-
TDR Magazine subscribers receive more than the magazine! You also gain additional forum privileges!
Details here: TDR Privileges
Subscribe to TDR Magazine here: https://www.tdr-online.com/
Westin Nerf Bar Opinions
- Thread starter Archive
- Start Date
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.
Thanks, TDR Staff
- Status
go with smitty's www.carparts.com
Hombre,
I like them just fine. No problems after I reversed the rear mounting brakets to stop a clunking noise when stopping.
Bill
------------------
Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, V-A CPC, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, 80% Towing Hitchhiker II 31', 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW
I like them just fine. No problems after I reversed the rear mounting brakets to stop a clunking noise when stopping.
Bill
------------------
Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, V-A CPC, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, 80% Towing Hitchhiker II 31', 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW
I have the chrome plated and love them. I was told that the stainless shows more rust than the chrome, by the shop I bought from. The man was right: my stainless rocker trim panels showed rust after every road salt application, the chrome Westin bars did not. I used chrome polish on the bars twice all winter, and they look like new. Go chrome IMHO.
Ron
------------------
'99 QC SLT 4X4, Forest Green, long box, camper/trailer pkg, 3. 55 axles, auto, CD/cassette, power seat, heated mirrors, HD xfer case, Two meter Radioshack ham transceiver (license KC7MME),Proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy!
'98 Arctic Cat 300 4X4 ATV
'00 Honda Recon ATV
'99 Grand Cherokee
NRA Life member
"Bible thumping" Rush Dittohead!
Ron
------------------
'99 QC SLT 4X4, Forest Green, long box, camper/trailer pkg, 3. 55 axles, auto, CD/cassette, power seat, heated mirrors, HD xfer case, Two meter Radioshack ham transceiver (license KC7MME),Proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy!
'98 Arctic Cat 300 4X4 ATV
'00 Honda Recon ATV
'99 Grand Cherokee
NRA Life member
"Bible thumping" Rush Dittohead!
I have seen the other brands of nerf bars and there mounting brackets and they looked cheap.
By far the SteelHorse SS nerf bars have the beefiest brackets. After I installed them, a coworker jumped up and down on them and they didn't budge. He weighs 291 lbs. They are Marine grade Stainless Steel and are the best priced bars out there. Mine cost $192. 70 using the discount code at www.carparts.com
#ad
<font color=blue>
------------------
'99 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4, Intense Blue Pearlcoat, Fully loaded w/Agate leather interior, 5-speed, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Skyjacker Leveling kit, Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks w/dual End to End steering stabilizers, 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG/AT KO's on 9. 75x16. 5 Eagle 589 Aluminum Wheels, 9004 Cool Blue's, Silencer Ring removed, Fog Lights relay pulled, No muffler, No resonator, 4" straight pipe, Northwest Customs Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, Steel Horse Stainless Steel Nerf Bars, K&N Filter,CUSTOM POWEREDGE W/HOT#3 PROGRAM, Grover Air-Horns.
By far the SteelHorse SS nerf bars have the beefiest brackets. After I installed them, a coworker jumped up and down on them and they didn't budge. He weighs 291 lbs. They are Marine grade Stainless Steel and are the best priced bars out there. Mine cost $192. 70 using the discount code at www.carparts.com
#ad<font color=blue>
------------------
'99 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4, Intense Blue Pearlcoat, Fully loaded w/Agate leather interior, 5-speed, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Skyjacker Leveling kit, Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks w/dual End to End steering stabilizers, 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG/AT KO's on 9. 75x16. 5 Eagle 589 Aluminum Wheels, 9004 Cool Blue's, Silencer Ring removed, Fog Lights relay pulled, No muffler, No resonator, 4" straight pipe, Northwest Customs Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, Steel Horse Stainless Steel Nerf Bars, K&N Filter,CUSTOM POWEREDGE W/HOT#3 PROGRAM, Grover Air-Horns.
I've had my black Westins on for about a year now and no problems to report as of now. I do get under there and tighten the bolts every now and then, just as a precaution. My wife certainly enjoys them more than I do. My $. 02
------------------
"Big Red" 1994 Ram 2500 Laramie SLT, 12 valve, 2WD, Auto. Ranch Hand steel brush guard, Scotty Air, silencer ring removed, Flowmaster muffler, chrome turn down pipe out the side, Velvet ride shackles. www.gitchesumatfreeweb.com
------------------
"Big Red" 1994 Ram 2500 Laramie SLT, 12 valve, 2WD, Auto. Ranch Hand steel brush guard, Scotty Air, silencer ring removed, Flowmaster muffler, chrome turn down pipe out the side, Velvet ride shackles. www.gitchesumatfreeweb.com
I have been shopping for a while and like the Westins. They are SS and chrome plated. With all the miles I drive and the snow at times, these are my concerns. 24,000 miles in 7 months!! Thanks for the replies... ...
