Running boards/nerf bars

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Oct 30, 2005 | 04:49 PM

jtsmith22

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 75

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From: Colorado

Running boards/nerf bars

Everyone,

I need some help figuring out what to do with my running boards. I currently have the factory black molded plastic ones, and both sides were busted over the past two weeks while out hunting.

I was never too thrilled about the boards being anchored to the underside of the rocker panels to begin with, and now that I'll be replacing them, I'd like to find a very good set that are anchored to the frame and can take some minor abuse without breaking the first time out. I've searched the forums and have found a number of opinions about different manufacturers, but it can't tell which mount in the same location as the factory and which ones mount to the frame - even after searching the internet for more information.

So, can you give me your thoughts on which ones you like and which ones you know for sure anchor to the frame?

Thanks in advance!
Jim

Oct 30, 2005 | 05:56 PM

wvabeer

More Turbo

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 535

Likes: 10

From: Evans, West Virginia

I alway hated running boards or nerf bars for the fact of always getting mud or dirt on your pants when getting in and out of the truck unless your carful

Oct 30, 2005 | 11:22 PM

notawordok

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 51

Likes: 0

From: Polkville, NC

the key to keeping your pants clean is to use the step and not drag your leg across it getting in. Use it as a step not an obsticle.

Oct 31, 2005 | 01:28 PM

redhawk44

Junior User

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 86

Likes: 1

From: Oakboro, NC

I've got Tough Country nerf bars. They are a little pricey (~$600 for wheel to wheel CC LB) and slow to deliver (I think they start cutting metal after you order.) They are very heavy duty and bolt to holes already in the frame. They are big and black but not pretty. Great for a work truck or off road truck, but not what you want for show.

Oct 31, 2005 | 01:33 PM

Mustang42

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 136

Likes: 0

From: Reno, NV

I had the smitty built on my 01. They worked very nicely, bolted to the frame, and the paint never faded. I can only recommend these because that is all I have used.

Oct 31, 2005 | 05:06 PM

jtsmith22

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 75

Likes: 0

From: Colorado

Thanks for the replies - I'll check out tough country and smitybuilt.

I've had the same problem with the pants getting dirty, but better that than creases in my rocker panels.

Thanks again!!

Oct 31, 2005 | 08:03 PM

bryan21178

Junior User

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 63

Likes: 0

i say if your going to fork over some cash pay for somthiung thats looks good check out the n-fabs they are cool and they run about 6 bills www.nfab.com

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Nov 1, 2005 | 12:39 AM

JKBrad

Moderator

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 8,210

Likes: 1,225

From: San Antonio, TX

I have Ranchhand steps on my truck. they bolt directly to the frame and are not supported by the body at all. They are rock solid and they are tucked in enough that you dont drag your pants on them when you get out. They are and individual step for each door. www.ranchhand.com

Nov 1, 2005 | 01:59 AM

#10

dgludwig

Freshman User

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 47

Likes: 0

I always thought a frame mounted unit would be more rigid than body mount types but, after having experience with both types, I'm not so sure now. I mounted some Smittybuilts to the frame of a 1998 Dodge QuadCab that I drove for several years and, although they were ok, I was never satisfied with the amount of flex I had with them (they also rusted badly after a couple of years).

On my 2005 SD, I installed a set of MAAP "Challenger" S/S steps which bolted to the pinch-welds (just as the stock Fords do that I looked at from the factory on the dealer's lot) on the body and they are rock solid.

I think the reason the frame mounted ones that I had were less rigid is because the brackets had such a long reach to the frame that they acted as a lever.

I do recommend that you look for a set that employs three brackets to a side instead of the usual two. I noticed that most of the Ford SDs from the factory were equipped with three brackets to a side but their parts department after market units were only provided with two brackets per side.

Nov 2, 2005 | 10:50 AM

#11

jtsmith22

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 75

Likes: 0

From: Colorado

That's a good point about the distance to the frame - I hadn't considered that and it makes sense that there might be more flex there than if connected to the pinch welds. My primary function for the boards/bars is to protect the rocker panels, and second for my better half to be able to get in the truck without too much trouble.

I wasn't surprised that the plastic Ford boards failed, but I only want to do this once.

Thanks again for all of the input - I really do appreciate it!!

Nov 2, 2005 | 11:25 AM

#12

bilter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 245

Likes: 0

If you do end getting tube steps I highly recomend getting stainless steel. they cost a bit more but the will look good forever. I had black on my old teuck and they got all rusty lookng within 3 years.