960.gs with 100% JQuery bxSlider

Question

I'm trying to to extend a the JQuery bxSlider to 100% of the browser window. I'm using the 960.gs framework for the layout of the rest of my site. The rest of my site needs to be 960px wide but it is essential that my slider will be 100%. I've tried so many CSS combinations but nothing has worked. Has anyone had any luck with this before?

<div class="container_12">
    <div class="grid_4"> LOGO HERE </div>
    <div class="grid_8"> NAVBAR HERE </div>
    <div class="slider">
        <ul class="bxslider">
            <li class="slider_image"> <img src="assets/img/banners/hay-banner.jpg" /> </li>
            <li class="slider_image"> <img src="assets/img/banners/smallholders-banner.jpg" /> </li>            
            <li class="slider_image"> <img src="assets/img/banners/tractor-banner.jpg" /> </li>
            <li class="slider_image"> <img src="assets/img/banners/property-owners.jpg" /> </li>                
        </ul>
    </div>
</div> 
<!--END OF JQUERY SLIDER-->

I want to try and avoid using multiple containers.