OK, found myself wondering this and thought I'd ask you '09 guys to get an answer.

How many of you paid the extra $$$ for the tailgate step and/or the retractable side steps?

 

Good question... I'm curious to this one also.

 

The side steps apparently aren't available for the 5.5' bed, which is unfortunate, as I wouldn't have minded those. I didn't want the tailgate step though. So, I would have paid for the side steps...but not the tailgate "man" step.

 

i have the tailgate step and it is great, if i would have bought a 6.5ft box i would have ordered the side steps.

 

Have the tailgate step and well worth it. Don't have the side steep, and really not interested in it. Only down side to the tailgate step is the extra weight it adds to the tailgate if you have to remove it. Had to do it once and hope never again.

 

I ordered both for mine. It should be here in the beginning of July.

 

don't have either. even the regular 09 tailgate without the manstep is a good bit heavier than the 04-08 tailgates.

 

I ordered mine with a tailgate step and a short box, so no side steps. But even if I did get a long box, I would not have ordered the side steps. Never was a fan of leaning over the side of the box to get something. Never wanted the zipper from a coat to stratch the paint or anything like that.

 

Neither

Reasons:
1. Short Bed - So no side steps
2. Amp Research BedStep - Can use the step with tailgate open or close.

 

I have both and am very glad i got both. You in my trade i am in and out of the bed quite a bit and being able to lean into the bed with the side steps is great and the tailgate step is something every truck should have.

 

I have both, I am glad I ordered them, if I could only have one I would chose the side steps over the tailgate step, though. These trucks are higher than they used to be and I am a little older and a little heavier, so the days of getting in the back on the tire are over.

Extremely glad I got both over all, just don't crack the plastic cap of the step, it'll cost ya!!!

 

 

So what I'm seeing so far is most of you with the 5.5' box would have ordered the side steps if Ford made them available. Interesting.

I wonder how tough it would be to retrofit them?

 

I have the tailgate step and wouldn't want to be without it.

Have the 5.5 so no side steps, but would have ordered them if available.

 

I definately wanted the tailgate step as I knew I was lifting the truck when I bought it. With the 6" lift and 35's it's just the right height for me now.

I too was concerned about leaning over the side of the truck, so I wouldn't have wanted the side steps.