Side Steps - Yes/No

[RangerTX]

All,
I am thinking about removing my steps. I recently saw a Ranger without them and it looked good.

I don't use them. Frankly, they get in the way of me getting in. Heck, even with my wifes Tremor, its not high enough that I use the steps...

Anyone else not use/need them? Anyone else removed them? Pictures?

Sponsored

 

[Friday yet?]

As I said elsewhere, the first mod I had planned for my Tremor was step removal. I don't like them. Only thing on the truck that I truly dislike.

But, while still at the dealership waiting to bring my new truck home the warden stated, and then demonstrated, that she needs the steps. Needless to say the steps remain on my truck.

I believe it to be in my best interest to ensure that the steps remain for as long as I have the truck. Matter of fact if asked "I like those steps!"

 

[jtzako]

I removed them the minute I got home from the dealership. 1) they get in the way when I get in/out of the vehicle, and 2) they reduce the clearance if you are offroading and if they do hit something that entire bar will fold up and damage the side of the vehicle.

 

[paval3]

I'm barely 5'4" so I use the side steps. A driver's side grab handle would have been useful.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

I removed them the minute I got home from the dealership. 1) they get in the way when I get in/out of the vehicle, and 2) they reduce the clearance if you are offroading and if they do hit something that entire bar will fold up and damage the side of the vehicle.

You’d be surprised how stout they are. I actually do offroad with them and have hit stuff with them and no folding has ensued. Definitely not sliders for sure ( which I have on order). But not as wimpy as some imagine they are.

 

[mtbikernate]

while I don't strictly need them, my wife does.

because they do kinda get in the way if I ignore them and don't use them, I use them, anyway.

using the steps does put less pressure on the seat bolsters when getting in/out of the truck. using the steps also helps in the winter when it's icy (when I break the ice off of the steps first). and finally, using the steps also helps reach the roof.

if I did serious off-roading (what I do tends to be mild and the steps aren't generally in the way), I'd replace them with rock sliders that had steps.

 

[mtbikernate]

I'm barely 5'4" so I use the side steps. A driver's side grab handle would have been useful.

I grab the whole A-pillar instead, but it's not quite as secure when footing is less than ideal.

 

[jtzako]

You’d be surprised how stout they are. I actually do offroad with them and have hit stuff with them and no folding has ensued. Definitely not sliders for sure ( which I have on order). But not as wimpy as some imagine they are.

Iv'e seen first hand, a few different times, what happens if steps hit/snag something solid. (large rocks,tree stumps/logs or just the ground due to the breakover angle) It is not worth keeping them on if you are offroading in an area where those type of obstacles are an issue. The damage they can do is significant.

 

[Friday yet?]

using the steps does put less pressure on the seat bolsters when getting in/out of the truck

Bingo. That's why I incorporated using the step as I enter and exit the vehicle. Wife reminded me of how the side/edge of the seat in my POS (frontier) looked after many miles. Hopefully the step does save the seats in my Ranger.

 

[paval3]

I grab the whole A-pillar instead, but it's not quite as secure when footing is less than ideal.

I have to put my left hand on the top forward part of the driver's open door.

 

[RangerTX]

while I don't strictly need them, my wife does.

because they do kinda get in the way if I ignore them and don't use them, I use them, anyway.

using the steps does put less pressure on the seat bolsters when getting in/out of the truck. using the steps also helps in the winter when it's icy (when I break the ice off of the steps first). and finally, using the steps also helps reach the roof.

if I did serious off-roading (what I do tends to be mild and the steps aren't generally in the way), I'd replace them with rock sliders that had steps.

That reminds me. I do use them to kick the snow/slush off my shoes when getting in during winter... I still think they are going... Been considering it since I bought the thing. Next sunny warm day may see them gone......................

 

[Loweredon33s]

Mine are gone lifted and lowered. Didn’t miss them either way. I’m 6’4” though.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Iv'e seen first hand, a few different times, what happens if steps hit/snag something solid. (large rocks,tree stumps/logs or just the ground due to the breakover angle) It is not worth keeping them on if you are offroading in an area where those type of obstacles are an issue. The damage they can do is significant.

I’m sure it happens especially if you leave the steps bolted on when running in that territory. I remove the steps before heading out into that type of environment. Only 8 bolts to remove and then you just have the rails. The rails have held up to some pretty rough encounters. Soon to be a non issue when sliders arrive

 

[jtzako]

I’m sure it happens especially if you leave the steps bolted on when running in that territory. I remove the steps before heading out into that type of environment. Only 8 bolts to remove and then you just have the rails. The rails have held up to some pretty rough encounters. Soon to be a non issue when sliders arrive

Yeah, the rails arent that big a deal since they dont stick down below the body. Its mainly the steps which stick down/out. I've watched folks in my 4x4 club come down on them and fold them right up into the doors, and one snagged a log and basically ripped it off. These are all going slow, and careful but things happen (tire slips, rock shifts out from under etc).

Sliders would be nice. I plan to eventually do that on my new ranger. My old 4x4 has had rails/armor etc for years. Definitely saved the soft bits a few times.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

My Westin side steps were looking nasty and starting to rust badly after a few salty seasons, so I recently took them off (flares are off too). It’s only been a handful of days but I don’t miss them at all.

The only difference is that it looks more “lifted”.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Sponsored