I'm seriously considering putting some nerf bars on my truck. I have a good idea what I'm looking for but I'm not sure how to compare brands and in general am looking for some comparisions.

I want a chrome looking bar with black steps built into it. I don't want to have to drill and I'd like to find one that's relatively easy to install myself.

I'm unsure if I want one that extends just the length of the cab or from wheel to wheel. Those that have gotten wheel to wheel style bars do you like them? Are there disadvantages to them?

What should I look for in construction of them?

I have a supercab if that factors into anyones advice.

 

Most bars should bolt right up...no drilling. I personally am getting some stainless steel bars with all stainless hardware, I've been quoted a price of right around 350.00, can't remember which brand right now.

I would look for something with a lifetime warranty on the finish....which pretty much eliminates chrome right off the bat. But then again I live in Michiganm and have to worry about the salt in the winter eating every piece of metal in sight.

 

Westin Platinum Chrome Plated Stainless (CPS)

I don't know when they'll have a model for 04 F-150's though. I love them on my 03 Supercrew.

RE: WTW A friend of mine has a GM 2500HD extended cab 6.5' box with the Westin CPS WTW and loves the extra length for getting into the front of the bed. For the 2004 F-150 with taller sides, I bet they would be helpfull. I do not recommend WTW for Supercrews, though. There is not enough space between the cab and rear wheel well to put a step. I have seen a couple pictures on here and a co-worker hasthem. They don't look right, and the palcement of the rear steps are not aligned well with the doors.

Here are the Westin CPS.
My truck 1
My truck 2
My truck 3
My truck 4

 

Geo036 is right about the chrome finishes when it comes to most lower priced bars. But there are some chrome plated stainless steel versions that obviously won't rust, and the step bars offered as accessories from Ford are actually chrome plated aluminum!! My dealer told me that in just a couple of weeks, Ford will have a 5" step bar available (in both black and chrome) that ought to look great with the new styling of the '04 F-150!! Most other step bars are 4" diameter.

Some companies offer non-plated stainless bars too. Sure - they don't corrode, but they do discolor slightly over time.

 

Good Pictures of the Westin Bars

http://ustruckaccessorieswhse.com/wes-plat.html

 

I decided to write Westin and see when they'd have stuff for 2004's. This is their (very rapid) response:

From: "Emilio Gomez"
Subject: RE: Step Bars for 2004 F150?
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2003 10:58:41 -0700

The 2004 FORD F150 products are available and have been shipping for a
couple of weeks. You will need to check with your retailer to see if
they have them on order.


Thank you,
Emilio Gomez
Marketing
Product Development Coordinator

 

breser,

Here are the nerfs I received from Ford. I got them as part of the deal but they run around $350 to $375. some places will charge around $420 installed.