Step bars or running boards ... which do you prefer?

[klenger]

What brands are good? I'd like to use DC OEM, but want to look at others too. Can these be installed as a bolt-on, or is drilling required? I'm reasonably handy, but know me limits. I would like to make a decision before my new truck is delivered so that I can have them installed (or do it myself) ASAP so that the wife won't complain.
Thanks

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On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[DennyDay]

Put Weston bars on my '99, can't remember brand on '97, but they weren't as good as the Westons. Had steps on '94 and seemed like they were always coated with mud.
They were bolt on except for the braces to the box member under the cab, and these were HD sheet metal screws. No problems in 71k miles.
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Denny
'99 2500 4X4 White short Q cab to much added to put here

[This message has been edited by C. D. Day (edited 02-23-2001). ]

 

[roycrown]

I have DC daimond plate running bords, like them very much. I just prefer the look of running boards, plus the fact the they act like a giant long mudflap to protect the rocker panels from rock chips.

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'99 2500 ST 4X4, 5spd. , 3. 54, black/drftwood, camper pkg. , carpeting, rear slider, air dam, DC diamond plate running boards and rear flaps, Jacobs E-brake, Draw-Tite reciever, Tekonsha Voyager, 2wd Lo Kit.

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Warn 4x get my vote. Not the least expensive but you can jump on them and they are solid. Make a nice step up for the little woman on the higher sitting 4x4's and come off real easy if you want to go play where you need the stock clearance back. Just
pull two keeper pins and they slide right off. Check here to see a picture. Sorry but this is the best I have for now. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1440411&a=10816660&p=37298071

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96 2500 4x4 Driftwood auto Warn 4x boards pyro,boost,trans temp on a piller mag hytec trans

[This message has been edited by TRACY MURPHY (edited 02-25-2001). ]

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Not to confuse the issue further but I am using Grizzly stainless steel nerf bars. They have brackets that you just pull two of the body mount bolts and put their bolts through the brackets. They do have braces that can go to the body but I didn't use them because if I land a nerf bar on an obstacle offroad I don't want it to bend my body. I'm 230 lbs and haven't had any problems with them in 45,000 miles and don't expect too. Was an easy 15 minute bolt up install.



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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, TST Powermax, 275hp RV injectors, Joe Donnelly modifed Sachs Clutch, custom ladder bars, SW fuel pressure gauge, BD exhaust brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, front Draw-Tite receiver, rear Draw-Tite class V receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's, (all the common stuff clipped)

 

[BIG BOB]

I have Better Bilt Stainless Steel Nerf Bars. They mount similar to Steves however I used the body mounts. At 360 I need all the support I can get.

The Nerf bars already save the truck when an Escort thought he would try to turn into the side of my truck. I personally like the looks of the Nerf Bars and have a little better ground clearance. Even though I don't do any off-roading.

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<font color=blue>"WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, HOT Power Edge, Bully Dog Stage III injectors, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines, 4" Jardine Exhaust (Love the deep throaty sound), Bar II Brush Guard with KC Daylighters and Fog lights, Ultra-lite guages with blue bulbs. </font>

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9265455" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>New Pictures of my "White Obsession" and Dyno Run</A></font>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9815423" TARGET=_blank><font color=green>BD Dyno Days 10/28/00</A></font>

<font color=purple>

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)<font size=-2>

[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 02-24-2001). ]

 

[MikeR]

I like nerf bars and have the black Smittybilts. Not trying to make anyone mad,but running boards look a little 1970's for my taste.

Hey Big Bob,you sure look a little more fit than 360#'s #ad


-Mike
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'00 2500QC,4x4,LWB,Dark Garnet,6spd,3. 54lsd,SLT,DD stage II,Psychotty air,10-level PM3,Jacobs ebrake,Isspro pyro & boost gauges,2wd-low,Airoquip fuel lines,Smittybilt nerfs,BFG 285/75 AT's,Midland cb,Clarion 6-disc changer

[This message has been edited by MikeR (edited 02-24-2001). ]

 

[Doc Tinker]

Steve, you been putting on pounds since Sam was born?

Doc

 

[klenger]

What's the difference between nerf bars and tubular side steps? I like the looks of the chrome stide steps, but also like the full protection of the running boards.
Thanks

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On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[Mopar Man]

I have the black Smitty-Built "bars" and I love them. No chrome to rust, no holes to drill,, and they are solid. Besides making it easier to get into the cab, I can clean the whole windshield while standing on them.

 

[Mick2500]

Westins, Black Powder Coat, Love 'em!

Mick

 

[Papa Joe]

Being vertically challenged #ad
the running board serves doing the windshield, entry and cleaning of the cab, and accessing the bed of the truck.
Plus as roycrown says above, the entire rocker panel is chip-free and tar-free.
My $0. 02. Joe

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White 2001 QuadCab 2500 Laramie SLT, HO 6-speed, 3. 54 limited slip, Mopar exhaust brake, towing/camper options, Rhino liner, Grover Air Horns (not yet installed), Un BOMBed (so far), DUAL AIR BAGS !!

 

[klenger]

I'm leaning towards the running boards. I'll go out and look at some today. If I can't decide, maybe I'll put a running board on her side and a side step on my side.

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On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[BIG BOB]

MikeR,

Muscle weights more than fat! Mine is all table muscle! And it's paid for. #ad

 

[radixr]

Russell,

Do you have experience with the Steel Horse bars? Summit Racing has some Steel Horse bars for a regular cab and claims no-drill installation. Can you verify the no-drill installation?

 

[klenger]

We went out today and looked at running boards and side steps at a couple of 4WD accessories stores in town. They don't have much on display, so it's still hard for me to visualize what I want. One of the places had Luverne Stainless Steel nerf bars for about $325 plus $65 installation. I kind of like the idea of stainless as it should last forever... no rust, chipping, etc. Does anyone have experience with these bars?

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On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[GRudy]

I would suggest Putco Boss running boards. I thought I had their site bookmarked but I don't. Do a search, you should be able to find them. Anyhow, they are polished stainless steel. Very well made and look great. Sam Mememlo even has them on Midnight! They are A little on the pricey side but well worth it. I like running boards on a truck. Look good and provide a world of protection to the side of your truck. If you drive on any stone or dirt roads the side of your truck will look like you took a sandblaster to it in short order without them.

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George, Perry County, PA
99 3500, Reg Cab, 4x4, NV4500, ISB, 4:10,VA box,Putco Boss
running boards, Grover air horns, Intense Blue.

 

[illflem]

I'm with Tracy on the Warn 4X bars,strong,easy to install,but what's best is you can take them off in 60 seconds for off roading or siding under the truck for service if you have a muscle bound belly.
Not cheap though,think mine were around $800.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[John]

Hey Bill, I believe I paid around $550. for my Warn 4X Boards (98. 5" long version) at Auto Extras in Enumclaw, WA.

If you purchased yours more than several years ago Warn reduced the retail price on these substantially as they weren't selling real well at the initial list price.

..... just a little heads up so as not to dissuade anyone because of price.

Another plus for the Warn 4X Boards over the nerf bar/ steps... the full length step area is rubber not plastic (like most if not all nerf bar/steps) which is VERY slippery when wet or frozen. #ad
#ad

 

[illflem]

John,got mine in '95,wonder if it's to late for a rebate...