I just notice my cab step mounting brackets all have several rock chips in the front facing sections. I have the factory mud flaps and looks like they are of little value in preventing chipped step brackets. My truck has 8,000 miles and by the time it has 100,000 there will be no paint on these brackets. Is this a possible rust problem and what is everyone else doing about this problem. There are no chips on the steps themselves or any part of the truck body

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2000 F-150, XLT, SC, 5.4, 4X4, 355 LS, ORP, Black/Silver, class III, single CD, sliding glass, med. gray, keyless, elect. shift, engine date 8-18-99, Superchip. '93 Harley Fatboy Black & tons of chrome