Made some rock sliders from 2X3 square tube and used angled steel for the mount. None of my local hardware stores sell large enough self tapping bolts for the main mount. Should I run a threaded drill tap through my frame and use regular bolts? Where could I find 3/8" self tappers? And how do I bolt up the pinch seam?

Sorry guys I'm 17 and this was my first fabrication. Thanks for the input I appreciate it.

 

Pics would help....also, if you have questions related to fab, it should go in chat, actual fab done belongs here...so post your pics to avoid having it moved, LOL...I'm just guessing here, but did you use the tube in between the slider and the angle? So the angle is facing the unibody? Or all angle iron? This is why pics would help....we need to see whats going on to give solid advice...however, if you drill some holes into where you want to mount, you can then use a flanged nut, into the unibody rail and weld it in place...I'll try to throw together a diagram....will post back
EDIT: like this

 

 

Not trying to be a jerk but those welds don't look particularly strong.

 

I know, it was my first time. I'm bringing them to a welding technician that I work with and he's gonna beef them up. My main concern is how to mock up the pinch seam. Do you need the lunch seam? I saw a cherokee that had their sliders welded on to the frame with no pinch seam support, how vital is it?

 

Grind those welds off and start over. Doesn't look like you even prepped the metal before you welded...Clean, freshly prepped surfaces= better beads. Also looks like you're running a bit cold. After getting your fab straight, get your main mounting points done, use the method above, just get the nuts and bolts (grade 8 hardware only) from your local lowes or depot, then mock up by doing a soft install, and tack the pinch seam portion to your assembly, remove and finish weld. I wouldn't use self tapping H/W on the portion that connects to the unibody rail, but you could use some on the pinch seam bracket...usually the pinch seam connections are more for stability, not so much structural. My deuce copper bits. Good luck, and keep us posted on the progress.

 

I used self-tapping bolts to mount my rockers and they have held up to some pretty good hits. I also used 1/4"x1" flat stock the entire length of the pinch weld, with ten 1/4x20 bolts on each side. Between the self-tappers, the bolt through the spring hanger, and pinch seam mounts I'm confident in how mine are mounted. Some pics and info is here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/rocker-build-123119/

That said, if I were doing any serious rock crawling I'd probably bolt completely through the rails with sleeves.