Finally decided on some steps. Installed my new Westin Oval Tube Steps last weekend. Took me about 2 hours, but I do work very, very slowly. I like to take my time and do it right the first time. These are chromed aluminum and come with a lifetime warranty. They are 85" long, and they stick past the back of the cab by about 3". Provides a good step and has very little flex, I do wish there was a third bracket on each side, this would prevent any flex. Take a look at my gallery. Just thought I'd throw some information out there for anyone else that might be looking at steps.

Eric

 

eswartz thanks for the post, I just got my Westin catalog and am contemplating their nerf bars. I want the ones that extend to the rear wheels on my shortbed, but I noticed there are just 2 mounts and wondered about strength.

I have a question. . . how adjustable are they in terms of how up close or down away from the body you can mount them, and inward or outward? I want mine to tuck in pretty close on my 4x2 truck, some in the pictures hang way out into space too far.

Going to check out your pics now. Vaughn

 

OK I looked at your pics and really like that model. I want to check and see if Westin does wheel-to-wheel on that particular one (I doubt it).

Yours look good on your truck, sit out about right for a 4x4, I would want them in about an inch closer to the body if I were to put them on mine.

So do they mount to the frame or body?

Vaughn

 

If they mount like my round Westin bars, then they mount to the bolts that hold the body onto the frame. With additional stabilizers that bold to the body.

 

Vaughn,

KirksDiesel is correct, they mount to the body mounts and have additional stabilizers that bolt to the body, the additional stabilizers use the infamous oval holes that are covered by tape. I wish Westin would make them in a wheel-to-wheel configuration, that's what I wanted at first, but I didn't like the looks of the 3" tubes and the PUTCO 4" were $$$$$, best I found on those was $605.

It would be possible to move them in toward the body a little bit, the mounting holes on the brackets are oval so you probably have about 1" in/out movement. I moved mine out from the body as far as I could.

I ordered mine from Ultimate Auto Accessories and paid $390, including shipping, but they gave me $20 off because I found a misprint on their website, they were listing the wrong part number for the 03-04 2500/3500. That was the best price I could find anyway, had them in about 3 days.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

one of the best thing these nerf bars do for you that is seldom brought to light is protect your body from door pings from people opening their doors against your vehicle in parking lots .
had them on my last four rams and didnt have a dimple on any of them.

 

Or go Westin Wheel to Wheel - mounts the same.

 

Thanks eswartz.

2003Ram those look great. Got any more pics? Were yours adjustable too and where do you have them set?

Vaughn

 

They may be somewhat adjustable, but I found that if they weren't set "down" all the way, they moved when you stepped on them. Had my wife stand on them while I tightened them.

By the way, they are great. Makes it a lot easier getting my two-year-old in and out of the beast.

 

Here are more pix.......

 

Vaughn,

I have the ovals on my truck, I had to slide them back just a bit when the NW Custom mudflaps went on. The ovals gave me some play and wiggle room, I doubt the others would. The Westin wheel to wheel are nice, and I think that they look better than my ovals. But they don't work with my camper tie-downs.

steve

If you are coming west give me a call I'm on NWB phone list.