Just got the truck and I'm looking to ditch the factory steps and install a set of frame mounted nerf bars. I haven't been able to find anything definitive yet on which bars actually mount to the fame and which attach to the rocker panel on the body.

Thanks in advance.

 

As far as I know, none do. Especially for your gen f150. You'd most likely have to get a custom set made.

 

I've thought about this, because I'd prefer they attach there too. However, the rocker-attached steps are quite sturdy because of the way they're designed and how they apply pressure at the mounts, etc. so they are much better than they sound on paper. Plus Ford and all the others have been mounting them on the rockers for quite some time from the factory, so if they were any issues, they probably wouldn't still be doing it. Attaching them to the frame would be quite difficult without cutting access points to insert plates/bars to help tighten the screws or access to finger on a nut, plus drilling holes for the things in the first place. Could always weld straight to the frame too though.

I can't say I've seen any that attach to the frame and I've crawled under 100s of modified trucks of all makes at work. I haven't looked specifically for frame-mounted side steps, but I think I would've taken notice if I had ever seen them.

If anyone has some that are mass-produced, I'd like to know about them.