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

[John]

I had the Smittybilt nerf bar/steps and took them back... Before I even mounted the second side! [that was before they offered the additional bracing for rigidity] #ad
#ad


I then purchased a set of the Mopar black anodized aluminum nerf bar/steps (full length step) and liked them although two things swayed me to get rid of those as well: 1) gravel was taking its toll on the black anodized finish (even with Mopar mud flaps... at the time) and 2) since the Mopar nerf bar/steps protruded into the wheel well area, they contacted my 285/75R16 BFG All-Terrains. #ad
Guess which got to stay and which had to leave? That's right, see ya!

After careful reevaluation of my needs (and looking at EVERYTHING on the market) I decided to purchase a set of Warn 4X Boards (full length 98. 5" long version). The 4X Boards are awesome! #ad
I like the looks, functionally they can't be beat, and after the removal of four pins (TOTAL) they can be removed for four wheeling. #ad
(also see Tracy Murphy's post above... BTW, it's WARN Tracy #ad
)

..... just thought I'd add another idea/perspective

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John Treibel
'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4 Sport, Glasstite Vision II, 285 BFG A/Ts on M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares & tow hooks, NW Custom s/s-rubber mud flaps and accs. , Mag-Hytec diff. cover & trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Reese Titan V hitch, SPA gauges (3), Dynamat, '00 Sport grille and headlights/PIAA Super White bulbs, PIAA Dual Sport 900 aux. lights, BD exh. brake, Amsoil Dual Remote Bypass, Optima Yellow Tops, DD3s and DD TTPM, Aeroquip AQP braided s/s fuel hoses, Banks High-Ram intake manifold and 14 cm2 turbine housing w/Big Head wastegate actuator, ATS 3-piece exh. man. , Banks 4" dia. s/s exh. sys. , DTT 93% TC, DTT custom tuned VB, BD modified trans. front pump (enhanced by DTT), Air Bulldog induction hood (with NACA ducts), plus MANY other trick modifications

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

 

[DieselB59]

I went to a truck parts store and picked up a couple of grates that the big rigs use as steps hanging off the fuel tanks. A little custom fabrication, and the truck has all alloy steps that look totally killer and didn't cost nearly what some of these running board/step bar kits cost and are much beefier too.

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Chris Timochko
AUTO WURKS DIESEL R&D TEAM
1997 5sp 4X4, Rhino Linings, Espar Heater, A. W. D. HX40 turbo, ATS 3pc Manifold, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, A. W. D. Custom Tuned Injection Pump, A. W. D. Intercooler, A. W. D. 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, A. W. D. Water Injection, NOS Diesel Kit, A. W. D. 6" Chrome Exhaust System, BD No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. 15. 50@97mph on Goodyear All-Terrain tires.
****************************************************************************
Project U96 - 1996 3500 2WD racer. A. W. D. Marine Ultra Low Compression, A. W. D. Teflon-coated Pistons, A. W. D. High Lift Camshaft, Ported and Honed Cylinder Head, Intake and Exhaust manifold; A. W. D. HX40 Turbocharger, ATS 3pc Exhaust Manifold, A. W. D. Water Injection, A. W. D. Custom Fabricated Fuel System, Race Spec A. W. D. /BD P7100 Injection Pump, A. W. D. Custom High Flow Fuel Injection Nozzles, BD Auto transmission and Custom TC, Weld Draglites, Goodyear Eagle Drag Slicks, 5" Single Stack Through The Bed, Mag-Hytec on Rear and Transmission. 11. 54@115mph

 

[R.E. Miller]

Your best bet for strength will be nerf bars. I just sawed of the cheesy steps that someone cobbed on my truck before I bought it. Steps look nice, but few are strong enough, look what they are trying to support your weight with. Try Steel Horse brand.

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1992 W-350 Club Cab Dually 3. 5" straight pipe(thanks jardine!)
W-350 8' contractors dump with 3. 5"BD exhaust, 16cm^2 housing, DI pyro&boost
Russell

 

[Driftwood Ram]

John; Thanks for the correction.
Got mine at Billy Bob's Offroad in Fife. 3/8/96 $462. 39 out the door. Standard cab

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

 

[Cooker]

I had nerf bars on a 96 gasser. I really do prefer the nicer look of the nerf bars, but this time I'm am leaning toward running boards. Here in the salt belt the slush from the road gets splashed up coating the lower door jam. I'd like to keep that sh. . stuff from getting at the lower part of the door and accelerating rust. There are quite a few stylish (if they can be) molded running boards, not like the big old aluminum ones. I will add this, my father's 89 Chevy that he bought new in 88 has had running boards on it from day 1, and the salt has had very little affect on the body of the truck in it's 12 years in the salt belt.

