Is there anyone out there that has replaced the Factory Plastic Running Boards on their King Ranch with the STEP BARS?

I had a NO DRIVING WITCH hit me on the side and messed up my baby (2001 King Ranch 4x4) and both doors and Running boards will need to be replaced. Im' tempted to do away with the Running Boards and go with the Step Bars.

My opinion is the Step Bars makes the truck a lil meaner, I have seen a couple of F150 Supercrews with 17 Inch Wheels and 33x12.50xR17 Tires like I have with Step Bars and makes it look alot meaner...

I also noticed a couple of 2003 King Ranch have the Step Bars on them and not the Plastic Running Boards....

Thx
Shelby

 

I have looked at both quite carefully, and though in some ways I undestand what you mean about the meaner more purposeful look don't think they quite look right on the KR.
Not that there is an option anymore since on the '03 they are there whether you like it or not.
I think the older running boards match the lower Arizona Beige trim better anyway.....plus much easier to stand on when cleaning the roof!

 

My only complaint about the steps on my 2002 KR is that they get very slippery when damp. Are the new bars better for that? Are they still lit? Does anyone know of a non slip treatment that can be applied to the '02 and prior steps?

Bill

 

All the 03's have the chrome tubular steps, so the beige boards are no longer an option. I don't recall if the tubular steps are lighted or not. I seem to remember seeing what looked like a light on the one I saw, but I could not be certain. I like the match of the matched board, although they do catch sand and dirt and I could see if they got slippery, although I have never had a problem with it. I think with the multitude of arizona beige accents on the King Ranch that it only fits to have the matching running boards instead of the more rugged looking bars. I take it the insurance isn't paying for it, because it would not be an option to get something different.

 

If they get slippery on you, then just put some of that stuff that they put on skate boards. You can probably by it at any skateboard shop. I don't have any idea where else you can get it, but I am sure it is probably available in a lot of places for a lot of different uses. It is just that non skid tread.

 

Go with the steps...BUT...do this. Buy black ones, take them to your local Line-X dealer adn have them sprayed with Arizona Beige Color Matched Bed Liner material. It looks beautiful!!!

 

Email me at stevelevi@sbcglobal.net

I know a good place to take them...and even a good place tobuy them and have them installed.

 

The step bars on the Ford Sport Trac are matched to the trim color on the vehicle. I wonder why they didn't do this on the KR. Would have looked much better, in my opinion anyway.

 

I hate the Sport Trac ones. I had my ST trim all painted to match the rest of the truck. I would rather have chrome than the cheap looking grey plastic. However, they did match the trim with the prior years.

 

When I bought my 03 King Ranch, I didn't like the bars on it, I do like the running boards. But, I like the tough look of the bars as it is 4X4. I just hate chrome. Yes the bars have the light, I think it doesn't light up the bars as much as the boards though.

 

As Damon said, the bars have the lights. On the plastic inserts on the bars, it is the Arizona Beige to match the rest of the trim. I like the bars better. It's all a matter of personal opinion. Get what you want.