Hey fellas,
I am looking to get some chrome nerf bars or side steps for my 97 extended cab but I am having a hard time finding any.
I see Westin have a set
https://www.realtruck.com/westin-sig...s/25-0620.html

A heads up on other options would be appreciated

Thanxs
Colin

 

IMHO neither one looks contemporary to the truck. I'd shop around for some extruded aluminum running boards. I found a set for our SC truck, but they were for a crew cab, so I just cut them down. I did NOT just do the orthodox mount to the cab sheet metal. I built triangular gusseted brackets out of slotted angle-iron, and mounted those to the frame, then ran a reinforcing strap (slotted flat stock) from the brackets up to cab/bed. The reinforcing straps allow for frame-to-cab movement.

Here they are on the SCLB:

This set has a rather tall vertical section, which brings the boards down quite a bit. Never mind the angle; stoopid me measured from the ground up, which didn't take into account the rake (rear is aprx. 1/2" higher).

Our blue RCLB came with a set that has a shorter vertical height, so they sit up higher closer to the cab. Personal preference I guess, how much of a step up vs. how low you want them extending.

 

If I could find a stock step that would be great but for me the aluminum running boards dont fit my tastes.
Appreciate the info

Colin

 

We just added these to the old beast

 

look at summit racing...surprisingly they have products...and usually at a good price

 

The longer steel hoop steps look great on supercab trucks. Can't think of the name off hand though.

 

I have a set of the stock fiberglass steps that came off my extended cab. You are welcome to them but you will need to make new mounting brackets as mine rusted off.

 

Thanxs for the replies fellas.

That's a very nice offer PW,
can you post a picture so I can see what is involved in making new mounting brackets.
appreciated
Colin

 

Yeah when I get some time I will dig them out and see if I can get a picture on here.

 

my 1997 four door cab F-350 has the nerf bars. It looks like they are factory brackets, so I am not sure why yours needs them modded? I did not install them, but I can probably find the manufacturer if I crawl on it...

 

OK, mine are the Smitty built brand, they look like the ones on that link to Westin... and the previous owner was rough on them.

 

Sorry for the late reply to this thread.
I went with the Westin 25-0620.

I installed yesterday,
Thanxs for the info.

Colin

 

Beautiful truck Colin. Hard to beat a 5 speed in these

 

Thanxs Brad.

Ya, the 5 speed is good

When I first got the truck I thought the clutch was shot so I bought a new clutch kit, then read on here about the permanent fix, $30 later & all good.

all the best
Colin

 

what perm fix?