Any recommendations on nice molded running boards?

 

[klenger]

Does anyone have experience with Luverne Stainless Steel nerf bars. I kind of like the idea of stainless as it should last forever... no rust, chipping, etc. and they have a lifetime warranty on the finish.

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Ken Lenger
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.

 

[Charles Wheeler]

The ones I got are from Kodiak Products. Web site is www.kodiakproducts.com. These are steps that fold away when the door is closed. They are expensive, about 650 installed for two (one drivers side, one pasenger). If you have a quad cab you might want to get another set for the rear doors if they are used alot. I'm going to try and get photos of my truck on the web soon, so let me know if you would like me to post those.


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2K1 3500 4x4 SLT+ QC ETH/DEE, silencer ring AWOL, Isspro hour meter, Line-x liner, EGT, and boost gauges.
213HP @ 2500, 470 ft-lb @ 2200
Soon to come: BOMBing stuff

 

[R.E. Miller]

radixr, Sorry I do not have personal first hand on the steel horse nerfs, and I would be skeptical about and "no-drill" installs. The reason I recommended them was my friend has steel horse steps on his ford and they are really nice aluminum alloy, not too bright, not too dull.

 

[PMalin]

Westin Black Anodize, nerf bars have been good so far. Look OK. They mount with replacement longer bolts through a body mount under the cab area. There was a couple straps that you drill a small hole and bolt the straps on. As I remember, I attempted to torque these small bolts to the spec they had in the instructions and the first one stripped the sheet metal hole I drilled. As for the main body mount bolts, I torqued them to the instructed amount, without problem.
For a few days, they seemed to make or cause
some noises while driving the truck and the
truck body flexing slightly on varying
surfaces. The rubber body gromments I expected were settling in place since adding
the nerf bars.
I hear some folks running boards are a bit
slippery if/when wet, so look for a good
set if using these.

 

[JR2]

To see what the DC Annodized Black Alum (No rust, cheaper than SS) Nerf bars look like on a truck, click the link to My truck in my sig. I Like em, had them installed at purchase so they are covered under warranty.

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John D. Rathert Jr.
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01 2500 Forrest Green Sport SLT+ QC LWB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 rear end with all options avail. DC Nerf Bars, DC Grill Guard, DC mud flaps, Line-X bed liner, Leer 160XL Topper, Power Edge, EZ Edge, SPA Boost/EGT Gauge on pillar mount, DDT's tc/vb combo, 275 RV injectors, DD 4" Exhaust and a KN RE0880 where the air box use to be. New turbo (HX40), SS fuel lines and bigger injectors in planning stages... . See My Truck, Dads truck: 98. 5 3500 SLT QC LWB 4x4, Brother Truck: 92 W250 SLT CC LWB 4x4 (Dads old truck) Winter fun - 2000 Skidoo Summit 700
*************************

Fixed my links in sig... they work now.

[This message has been edited by JR2 (edited 03-04-2001). ]

 

[Turbo6bar]

Originally posted by JR2:
To see what the DC Annodized Black Alum (No rust, cheaper than SS) Nerf bars look like on a truck, click the link to My truck in my sig. I Like em, had them installed at purchase so they are covered under warranty.

John, the link you provided doesn't seem to work. Can you send me, via email,a picture of your truck with the bars? How much did you pay for them? If they are indeed cheaper than SS, I'm all game.

Jay

 

[jims]

Just put these aero-tech boards on on Sunday. I really think they look good like factory. I was going for hidden step but went with these.
http://www.aerotecinc.com/images/ram15002_large.jpg

Jim

 

[Okie-Go]

I have black nerf bars. Put them on a 98 truck in Nov. Of 97. Transferred them to the 2001 and they still look good. Black powder coat is also cheaper than chrome or stainless.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[tom sweeney]

i have the Westin black powder-coated tubular
step bars,and love 'em..... i paid $305 INSTALLED here in Southern Maryland. i chose these because of the mounting procedure... they do not attach SOLELY to sheet metal,but primarily to fore and aft body mounts... very stable and i think they look great!!... . good luck!!!... . tom

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2001QC 2500HD LB ETH/DEE 4x4 4:10's LSD Pacbrake,All options except cab lights,Xcelerator air filter,Forest Green/Light driftwood. Westin tubular black powder-coated side bars.
26'Holiday Rambler 5th wheel. Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator ke3Rx

 

[JR2]

The links in my sig are fixed, now you can see the pics. .

