I was deciding if I should get the chrome tubular side steps or the regular plastic ones - I'm ordering a 4X4 SCAB Lariat Black Interior All Black Exterior - I appreciate the help!

 

I have the exact same truck you do, color and all. I bought the truck off the lot with the regular side steps but I liked the looks of the tubular ones on the FX4 better. However, after using these for a few weeks they've grown on me, looks and all. Very functional running boards, IMO.

 

The tubular side steps are an option on Lariat as well.

I also have a Black SCAB 4X4 Lariat w/ black interior. I ordered mine with the "Bright Polished Tubular" steps. I'm not a big fan of running boards, nerf bars, side steps, etc. in general, but once I get my suspension lift I'll need 'em on this truck.

 

I went for the black platform running boards. I prefer not having a gap showing. They are really sturdy, but tough to keep clean because of the texture on the surface. My gallery shows them if you want to see what the look like. What ever you decide, get them as a factory option. They cost a lot more to have put on after the fact.

 

The flat running boards do a little better job in keeping mud splashes off the side of the truck, too.

 

I ordered my Screw with the black platform running boards as a concession to my wife, but a week later we saw the chrome oval factory steps on a new F150 in a parking lot and I just had to have them. When I contacted the dealer Ford had just issued a VIN, so it was too late to change the order. We wanted them so bad we reordered a new truck with the chrome ovals and the dealer is going to put the first order with the black platform boards on the lot to sale. They both look very good but I had my heart set on the chrome ovals to the point I was willing to wait an extra week or two.

 

the fx4 gets the black oval steps while the Lariat gets chrome with black pads on top and black end caps. They tuck up pretty high and offer more ground clearance than any other tubular nerf bars I've seen, and look alot better IMO as well.

 

the tubular chrome with black step pads are definitely cool looking. There is also a matching half-moon shaped unit that slips into the trailer hitch available for use as a climb into the box step...haven't seen this thing in black.

 

Go with the chrome. I got mine at truckaccessoryusa.net. They look great!

 

The bright polished and the black are both available on FX4. Goto www.forddirect.com and build a truck online to see. The platform running boards are what's not available on FX4 and the black tubular are not available on Lariat.

 

thanks for the info, Baja. I ordered the Lariat and knew the black tubulars were not available on them and saw several FX4's on the lot with the black. Just looked in the f150 book, chrome is available on the FX4, Lariat, STX and the XLT.

 

I ordered my SCrew Lariat with the platform boards. I thought the tubular steps looked a lot cooler, but the platform boards would be ealier to use. My 80 yr. old parents ride with us on occasion and they haven't had any problem getting in or out with the boards.