Toyota HiLux rock sliders and side steps guide

Your Toyota HiLux most likely comes with a set of thin, aluminium factory side steps bolted on to the body of the vehicle, which will bend and buckle at the sight of a rocky hill.

Aftermarket side steps and rock sliders can provide a wide range of advantages for HiLux owners over these factory options. The main difference is durability and with that comes added protection for vulnerable door sills and, in many cases, added ground clearance to reduce the risk of getting hung up on obstacles. Let’s be honest, they also look cool.

• What it is: Metal bars that mount to the chassis and run along the sills of the car, which provide protection of the sills and prevent panel damage. Rock sliders are side steps on steroids that are designed to support the weight of the car and can double as jacking points.
• Why you need it: Sooner or later, your HiLux will run out of rampover angle, and that will certainly damage those flimsy factory steps and could mean expensive panel damage. Drive tight ruts and you will find steps that extend out from the sills and doors will protect panels from protruding rocks and roots. Some rock sliders can make good jacking points, too.
• Buying tips: Rock sliders can, by definition, take the weight of the vehicle, so don’t confuse them with simple side steps which aren’t load-bearing. Ensure the sliders are airbag-compatible, and high-lift jack points are a bonus.

Here are four products we recommend. They’re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of what’s available.

Note that some of the HiLux’s specific off-road versions (Rugged X and Rogue) will come from the factory with steel side steps, so upgrades to aftermarket may not be relevant.

JUMP AHEAD

• ARB Summit side steps
• TJM side steps
• PHAT Bars sliders/steps
• Ironman 4x4 side steps

ARB Summit frame-mounted side steps

ARB side protection equipment acts as a shield for your vehicle’s vulnerable side panels, protecting them from rocks and road debris frequently encountered during remote-area travel. Practicality is also increased, with access to both the cabin and roof-top cargo made easier.

Specifications

• Tube diameter: 60.3mm
• Airbag-compliant: Yes
• Compatible with scrub rails: Yes

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TJM side steps

TJM's modular range of side protection steps offer easy access and lower side protection for your HiLux. The modular design gives you the option to install side steps first, then add side bars later.

Specifications

• Tube diameter: 63mm
• Airbag-compliant: Yes
• Compatible with scrub rails: Yes

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PHAT Bars angled rock sliders

These rock sliders are tough! They are made from 50mm square tube (4mm thick) and 50mm round tube (3.2mm thick). Chassis mounts are made using 5mm laser-cut steel, with a CNC-folded plate wrapping the chassis.

Specifications

• Tube diameter: 50mm
• Airbag-compliant: Not specified
• Compatible with scrub rails: Not specified

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Ironman 4x4 side steps

A basic yet stylish option. The Ironman 4×4 side steps are made from high-quality steel and chassis mounted for strength. Powder-coating ensures they will remain bolted on to your HiLux for a long time, and the dimple style provides drainage on steps to avoid water build-up.

Specifications

• Tube diameter: Not specified
• Airbag-compliant: Yes
• Compatible with scrub rails: Yes

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How we review products

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.

When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.

When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:

• Warranty
• Build quality
• Value for money
• Time and ease to set-up/install
• Weight
• Fit and finish
• How well it gets the job done
• What materials they’re made from
• Corrosion/UV resistance
• Coatings
• Compatibility with other accessories
• Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
• Country of manufacture
• Load ratings, to determine what's the best product across each price point.

We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

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