------------------
Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,AT,3. 54,4X4,DK GARNET,AGATE,LOADED,
------------------
Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,AT,3. 54,4X4,DK GARNET,AGATE,LOADED,
I had them on my 97 PSD never a problem. they took several hrd hits whole off road an saved my rockers . totaled the left side twice,smashed almost flat but never damage the rocker panels... war story..... Bought my Dodge because Fords new cab comes below the frame and i didnt want to permanitly close the doors evey time i high centerd the truck... the ford was never in the shpo for warrany repairs . The Dodge rides better and the auto has th greatest cup holders ... the rest of the truck has been less than thrilling including the soft auto,steering box, and the Cummins engine that goes south... forgot to mention the 5 SCREW dealer service.
just my $. 05
------------------
2K,2500,Laramie +,Quad,4x,"slushbox 250 RPM drop WOT shifts",everything cept leather and clearance lites, reese 15k 5th slider,
pullee #1 26' Arctic Fox 5th
#2 22' car hauler w/ 76 Pinto 392cid or 68 Cyclone GT Cobra Jet FB
I have the Westins Stainless Steel and I love them. They are a breeze to mount and they are real solid and strong. Easy to maintain also. They look great on the truck and really protect the side panels from unseen rocks (found one by accident one evening) 
#ad
#ad
I highly recommend them
#ad
Sparky
------------------
1999 2500 SLT, QC, LB, 4x4, White, 4. 10 gears/Limited slip, Trailer/Suspension Package, Most Accessaries, Auto transmission, Westin SS Nerf Bars, Painless Wiring, Silencer Ring Missing, Mag-Hytec Diff. cover and more coming (I Hope)!!!
Next addition, Gauges... ...
Pull a 30', Tahoe 5th Wheel (8800 lbs. ) and hardly know it's back there!!
#ad#adI highly recommend them
#adSparky
------------------
1999 2500 SLT, QC, LB, 4x4, White, 4. 10 gears/Limited slip, Trailer/Suspension Package, Most Accessaries, Auto transmission, Westin SS Nerf Bars, Painless Wiring, Silencer Ring Missing, Mag-Hytec Diff. cover and more coming (I Hope)!!!
Next addition, Gauges... ...
Pull a 30', Tahoe 5th Wheel (8800 lbs. ) and hardly know it's back there!!
The rockers are at,
http://www.omnicast.net/nwcustom/index.htm
<font color=blue>
------------------
'99 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4, Intense Blue Pearlcoat, Fully loaded w/Agate leather interior, 5-speed, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Skyjacker Leveling kit, Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks w/dual End to End steering stabilizers, 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG/AT KO's on 9. 75x16. 5 Eagle 589 Aluminum Wheels, 9004 Cool Blue's, Silencer Ring removed, Fog Lights relay pulled, No muffler, No resonator, 4" straight pipe, Northwest Customs Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, Steel Horse Stainless Steel Nerf Bars, K&N Filter,CUSTOM POWEREDGE W/HOT#3 PROGRAM, Grover Air-Horns.
http://www.omnicast.net/nwcustom/index.htm
<font color=blue>
------------------
'99 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4, Intense Blue Pearlcoat, Fully loaded w/Agate leather interior, 5-speed, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Skyjacker Leveling kit, Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks w/dual End to End steering stabilizers, 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG/AT KO's on 9. 75x16. 5 Eagle 589 Aluminum Wheels, 9004 Cool Blue's, Silencer Ring removed, Fog Lights relay pulled, No muffler, No resonator, 4" straight pipe, Northwest Customs Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, Steel Horse Stainless Steel Nerf Bars, K&N Filter,CUSTOM POWEREDGE W/HOT#3 PROGRAM, Grover Air-Horns.
I have had a set of Westins now for 3 years (took them off my 97 and put them on the new 2001). They are the black painted kind. They have held up good, but for additional usefulness, I took them to a metal shop and had a steel plate welded to the top of them (to give a good large stepping surface), had them sprayed with Line-X, and extended them out 2 more inches. Now they are even better. They stick out almost as far as the stock side mirrors, and provide extra protection in case someone parks too close and opens their doors too far.
