Some Observations on Nerf Bars:

[Un-Hemi]

I bought a set of Westin Black Powdercoated Stainless Nerf Bars recently, and installed them on my QC. Primary installation was quick and easy. Included in the kit were four reinforcement straps and eight self-tapping screws. The instruction sheet directs the installer to drill four holes in the body supports to facilitate the installation of the straps and screws. I didn't complete this step, as I considered the straps and screws a cheesy way to reinforce the nerfs. The straps required further bending and grinding to fit well. An installation shop would like them because it's fast and cheap and most customers wouldn't notice. I decided to think about it for a while before I drilled holes in the Turbosaurus.



And a good thing I did, too. While I was at the Ashcroft drags a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to look under some of the other TDR members' trucks. One of them had Smittybilt nerfs with superior reinforcement pieces that included circular clamps with plastic isolators around the nerf tubes, and 'J' hooks that insert into pre-existing holes in the body supports, overall, a much more elegant design.



While I still like the black powdercoated stainless of the Westins, I give high marks to the Smittybilts for their mounting hardware. I don't know which one I'd buy if I had to do it over again.



FYI.



Tom

 

[John]

<<<<(now)

Tommy, I purchased a set of black powder coated Smittybilt nerf bar steps as my very first option for my Ram. Back in the Summer of '98 Smittybilt DID NOT include the clamps you were describing... that made for an extremely weak mounting system. In fact, I only installed one side, tested it and immediately took the whole dam*ed deal back to the 4x store where I purchased them. I later found out that Smittybilt received quite a few sets of these back from very unsatisfied customers that didn't appreciate purchasing improperly engineered accessories for top dollar. Anyway, I decided to go with the Mopar black anodized aluminum nerf bar steps which I later replaced with what I currently have, a set of full length Warn 4X Boards (98. 5" long). The owner of the 4X store showed me the Smittybilt clamp support system just after they were released with the later kits. Excellent fix for a dismal first engineering attempt.

 

[DNelson]

Tommy,



I installed chrome SmittyBuilt's about 2 years ago, and I would never have anything else. I talked to the off-road guys for a while, and after hearing the specs on the Westin tubing thickness vs. Smitty, as well as the mounting methods, there was no contest. I've been completely happy with their products, and my next truck ('03!) will sport them.



Don

 

[Bob Wagner]

Hey

that was my Ram @ Ashcroft



It was nice to meet Tommy and I love my smittys&reg

 

[Big P]

I have the Smittybuilt SS bars on my truck, but let me tell you they were a pain to put on only because the directions sucked. Once I figured out were all the parts went it was straight forward. My bars also have the extra supports that hook into the sheetmetal below the cab, they are very strong. One thing I noticed with the install is that the brackets must be bolted directly in the center of the bodymounts otherwise when the body flexes the bars will make a grinding sound.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

I put Luverne SS bars on a couple of years ago and have been very happy with them. They are mounted at the body mounts between the rubber bushings and then another long bolt about 8" towards the side of the truck going up into a factory made hole under the cab. These things do not bend or flex at all. Had Smittybilt bumpers on my Toyota 4x4 and loved them, not surprised their nerfs are good too

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Nerf Bars

Ditto on the Smittybilts—both the cryptic instructions (just draw me a @@@ picture already!!) and the quality. I have had mine for 2 1/2 years now, only occasionally retensioned the outboard slings. The paint (power coated) seems to hold up well despite yankee road salt!