Alright, now that I'm done asking questions and have the finished product mounted up, I figured it was time for a new thread. These are the rock sliders/step bars that I have built for my VX since there really weren't any on the market that were exactly what I wanted.

The main slider bodies are made from 2"x4" 3/16 wall tubing with a 45* angle on each end.


I then added step bars angled up at about 45* and in at 45* made from 1 5/8" wall HREW tubing. On each step bar, I cut out a 1 foot section at the rear and knurled it with a knurling bit on a mill then sleeved it, welded it back in, and metal finished it. You can't even tell it was removed. Then I welded that on and shaped the connection points to provide a smooth surface that wouldn't catch on anything. Did some measurements and test fits, then added the arms to connect to the frame, 2"x2" .120 wall HREW, and connected them to the mounting plates for the frame made from 1/4 steel plate. Last I added the 1"x1" .120 wall square tubing on top of those arms and drilled them to mate to the pinch welds. 3 holes front 5 rear, though there are only 2 front on the passenger side.


And then I painted them with BBQ black paint and mounted them up. Two grade 8, 9/16", in each mounting plate into threaded holes in the frame and secured with red Locktite. The pinch weld bolts are 5/16" Grade 8 and secured with lock washers and nylock nuts. I had a 270 pound guy stand on the steps once it was all mounted and bounce up and down. Didn't budge a bit. Not too shabby for the first thing I've ever truly fabbed from scratch myself. I personally did everything from the initial measurements, to the cuts, welds, painting, and mounting.