------------------
2001, 3500, Cummins, SLT, 5sp, 3. 54LS, camper/tow package, 4x4, freed turbo silencer, 165 watt backup lights and lookin for more.
------------------
2001, 3500, Cummins, SLT, 5sp, 3. 54LS, camper/tow package, 4x4, freed turbo silencer, 165 watt backup lights and lookin for more.
My ‘95 has ICI nerf bars and my new 2000 has the Westin CPS with the lifetime warranty. Some comparisons:
The ICI bars have a nut welded into them where one of the supports attaches to the bar. The Westins have a punched hole that is threaded by the self-tapping bolt when it's installed. I stripped this thread on one of my Westin bars when I installed it. The truck accessories guy who sold me the ICI bars had not seen that brand before. He had almost always installed the Westins. He really liked that welded on nut. I suspect that he has stripped a few of the Westins too.
The ICI bars are straight stainless steel. The Westins are chrome-plated stainless steel, with a lifetime warranty. The warranty is the reason I went with Westins for the new truck. Both brands still look great. Except for the logo on the plastic step, you can't tell one brand from the other.
They both attach at the cab mounting bolts. Longer bolts are provided. A short strap that requires drilling into a sheet metal flange on the cab stabilizes the step, keeping the whole thing a bit more rigid. It is a very secure, solid mount. An acquaintance has the Westins on his truck. He reported that during a mishap, one side of the truck was resting on the nerf bar with the wheels in a ditch. The truck was undamaged. So was the nerf bar!
The plastic steps on my Westins must have been installed on a Friday. Of the four steps (quad-cab), two were falling off and one was loose when the bars arrived.
Westin stood behind every detail of the problems I had with their bars. It did take some time on the telephone, on hold, to talk to the right person, but when I finally got the right guy, he sent a new bar to replace the one with the stripped threads, two new plastic steps, and lots of the small metal clips that are required to mount the steps. It was a simple matter to replace the bar and secure the steps properly. Naturally, I would have preferred for Westin to do this at the factory, but I was impressed with their service.
I can't comment on the warranty service from ICI because their bars didn't have one single problem.
Conclusion: You can't go wrong with products from either one of these companies.
Loren
------------------
2000 Quad Cab, 4x4, short bed, six-speed.
1995 Standard Cab, 4x4, long bed, automatic. (soon to be sold)
The ICI bars have a nut welded into them where one of the supports attaches to the bar. The Westins have a punched hole that is threaded by the self-tapping bolt when it's installed. I stripped this thread on one of my Westin bars when I installed it. The truck accessories guy who sold me the ICI bars had not seen that brand before. He had almost always installed the Westins. He really liked that welded on nut. I suspect that he has stripped a few of the Westins too.
The ICI bars are straight stainless steel. The Westins are chrome-plated stainless steel, with a lifetime warranty. The warranty is the reason I went with Westins for the new truck. Both brands still look great. Except for the logo on the plastic step, you can't tell one brand from the other.
They both attach at the cab mounting bolts. Longer bolts are provided. A short strap that requires drilling into a sheet metal flange on the cab stabilizes the step, keeping the whole thing a bit more rigid. It is a very secure, solid mount. An acquaintance has the Westins on his truck. He reported that during a mishap, one side of the truck was resting on the nerf bar with the wheels in a ditch. The truck was undamaged. So was the nerf bar!
The plastic steps on my Westins must have been installed on a Friday. Of the four steps (quad-cab), two were falling off and one was loose when the bars arrived.
Westin stood behind every detail of the problems I had with their bars. It did take some time on the telephone, on hold, to talk to the right person, but when I finally got the right guy, he sent a new bar to replace the one with the stripped threads, two new plastic steps, and lots of the small metal clips that are required to mount the steps. It was a simple matter to replace the bar and secure the steps properly. Naturally, I would have preferred for Westin to do this at the factory, but I was impressed with their service.
I can't comment on the warranty service from ICI because their bars didn't have one single problem.
Conclusion: You can't go wrong with products from either one of these companies.
Loren
------------------
2000 Quad Cab, 4x4, short bed, six-speed.
1995 Standard Cab, 4x4, long bed, automatic. (soon to be sold)
I've had both the ICI and Westin nerf bars on the truck. When I got to close to a stump I crunched the ICI bar beyond repair. When I contacted ICI they were going to SELL me a replacement side for 3/4's the price of a full set.
As a side note I thought I had put the Westin's on the first time and contacted them first before ICI. They were going to send me a replacement side free for my testimony on how they protected the truck.
