So, I ordered a pair of Demello sliders back in February. I was given a lead time, then the Coronavirus screwed that up. I’m cool with that. Shit happens.
I called a lot asking for updates. I received them, but I always was the one to initiate the communication. Otherwise it was crickets.
My sliders shipped, twice the lead time I was given. Still okay with this as the coronavirus has screwed everyone.
So they arrive. Packaged extremely well. No damage, in mint condition. Totally stoked.
They arrived on Thursday so I waited for Saturday morning to install.
Installation starts. Passenger side, all went pretty well, with one big exception. The 14m both that they give you a replacement for, the tabs are not correct. Either take the sliders off and re-drill the damned hole, or drill out the factory welded on nut and drop a 1/2” bolt in there. Same on the driver’s side.
The instructions are incomplete as you need to fab a makeshift tool to get shit in the boxed end of the frame, unless your wife is cool and has tiny hands.
Finally installed. Stoked as fuck. They look great. Then we went for a drive....

One thing to note here, is the sliders have forward and backward adjustability, but it’s about 3/8” at best. There is zero adjustment side to side. That said, because of how the brake lines are situated on the inside of the frame, there is probably less than 1/8” adjustment on the driver’s side. You get the full 3/8” on the passenger’s side, but I would prefer them to look symmetrical.

So driving around town on the less than stellar roads, the bars hit the cab when there is cab/frame flex. There is literally a finger of space between the bars and cab. Doesn’t change if you rack them as far back as possible. Still beats on the cab over bumps. They sit three fingers off the real quarter panel on the passenger side and two off on the drivers side. Back to the fronts, less than 1/2” from the cab.

I’m not trying to trash Demello. I have wanted their sliders since I had an FJ. Best looking sliders available. I wanted these to be better than I had imagined. Not a fucking chance. I bought a lemon and it is what it is.

Too bad they fit like they were made in China. They still look cool as fuck. I think I’ll be creating a dent in the cab/pinch weld so the front of the bars can clear without making a ruckus when going down the road.

I wouldn’t buy them again, no matter how cool they look. Hopefully they send me two more bolts so I can secure the fronts, since the 14m bolts were worthless.

First pic, that’s my pinky finger. Couldn’t put my index finger there. Gap is too tight. If the bars racked all the way back, the brake lines would have prevented some of the bolts. That’s how close the 3/8” is.

I saw this yesterday on TW! Wondered if it was the same beancooker.

Yeah, I'd be disappointed too. Good looking sliders, but not designed to fit right, it appears. I prefer an all-tube-style, and got a pair of Bud-Builts, partially due to good reviews, and partially due to they are a day trip away from where I am currently. I'm very satisfied with mine.

Funny , I just ordered a set for my FJ !

That kind of shit happens too often, and is the main reason I no longer do any modifications to my vehicles.

It shouldn’t be happening for the price. Maybe if you buy the budget model of something a company has to offer, then I can kind of see it. I think it’s totally unacceptable when you buy the flagship, highest end model and it’s flawed, severely.

Time for solid cab mounts?

What did the company say about it??

I would be calling them up, telling them that their product quality is junk and sending that crap back for a refund. Why deal with those headaches and try to make junk work?

I will be contacting first thing this morning. They’re closed over the weekend. I hope there is a good outcome to all of this, and Demello makes it right. I also found whee the loud banging is coming from. At first I thought it was the front corners. Then after a short drive down a bumpy road, I was able to find this. It looks like one of the four support tubes was just a hair off when it was welded in place.

I sure wish there were bolt on sliders for my rig.
Was going to go with Chassis Unlimited’s universal weld on kit. They appear to have quit making them. I have the drawings they had so I am going to see if a local fab shop can make them.



Best looking universal weld ons I can find.

Black, at least you have the drawings and can get them made.

I will give credit where it is due. Jason from Demello has gone above and beyond and stands behind his products 100%. Upstanding guy and great customer service.

Hopefully that service continues and they get you straight.

Wow--lot of Taco's on SigForum.
Fortunately mine came from the factory in place.
I feel your pain Beancooker, but it sounds like Demello is following up.

I know nothing about them and can't tell from the pics, but by chance could one be made specifically for the right side and one for the left? Curious if they got reversed if so or if you got two of the same. Still look good.

I would have an OCD fit once I knew.

I just put on a solid bed cover. It came out even but the factory bed liner under it sat about 1/4" more to one side. Still thinking about it.

Still puzzled about the reference to FJ. Somebody enlighten me.

Toyota FJ Cruiser. Discontinued. Poor attempt to bring back the mojo of the original FJ, which was beloved by many. Poor rear visibility. Weird roofline. Cue "get smart" tag line "missed it by that much." Made for Toyota by Hino, the truck manufacturer subsidiary.

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
Toyota FJ Cruiser. Discontinued. Poor attempt to bring back the mojo of the original FJ, which was beloved by many. Poor rear visibility. Weird roofline. Cue "get smart" tag line "missed it by that much." Made for Toyota by Hino, the truck manufacturer subsidiary.

You forgot to mention useless rear seat.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
Toyota FJ Cruiser. Discontinued. Poor attempt to bring back the mojo of the original FJ, which was beloved by many. Poor rear visibility. Weird roofline. Cue "get smart" tag line "missed it by that much." Made for Toyota by Hino, the truck manufacturer subsidiary.

You forgot to mention useless rear seat.

You guys forgot to mention ridiculous resale value. Had it for three years. Traded it in and got $2k over sticker price. When I say that, I mean I was paid almost $4k more than I paid for it three years prior. It sold for $2k more used, than the factory asked for it new.

I bought it two years before they discontinued them. It was army green with a white rood and every 4x4 option available at the time. Hard to find new, and non existent used, especially with low miles.

What did they have to say about the poor fitment?

I should have updated this a long time ago.

I sent pics and had a phone conversation. He agreed that the mounting brackets were incorrect, and that one of the sliders was welded wrong.
He offered a full replacement on his dime. Offered to expedite them through production, powder coat and shipping. I would have had them by the end of the week.
Now if the mounting brackets are incorrectly bent, and the holes are off a little, and you send me correct ones, I’m either wallowing out the brackets, or redrilling the holes in my frame. Not interested in either option.
So we both agreed that while the brackets were off a little, they worked just fine. The one slider that was welded incorrectly is not as simple.

While I appreciate that he was willing to stand behind his product and offered a full replacement, I didn’t feel that was necessary. We came to an amicable agreement. I didn’t see the need to take advantage of someone when a mistake was made, and it is a fixable situation.

I loosened up the drivers side slider, and on the last tab where the bar rode the cab, I cut a 3”x4” piece of 3/16” steel. Drilled it and used it to space the slider away from the bottom of the frame. No more rubbing or noise.
So I feel that they handled the situation rather well. I would still recommend them, as they stand behind their products, and I do believe that I’m a one off case.