Looking for frame mounted nerf bars and running boards. I found the aluminum boards but can't source a good pair of frame mounted nerf bars with a good size step. Many that I have found are mounted to the sheet metal rockers....seems they would flex and weaken rockers over time especially with heavier weights (280#!)


I saw the n-fab ones but they are also not frame mounted

 

I know many people who have fabbed brackets to make newer super duty Nerf bars mount to the frame. So if you have the know how, time and newer steps that could be an option.


If not I saw Brad just got steps for his new supercab they look great and sturdy made by a guy for a decent price maybe he could make a crew cab set for you? I do not have the contact info handy but his thread name is supercab steps.

 

The ONLY ones I can think of are DeeZee ToughStep #23. But they are discontinued.

Westin also had a set of nerf bars for a 4WD crewcab that mounted to the front lead spring hanger and the frame

 

I have attached a pic of where the N-Fab bars attach. They are pricey at about $700 for a set! This price is for the crew cab set that has three steps...cab and one back of rear door for bed access.

They make two types. The one I am thinking of is the N-Fab Durastep which has a larger step. Links below


I like this one due to larger step surface:

http://www.n-fab.com/products/sfID1/.../productID/839


They also make this one:

http://www.n-fab.com/products/sfID1/.../productID/149

 

The problem with the N-Fabs

1. just mild steel in black. No stainless = Rust

2. they rust bol to the pinch wild with no braces going back for support.

3. they mount Very close to the rocker, so close in fact with the wheel to wheel ones when flexing the frame at all the Hit the bed

 

I can see the flexing and hitting the bed as a problem for those steps. That being said I just picked up a set this past weekend because #1 I like how they look on the truck and #2 I got them for about 1/4 the price on a craigslist deal.


My plan for them was to mount them with the holes on the rocker panel then have some DOM tubing brackets fabbed up and either them to the frame at one end then weld them to the brackets already on there or come up to the step directly to give more direct support.

 

That is a good deal. I would recommend NOT mounting them to the frame AND the body. Just mount some extra supports to the extra support by the seat bolts. Like the factory step setup

 

Do you happen to have a picture of what those braces look like or where they would mount? Maybe this could help me and the OP out. I have only had one of these trucks with steps and most of it was pretty rotted.

 

Here is a pretty good pic of what I am talking about

 

Here is set of polished stainless steel. They are made by Go Rhino. They appear to be bolted to frame. They are cab length and do not extend to bed.

How does this install look for strength and no flex?

Link to website pics

4000 Series SideSteps


install instruction


http://www.gorhino.com/images/ePIM/original/4148-i.pdf

 

That is a fine mounting setup. You may just want tho toss the original fasteners and get some good grade 8 ones

 

I hope the plastic insert steps last....as future replacements will probably not be available when you need them.

Also, I hope they are wide enough and provide for a sure grip step, as I'd hate to slip off when entering/exiting cab!

 

Thanks for the pictures Brad. I will get those steps mounted up and see what I can do about a support like that. Those GoRhino steps look good though.

 

The picture shows exactly what I am looking for. Do you know if the same set-up can be made for a 99 Explorer Sport 2 door? Where can I get them made?

 

These are the ones that were on my truck when I bought it:







It's a little hard to read, but they say Westin on the step surface. I can take more pictures if anyone wants more. Better yet, if you want them come take them off my truck. I'll be getting rid of them when I strip the truck for a rebuild since my truck is too low as is to need them.