definitely needs the flares, i would PTM tho. first mod on my truck was adding flares.

 

PTM the flares. It will look great.

Just about time for some new tires too....

 

Definately paint the flares, and if you have a short GF / Wife you are going to want to put the steps back on there...

 

You could use these type cheapo chrome ones.







But, this is what the factory flares look like painted to match the truck.





I think your's would look good with the factory ones painted.
Even with the new plastic paints in aerosol cans, you should do a decent job.
if you have any experience painting.

 

I think that would be cool, if you used a bolt that had a capped hex nut

Edit: I just realized, you are talking about sticking the spikes out, DUH, . That would be wicked

 

it's easy to do, i didn't say it was a quick way either you would have the whole truck done in a day welded/filled/primed and ready for paint. i would say a shop would charge 1200 to 1500 bucks, but being in hawaii i bet that would be higher

i never got why ford attached their flares that way, chevy/gms don't they flares they put on the 99-07 trucks are twice as heavy and just attach with 7 or 8 push fasteners.

 

Driving an XLT, I am partial to the no-flare look.

As for getting in and out of the truck, why not splurge on Amp Reseach steps? I LOVE mine... they hide away nicely when not in use and drop down quickly when needed. My only complaint is that they are somewhat noisey and have a slight clunk when they get to the down position.

As for your wife, I don't know what to tell you. My girl friend is 5' 3" and climbs into her 5" lifted Ram 2500 no problem with out steps... it sits about the same height as my truck.

 

I vote for PTM flares also. I've seen one white FX4 on this site with painted flares and thought it looked sweet!

 

Paint the flares.

 

Paint the flares, put the steps back on.

 

Not feelin it at all dude!! I would paint them like others said. Truck just looks like a stripped down model like all of us XLT guys

 

I'd say put them back on.

Any little hints or tricks to removing and installing (if you do re-install them)? After seeing how filthy they are underneath I'm sure mine are probably full of salt and crap from winter and look 10 times worse. Hmmm, I need to clean this.

 

i like it without the steps.

 

X2..........Sorry but it looks boring like this

 

here is a set of take off flares from a lariat in white, no painting needed

http://www.newtakeoff.com/ford_f150_...07_setof4.aspx