Step bar weakness
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New User
Joined: Nov 2014
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Step bar weakness
2001 F150 Super crew
Just purchased this truck a couple weeks ago. Sitting at 205xxx miles and the step bars are getting weak.
Is there a kit to reinforce these to the frame? Does it look cool if I remove them all together?
The last thing I want is for a guest to step on one and break it off, forcing me to not only console the person whose shin now hurts, but also have to yank a broken bar off without tools.
Just purchased this truck a couple weeks ago. Sitting at 205xxx miles and the step bars are getting weak.
Is there a kit to reinforce these to the frame? Does it look cool if I remove them all together?
The last thing I want is for a guest to step on one and break it off, forcing me to not only console the person whose shin now hurts, but also have to yank a broken bar off without tools.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
Where are they weak at.....bar to bracket or bracket to frame...or both? It's all subjective on how it may look. I have them on my FX4....they catch a ton of snow and get plugged up, makes it hard to get in and out of for someone 6'1" ( I kind of slide down the edge of them)....but I like the look so I keep them on. I have the Ford OEM ones.
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Can I have yours?
Looks weak from bracket to frame. That's why I was asking about some kind of kit to extend the bracket to new spots on the frame?
I've also noticed that snow gets caked in there. I want to kick it out, but I'm afraid of knocking it off the truck.
Looks weak from bracket to frame. That's why I was asking about some kind of kit to extend the bracket to new spots on the frame?
I've also noticed that snow gets caked in there. I want to kick it out, but I'm afraid of knocking it off the truck.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
You need to crawl under and get a better look. There is a box section on the frame that the bracket bolts to.... those boxes are know to rot out on the bottom half. If the box is flexing on the frame, you have a problem... If the "L" bracket holding the running board to the box is bad, you can replace that bracket.
------ You can strengthen the "BOX" on the frame. I don't know if any "KIT", but a good welder could add a couple 1/8 inch thick plates 3 or 4 inches square and stiffen things back up to original.
------ You can strengthen the "BOX" on the frame. I don't know if any "KIT", but a good welder could add a couple 1/8 inch thick plates 3 or 4 inches square and stiffen things back up to original.
New User
Joined: Nov 2014
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same issue
Bar mounts at frame were rusted out and flexing, becoming very unsafe to step on and rusted and looking like sh#t. I did away with them. Im a fabricator-welder by trade. I boxed in mount areas on frame w some 3/16th flat bar. Truck looks ok without them. 2000 f150 4x4 supercab. Like they said they catch a LOT of ice snow and debris
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,357
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From: Alston, MI
My bars were mounted near the pinch weld on my truck. I think they were factory. Anyways, easiest solution i found was taking them off haha. Nothing but salt catchers. My truck has 129k right now and the rockers are SHOT.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2010
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Probably cheaper and easier to replace them with nerf bars that bolt to the body mounts, If you can get those out without snapping..
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Thanks of the replies. It was finally warm enough for me to take a look. Brackets look bad but the weak point appears to be the 'runner' for lack of specific knowledge on what I should call it.
I like the idea of taking them off, following the salt catcher comment. With winter coming early, this may end up being there for the next few months.
I like the idea of taking them off, following the salt catcher comment. With winter coming early, this may end up being there for the next few months.
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