I have searched this website over and over. It seems that half the people say Maniks attach to the frame, half say to the body. Same with Smittys.

I got my Smittys today, and they definitely attach to the body. I mean part of the truck that is PAINTED silver just like the everything else. Can someone please tell me if the Maniks attach to the frame?!?! (2000 F150 S/C)

 

There are (or were) two different "models" of Smittybilt nerf bars. One set attached to the body like the OEM bars. The other model attached to the frame. I made sure to specify that I wanted the frame-mounted ones.

Forgot to mention they required a lot of drilling.

Neal

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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, and Prime #155 wheels.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo


[This message has been edited by nomo (edited 03-01-2000).]

 

In case you don't see my other post....

I went to a Ziebart dealer I have been dealing with for several years today. I was setting up a rustproofing appointment and was kind of looking around the shop to see what they had.

Anyway we started talking nerf bars and he preached all afternoon about Manniks. He claims they attach only to the frame. He also quit carrying Westin and only has Smittybuilt and Manniks.

 

Let me say first of all that the instructions for the Smitty-bilt bars are total bunk. They are only good for starting a fire. I am a very literate person, consider myself good with tools, etc., even have a degree in engineering. One of those people who actually read instructions, and these were the pits.

Anyway, finally got one of the bars installed and there are two problems:

1. The front bracket has two holes each on the vertical and horizontal surface. The holes on the horizontal surface are about 1/8 inch off from being able to fit the bolts through it.

2. The entire bar seems to be about 6-inches too far forward...no way to move it back!

The only reason I got Smitty-bilt was the textured black. But the install procedure is quite poor. I can't even step on the pad to get in because it's so far forward (centered directly under side mirror).

Anybody have a similar experience?

 

I have the same Smitty bars on my '99. The front curve of the bar passes directly below the gap between the door and fender. Mine installed very easily.

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1999 F-150 XLT
4x2 Supercab
139" WB Styleside
DOB: 7/19/99
Exterior: Dark Toreador Red
Interior: Dark Graphite 40/60 Split Bench
Optional Equipment:

• 4.6L EFI V8 Engine
• Electronic 4-spd Auto O/D
• P255/70R-16 OWL All-Season
• 3.55 Ratio Limited Slip Axle
• Floor Mats - Carpeted
• 6050# GVWR Package
• Sliding Rear Window
• Trailer Towing Group, Class III
• Premium Electronic AM/FM W/CD
• 6-way Power Driver's Seat
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Air Conditioning
• 4-W ABS/4-W Disc

Added:

• Ford drop-in Bedliner - #F75Z-9900038-AB - $211. installed
• Ziebart rustproofing - $279.
• Smittybilt nerfs, textured black - #FN1730-S4T - $210.
• Ford molded splash guards, front - #F65Z-16A550-CE - $33.33
• Ford Locking Gas Cap - #F75Z-9030-GA - $19.43
• Spare PATS Key - $20.95

1998 Windstar
1993 Taurus



[This message has been edited by Jimb (edited 03-15-2000).]

 

I got the smittybuilt oval sidebars they went on pretty easy! they lined up real nice except the drivers side rear bracket that attaches to the rear cab body floor support was drilled wrong and the stepbar is real close to the rear rocker panel! and sits too far away from the front rocker panel! the front attaches to the front cab mount on the frame and the rear attaches to the rear body floor support! however i am satisfied cause i am installing a 3 inch body lift and the steps is going to be ideal the way there made? all i will have to do is make 2 longer rear dropdown brackets to lower the rear and the front i will not have to fool with! they are good and solid they have been on my truck for a year now and i weigh 230 lbs and they are still as solid as the day i put them on!