I asked ICI about doing same thing, no dice. So the truck got the Westin's the second time and have been happy with them
------------------
99 QC/LB,ISB w/auto,4x4, 3. 54, VDO (trans, boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars, Westin Grille Guard, Contico tool box, CP Industries pivoting 5th wheel, Louverd 5th wheel tail gate, K&N, VA CPC, BD Valve Body, and Mag-Hytec transmission pan. 40252 miles (8/4/00)
87 24ft Terry Resort 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher
As a side note I thought I had put the Westin's on the first time and contacted them first before ICI. They were going to send me a replacement side free for my testimony on how they protected the truck.
I asked ICI about doing same thing, no dice. So the truck got the Westin's the second time and have been happy with them
------------------
99 QC/LB,ISB w/auto,4x4, 3. 54, VDO (trans, boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars, Westin Grille Guard, Contico tool box, CP Industries pivoting 5th wheel, Louverd 5th wheel tail gate, K&N, VA CPC, BD Valve Body, and Mag-Hytec transmission pan. 40252 miles (8/4/00)
87 24ft Terry Resort 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher
I have had the chrome Westins for almost two years. One thing that impressed me when I was shopping was the Westins warranty and the fact that they are completely welded and sealed to keep moisture out of the tubes. I did have the clunking problem with the mount that was almost impossible to find, but once I repositoned the rear mount slightly, I have had no problems.
------------------
1997 2500 Laramie SLT, Ext Cab, Metalic Red, 2wd, Automatic, 3:54, No spin rear, Westin step bars, K&N, BD E-Brake, Auto-Lock, Pressure Lock, ISPRO gauges, 27' Sunnkbrook 5th wheel, RBW hitch.
------------------
1997 2500 Laramie SLT, Ext Cab, Metalic Red, 2wd, Automatic, 3:54, No spin rear, Westin step bars, K&N, BD E-Brake, Auto-Lock, Pressure Lock, ISPRO gauges, 27' Sunnkbrook 5th wheel, RBW hitch.
Wowzy, Beautiful truck ! Very nicely done... . #ad
As for the Westins, I have the black ones, as my dually is an all black Sport. Love the quality, but hate having them on there, as I'm 6'3" and don't need them. Had to put them on for the unfortunate few times I give rides to women, little kids, and sissies.
I still prefer a "helping hand" in the right spot when my date's wearing a mini skirt#ad
------------------
2001 Cummins Dodge Ram 3500 Sport 4x4 QC 5 spd.
This signature short enough for you?
#adAs for the Westins, I have the black ones, as my dually is an all black Sport. Love the quality, but hate having them on there, as I'm 6'3" and don't need them. Had to put them on for the unfortunate few times I give rides to women, little kids, and sissies.
I still prefer a "helping hand" in the right spot when my date's wearing a mini skirt
#ad------------------
2001 Cummins Dodge Ram 3500 Sport 4x4 QC 5 spd.
This signature short enough for you?
Briar, Chivalry is never dead with Cummins owners!! #ad
#ad
<font color=blue>
------------------
'99 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4, Intense Blue Pearlcoat, Fully loaded w/Agate leather interior, 5-speed, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Skyjacker Leveling kit, Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks w/dual End to End steering stabilizers, 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG/AT KO's on 9. 75x16. 5 Eagle 589 Aluminum Wheels, 9004 Cool Blue's, Silencer Ring removed, Fog Lights relay pulled, No muffler, No resonator, 4" straight pipe, Northwest Customs Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, Steel Horse Stainless Steel Nerf Bars, K&N Filter,CUSTOM POWEREDGE W/HOT#3 PROGRAM, Grover Air-Horns. <font size=-2>
[This message has been edited by WOWZY (edited 09-01-2000). ]
#ad#ad<font color=blue>
------------------
'99 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4, Intense Blue Pearlcoat, Fully loaded w/Agate leather interior, 5-speed, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Skyjacker Leveling kit, Heckethorn Nitro 9000 shocks w/dual End to End steering stabilizers, 35x12. 50x16. 5 BFG/AT KO's on 9. 75x16. 5 Eagle 589 Aluminum Wheels, 9004 Cool Blue's, Silencer Ring removed, Fog Lights relay pulled, No muffler, No resonator, 4" straight pipe, Northwest Customs Stainless Steel Rocker Panels, Steel Horse Stainless Steel Nerf Bars, K&N Filter,CUSTOM POWEREDGE W/HOT#3 PROGRAM, Grover Air-Horns. <font size=-2>
[This message has been edited by WOWZY (edited 09-01-2000). ]
- Status
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
Turbo Diesel Register
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
