Who makes the best Nerf Bars?

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Okay, Tubular Steps... but in any case my wife says we gotta get some steps on the truck, soon! #ad
I've looked at Smitty Bilt, Waag, and several other big names... . But which one to choose????

We like black (vs chrome or SS) and have prioritized the features we like:

1) Sturdy and solid mounting - (don't mind drilling or spending time mounting. ) 2) Quality of contruction for a long life.

Which ones do you have on your rig and what do you like about them? Who has the best prices?

Thanks in advance,
Richard

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2001. 5 2500 SLT+, QC/LB 4x4, ETH, 6spd, 3:54 LSD, camper/tow equip. , NV241HD, Bright Silver, Snug Top, Ispro w/3 pod pillar w/tweeter, Pyro, Boost & Mag Hytec cover w/temp guage, "Plain Wrap" (no decals or emblems)

[This message has been edited by Davison (edited 01-19-2001). ]

 

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Hey Richard,

We bought the Westin's. They mount on the frame using the body mounts. Black powder coated with a 5 year warranty on finish. Got 'em from the factory for 230'ish if I remember correctly.

Mick

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2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Totally STOCK!!
On Order 4/28/00
Arrived 9/14/00 !! #ad

My Truck

[This message has been edited by Mick2500 (edited 01-19-2001). ]

 

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Got mine from Dodge after buying truck Aluminum,I really like them so far . I can't recall what I paid anymore.

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98. 5 2500 Quad Cab Auto nerf bars Fiberglass Bed Cover stock Strong but stronger before reflash.

 

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Richard,
Ditto on the Westins. Have had them on for since new, 2 1/2 years, no problems. I like the way they mount through the body bolts - no new holes. I've been thinking of replacing them however, I'ld like the wheel to wheel running boards so I could get in my tool box eaiser.


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Randy Jones, San Antonio, TX, rdj@gvtc.com, 98 1/2 QC, 4X4, American Racing BAJA's, 285/75/16, Amsoil throughout, Superstar 3000 export radio, Firestik antenna with fender mount, Fire-ring cable

 

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Thanks for the ditto Randy. #ad
I've had the wheel to wheel running boards. Good side is that it reduces road debris damage to the lower panels. On the other hand, dirt collects on them and is difficult to hose off, and they can be in the way if you're off roading it... . Ups and downs to everything eh? Ah but to make a decision!

Rich

 

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Had the aluminum Mopar bars on my 98 SST, looked real good. Ordered some for the quad cab and took them back.

DC's brilliant engineers changed the design for the quad cab, added a bunch of extra braces, 2 of them right where you want to put your foot. They didn't clear the molded Mopar mud flaps either. And I really hated the idea of drilling those extra holes in the body. #ad


Still looking at aftermarket. Too many good choices.

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Y2K Red Stealth Sport 2500 4X4 QC SLT+, 5-spd, 3. 54 anti-spin, 265-75-16 LTX’s (There ain’t no such thing as options, cause ya gotta have it all, including: DC’s dead cow/vinyl interior and don’t stop anti-lock brakes. ) Stock, but not for long. Oops, too late. What silencer ring? (More fun than my 98 SST)

 

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I'm kind of partial to the WAAG bars myself. Since I have a dually, I really liked the "kick-out" wheel to wheel nerf bars they sell.
http://www.waag.com/sidetube.php

 

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I went with Westins black powdercoat. Very sturdy, and I'm no featherweight. You get longer bolts to replace the ones you take out. Only had them about 6 months, holding up well. Paid $200 installed at KOA campground in Terre Haute, same place I got my topper.

Bill

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'00 2500 QuadCab SLT 4x4,White,5spd,tow package,3. 54,vinyl floor,rear slider,PIAA driving lights,Century "Ultra" matching cap,lost silencer ring. Westin "powdercoat" nerf bars. Rhino lined "rockers" for chip protection. Clearance lights.

 

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<font color=blue>Had my SmittyBuilts since September, they have been great for me so far.

#ad

 

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I agree on purchasing the WAAGS. I saw them in person and like them alot. My pair is on order for the dually.

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RED 98 3500 12v 4x4 Quad Cab SLT Larimie, 4"BD exhaust and brake, triple mount AutoMeter Ultra Lights, govenor spring kit, delivery valves, 370 B injectors, 332-700 camplate, 16 cm2, new carter lift pump,Mag-Hytec diff, NorthWest Fear This mudflaps,custom dynamic timed pump by AWD,Linex,Tonneau cover w/ bike rack over the bed,Billet grill and bumpers inserts, Eclipse w/center seat sub enclosure and remopte alarm.

