Molded Splash Guards
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
GordoPanocho,
I looked at your gallery, and from the looks of your running boards they are not as far forward as the bright tubular running boards on mine. That's what worries me about the front mud flaps. There's a picture in my gallery of a side shot with both doors open, and you can see how much farther forward my running board is compared with yours. I told the dealer if it looks really bad that I don't want the front ones, only the back. The front ones really protect the truck though, so I might have to look at a different mud flap in front that's not molded. We'll see--they'll be installing them Monday.
I looked at your gallery, and from the looks of your running boards they are not as far forward as the bright tubular running boards on mine. That's what worries me about the front mud flaps. There's a picture in my gallery of a side shot with both doors open, and you can see how much farther forward my running board is compared with yours. I told the dealer if it looks really bad that I don't want the front ones, only the back. The front ones really protect the truck though, so I might have to look at a different mud flap in front that's not molded. We'll see--they'll be installing them Monday.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
dusty1
Yes, I read on this forum a month or so ago where users were complaining that the front splash guards wouldn't fit with the Ford running boards, etc. That, along with the higher dealership cost, helped me quickly decide to put the steps on myself after taking possession of the vehicle.
You may be 'stuck' without front guards. That, or you can swap out the side steps. The latter being a much more expensive option, of course.
I don't know what the 'designer' was thinking when he made your boards so long in the front. Who needs it up that far!?
I bought my aftermarket Westin step bars from a Ford dealership via eBay. For those who wish to see a close-up of the spacing, etc. of the side steps with the front splash guard, click the following image to see the full-size version:
Yes, I read on this forum a month or so ago where users were complaining that the front splash guards wouldn't fit with the Ford running boards, etc. That, along with the higher dealership cost, helped me quickly decide to put the steps on myself after taking possession of the vehicle.
You may be 'stuck' without front guards. That, or you can swap out the side steps. The latter being a much more expensive option, of course.
I don't know what the 'designer' was thinking when he made your boards so long in the front. Who needs it up that far!?
I bought my aftermarket Westin step bars from a Ford dealership via eBay. For those who wish to see a close-up of the spacing, etc. of the side steps with the front splash guard, click the following image to see the full-size version:
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
GordoPanocho
If the Ford molded spash guards only extend half-way through the fender flare like yours does, then there's hope. I saw some in the Ford parking lot that extended past the fender flare, and that won't work with my running board. Here's hoping they can make them work without looking funny. Thanks for your post and the picture.
If the Ford molded spash guards only extend half-way through the fender flare like yours does, then there's hope. I saw some in the Ford parking lot that extended past the fender flare, and that won't work with my running board. Here's hoping they can make them work without looking funny. Thanks for your post and the picture.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
There are two different moulded splash guards. One for the trucks with factory flares, and one for the trucks without flares.
I like my running boards as far forward as possible. Otherwise crud still gets through the gap between the splash guards and running board. Most of the reason I have running boards is to keep crud off the side of the truck. IMO, the extra step isn't necessary.
I like my running boards as far forward as possible. Otherwise crud still gets through the gap between the splash guards and running board. Most of the reason I have running boards is to keep crud off the side of the truck. IMO, the extra step isn't necessary.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
I have the husky flaps and factory running boards on a Lariat.
I had no problem installing them and find they fit perfectly with molded indentations for the flars. Only had to drill one hole for the back flaps.
Jim
I had no problem installing them and find they fit perfectly with molded indentations for the flars. Only had to drill one hole for the back flaps.
Jim
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake VA
I just got the truck back from the dealership, and the molded Ford mud flaps in the front installed just fine. They only cover about half the flare and clear the bright tubular running boards by about 1/2". I'm very happy to see that my fears were unfounded. I'll post a pic in my gallery when I get home. Next addition will be a tonneau cover.
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
First post
Any of you guys heard of a gap guard?
Used to close up all the holes in the front fender wells?
Don't know about yours, but my engine is filthy
Any of you guys heard of a gap guard?
Used to close up all the holes in the front fender wells?
Don't know about yours, but my engine is filthy
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Prince George,BC
I talked to a local belting company this a.m. and they offer 3/16" thick by 6' wide,(sold by the lineal ft)belting that I will make my own inner fenders with.I will make a cardboard template and mount with G.M. style expandable two piece fasteners. 
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by WhiteNight
I talked to a local belting company this a.m. and they offer 3/16" thick by 6' wide,(sold by the lineal ft)belting that I will make my own inner fenders with.I will make a cardboard template and mount with G.M. style expandable two piece fasteners.
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WXboy
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Nov 8, 2003 03:51 AM
