Folks,

I'm looking for recommendations about and for running boards on an E350. Body mount? Frame mount? Diamond plate? Extruded aluminum? These will go on a non-commercial 12 pass family van, but I still want "solid" mounting and longevity.

Your opinions, thoughts, and even vendor experiences would be most helpful!

Thanks!

DadVan

 

I have a 1988 Ford van that had DeeZee running boards,
They are bolted to the lower crease of the body, and supported
by two metal supports that attach to the frame. They feel light
and flimsy, but once bolted they're plenty sturdy. Mine were
extruded aluminum.

Rigidity was very good, and they were on till about 195,000 miles
and 15 years. The only problem I had was to replace the traction tape.

I removed them to add ground clearance for my Van (4x4).
Otherwise they're a wise investment

 

Yakk,

Good info! Was there any issue with a running board that attached to both the frame and body? I've seen vendor-supplied idata saying that it increases noise and causes premature failure of the installation, this due to the fact that you've coupled the separate "body on frame" components. Thoughts?

DadVan

 

Possibly more noise in a cargo van like mine, but insulation takes care of that. Pickups usually have issues because of the added frame flex and the fact that the bed and cab are separate.

Your van should have almost no frame-flex, like my 88 E250. I actually have a picture of it tetering on two opposing tires and there is minimal flex.

If you are really concerned, just fab the under supports to attach to the body. This would have to be the best method.

 

DEEZEE diamond plate (no traction tape) Sturdy, well built, durable, nice looking. We have been very abusive to these boards and they still look good.

dj

 

Yakk,

You're right, there's no frame flex, one of the reasons I bought the van. I like it to ride like the truck it is! <g>

I just wondered if "defeating" the isolation of body-on-frame had the dire consequenses some vendors stated... I guess not.

DadVan

 

dj/whitebenz,

Are the DeeZees you have like Yakk's in that they mount to both the frame and the body?

DadVan

 

We have a set of DeeZee extruded aluminum boards that mount to both the body and frame, and we really like them. They're rock-solid, and I haven't noticed any increased noise, but I have noticed a lot less mud and slush on the body, especially on dirty/muddy rural roads around here.

Isaac

 

IJRoorda,

Thanks for the post! I'm checking price/availability on a couple different options, more than I ever knew existed before I asked!

I'm leaning toward "nerf bars", just because I like the way they look, but part of the decision will be based on price (only because I just bought the van and so have to scrimp somewhere! <g>)

DadVan

 

I agree that nerf bars look good, but running boards are much better for protecting the body and keeping it clean.

FWIW,
Isaac

 

DadVan, Low $ alternative is a set of steps (I have these on my van: front doors and slider). I happen to have 3 extra, for sale cheap ($35/all 3 plus UPS). They are Steel Horse brand, #75020, new, never used, with hardware and adaptors. They are each about 20" long. You can view similar in e-bay motors (search using 758020). Mine are not on e-bay. Hanno

 

Hanno,

OK, I'm interested. Do they mount to the frame or the body?

DadVan

 

Dadvan,

They mount to the body. Each leg has a bolt through the bottom of the rocker panel, plus a self-tapping screw higher up in the back of the rocker. The thru bolt takes most of the load. The self-tapping screw serves to stiffen the assy. It does not take any pull-out force when you use the step. Also, part number to search on E-bay is 75020 (no 8 in it, sorry).

 

Hanno,

OK, lemme dwell on that... I've had lots of other folks that said frame-mounted was the only way to go, so I admit to being confused...

DadVan

 

DadVan,

Where did you find nerf bars to fit your E350. I'm looking for a nerf bar (kind of like they put on 2002 and later model Explorers) for my 91 E150, I just can't find any that are long enough. Does anyone know if nerf bars or running boards from a crew cab longbed pickup could work, I think the distance from wheelwell to wheelwell (front to back) is around 102"....