions

Do rock sliders fit every 5th gen 4Runner trim?

No. The Limited is the common problem. Cali Raised LED's Trail Edition and C4 Fabrication's 2014–2024 sliders are listed as not fitting the Limited, RCI says its sliders and Low-Pro Rock Rails need the Limited's plastic rocker trim removed or cut, and Backwoods says the Limited fits once the factory side skirt is removed. RCI's sliders also do not work on X-REAS-equipped trucks.

Will rock sliders work with KDSS?

Several are listed for it. Backwoods Adventure Mods says its 5th gen sliders work with or without KDSS, and RCI lists its 5th gen sliders and Low-Pro Rock Rails for KDSS and non-KDSS trucks. If a listing does not mention KDSS, ask before you order.

Do I have to drill or weld to install 4Runner sliders?

None of the 4Runner sliders in this guide list welding. RCI, Body Armor 4x4 and Cali Raised LED list no drilling, using factory frame holes or no modification. C4 Fabrication's 5th gen sliders list minor drilling.

Can I use rock sliders as a step?

Yes, most of them double as a step. Flat or 0-degree designs like the Body Armor 4x4 0 Degree Step, Backwoods sliders with aluminum top plates and the C4 Fabrication 6th gen Rock Slider Steps are built for it. Angled designs still work as a step, and RCI suggests its 5-degree option if you add the tread plate.

Do 5th gen 4Runner sliders fit the 2025 and newer 4Runner?

No. The 6th gen 4Runner is a new platform, and every slider here is listed for one generation. Shop the 2025+ listings from RCI, C4 Fabrication, Rago Fabrication, Cali Raised LED or CBI Offroad Fab for a 6th gen truck.

Can I jack the 4Runner up from the sliders?

Some vendors say yes. Body Armor 4x4 says its Revo sliders have anchor points for a Hi-Lift jack, and RCI says its sliders can support the whole side of the truck for hi-lift lifting. RCI lists its Low-Pro Rock Rails as a side jack point for a floor jack. Follow the vendor's instructions and use the listed lift points.

What is the difference between a kickout and a straight slider?

A kickout angles the rear section of the slider out toward the rear tire. Backwoods says its kickout helps pivot the rear tire away from rocks and trees and doubles as a wider step. A straight slider keeps a cleaner line and is less likely to catch on a ledge when you back up.

Not sure what fits your truck? Call a real person at (920) 249-7744 or send us a message, and we will help you sort it out.

October 30, 2026 — NVMOS

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Toyota 4Runner Rock Sliders by Generation: What to Know