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John D. Rathert Jr.
*************************
01 2500 Forrest Green Sport SLT+ QC LWB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 rear end with all options avail. DC Nerf Bars, DC Grill Guard, DC mud flaps, Line-X bed liner, Leer 160XL Topper, Power Edge, EZ Edge, SPA Boost/EGT Gauge on pillar mount, DDT's tc/vb combo, 275 RV injectors, DD 4" Exhaust and a KN RE0880 where the air box use to be. New turbo (HX40), SS fuel lines and bigger injectors in planning stages... . See My Truck, Dads truck: 98. 5 3500 SLT QC LWB 4x4, Brother Truck: 92 W250 SLT CC LWB 4x4 (Dads old truck) Winter fun - 2000 Skidoo Summit 700
*************************

 

[Extreme1]

I recommend stainless running boards. As you have a 4x4 on order and probably need a decent step up for the Mrs. , look around before you buy. I got a cheap set of aluminum diamond plate running boards from J. C. Whitney. I would not recommend them because:

1) Aluminum dulls in a couple years.

2) The distance from the top of the vertical portion to the actual step is too short. This varies considerably from brand to brand. My future better half (Yikes!-less than 2 months!) liked the old extruded aluminum bords I pulled off. They were only 3/4" lower to the ground but, hey, when you are vertically challenged...

3) Mounting is a bit of a pain. You can do it, but with the cheap set I got (and the old ones that I replaced) the hardware reminded me of an erector set. I don't know for sure but I think good quality boards will have better mounting.

Another thing to consider:

Full metal running boards will stay cleaner in snow. I've seen steps get covered to the point that you can't use them. No big deal if you have a heated garage (I don't).


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'94 3500 4x4, 209,000 miles, Never had a cat, Auto w/shift kit (thanks Dave G), 3. 54 Gears, TST #5 plate, 235-85-16s, Rancho 9000s w/remote, Isspro gauges inplace of cupholder & Amsoil Air Oil & Bypass Filters & Lubes, AWOL intake boot (put the silencer ring after I pulled the boot-too loud!?!). NRA member. Blue Ribbon Coalition member.
"Warrantee? We don't need no stinking warrantee!"

 

[nunya]

I bought a set from Checker Products from Ky... ... called there nerf n step... ... they look like a 9th grade shop project. the guy was supposed to send me his next generation of them cause he knew they were junk but never heard from him or saw the new ones..... been a year now. So don`t bother with these

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Nunya from Colorado,2000 Quad cab, auto. camper and tow package,topper, Westin Safari bar with home-made mount, PIAA`s mounted on it! Amsoil in engine and transmission with Mag-tec pan. more to come Edelbrock IAS shocks, husky liners, FX nerf-n-steps

 

[klenger]

Thanks to all for your comments and sugestions. I went to the RV show in Denver last week and picked up a brochure for Westin products, and I think I saw thier side steps on a truck there, but can't remember for sure. After looking at the brochure, I decided to get the Westin platinum cps stainless steel step bars P/N W26-1240 because of the chrome finish over stainless seemed a better design. Westin claims that no drilling is required and can be installed by anyone in 30 minutes. We'll see. I ordered them from TPCARGUY at http://www.tpcarguy.com/ for $351. 94 with free shipping and no sales tax. Westin is also offering a $35. 00 rebate on these bars. Details are at http://www.westinautomotive.com/ .

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Ken Lenger
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,
Replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[ftb87]

I purchased the nerf bar (brushed alum) from D/C and the look great! The D/C nerf bar is longer that the traditional nerf bar.

When I puchased my truck, I told the dealership "I will not purchase this truck unless you sell me all the aftermarket options at dealer cost". I caught them at the end of the month and they had to make the sale #ad
.

Frank

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01 White, Quad Cab,Short Box ,Sport SLT+,5 speed 3. 54 Ltd-slip,4X4,line-x ,Nerf bars,fiberglass tonneau cover

 

[John]

Originally posted by Extreme1:
I would not recommend them because:

2) The distance from the top of the vertical portion to the actual step is too short. This varies considerably from brand to brand. My future better half (Yikes!-less than 2 months!) liked the old extruded aluminum bords I pulled off. They were only 3/4" lower to the ground but, hey, when you are vertically challenged...

This is the very reason Warn 4X Boards are functionally better than both running boards and especially nerf bar/steps... THE STEP IS ACTUALLY WHERE IT SHOULD BE! What a concept.