80 Porsche 911 SC Turbo Look Porsche Club Racing Trackcar, Totally Bombed
Cannondale Killer V 900 SL

 

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I chose the Grizzly Double bent, like the looks, 3" tube steel, black powder coat, uses cab mounts up front and drill two holes in back on a stifner plate. They have been sturdy enough to support my 6'3" 260lb a$$ for the last 4 years and still look good.

I believe I paid $300. 00
#ad


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1997 Dodge Ram 2500 HD / Club Cab, Cummins Turbo Diesel (silencer ring removed), 4. 5" Skyjacker Double Flex suspension lift, 36x14. 5"x16. 5" Ground Hawg radial tires on 16. 5x9. 75 Weld Super Singles, dual steering stabilizer, 4. 10 precision gears, 33-tooth Speedo gear, Rhino liner, Grizzly double bent nerf bars, Bushwhacker flares, Kanduco grill insert, Confer super skid axle truss, DT Trac-bar, Moog tie rod system, Fabritech Traction bars, Energy sway bar bushings and end links. Truck Pic's

 

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My 2bits--What ever you get, make sure they are mounted on the body mt's. They come with longer bolts and will support any load. Mine are SS, and are easy to keep clean.

 

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I scoped out the Westin Site and noticed two things: Are Westins the ones that doesn't cut out for the step - that the tube is all one piece?

They mentioned 'black Stainless Steel'... This is new to me and I couldn't find any info on it. Anyone know what this is?

 

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Have any of you guys with the bars that mount to the body mounts ever high-centered your truck on the bar? I don't have a problem getting in, but would like something for rocker panel protection. I'm not sure about the upward force on the body mount but would like to hear from the voice of experience. Thanks.

Bob

 

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Davison,

I have been looking at the Westin bars also. I was going to order the Mopar bars; however, I didn't like the way they protrude into the front wheel well and the new braces are in a bad spot. On the Westins the step is pressed into the bar and the plastic cap is fixed to the flat area. The black powder coat on top of the stainless is a new product. I am going to order a set for my truck. I knew I wanted to go stainless but I didn't want the bright stainless finish for my truck, I wanted a less flashy look.

You may want to check out:
http://www.accessconnect.com/westin_stainless.htm

They don't list the 26-1245 bars but if you call the 800# they will give you a quote. They offer the best $$$ I have been able to find.

Dave D

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2001. 5 QC LB 4x4 Auto 3. 54 Everything but Leather Bright Silver Metalic ARE K Series Diprocal EGT, Boost and transmission Temp in an Autometer Dash Pod

[This message has been edited by Dave D (edited 01-23-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by Dave D (edited 01-23-2001). ]

 

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After shopping around I picked Westin. I was also interested in black but the longest warranty was 5 yrs. I went with Westin's Chrome Plated SS. Lifetime on plating and rust. If they come in black with the SS underneath, see what the warranty is. I installed them myself. . simple #ad


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2001 2500 ETH/DEE all Back short bed, Rhino lined, Mag-Hytec rear cover, Amsoil Dual Remote Filter System. Everthing else but leather.

 

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Smittybilts all the way man! I have the black powercoated Smitty's,and they work perfect and they fit with the Mopar plash guards. I bought them to protect the rockers if/when I high-centered my quad cab... which I have high centered,and they hold up just fine.
The other thing I like about the Smitty's,is that you don't drill any additional holes to mount them. They use the body mounts and the extra braces use holes that are already in the the body. I don't recommend using any bars where you have to drill in the body flange because you weaken the flange with the holes and invite rust to eat the rest of the flange.

-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

 

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FOR THOSEOF YOU WHO PICKED WAAG SIDE KICKSFOR TOUR DULLY WHAT WHS YOUR BOTTEM LINE TO YOUR HOUSE?
THANKS


O1 DULLY LOADED PASE 2 SPRAYIN BED LINER ELECTRIC SUNROOF VERY COOL AIRBAGS 9000 SHOCKS.

 

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Richie... . WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY??

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9535hundred

 

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He's a member of D. A. M

Mothers Against Dislexia

But seriously I found the SteelHorse stainless steel bars to have the strongest brackets and have support braces to keep stress off the body mounts. I can jump up and down on these and they don't budge!

Paid $192. 00 with the 1/3 off coupon from Carparts.com, last Spring.
#ad
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'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 Programs 60/80/100+HP, Grover Air Horns, Autometer Ultra-Lite Gauges. <font size=-2>

[This message has been edited by WOWZY (edited 01-25-2001). ]