Anyone have experience with either of these 2 brands or others?

I purposely didn't get the factory cab steps because they stick out to far and only serve to reduce ground clearance, get my pant leg dirty as I get in and out since I don't use them. However, my wife, kid and other have trouble getting in and have complained enough that I plan to get something to help. So, I want something that will help them in and out but not cut down on ground clearance (or not much) nor stick out much from the vehicle.

Any experiences with these or other products would be helpful including how far down and out from the cab the step/bar extends, installation and best places to purchase. Thanks!

 

I had Westin's on my 99 Super Crew and liked them so much that
I put them on my 01' SCREW. It's not tough to install them yourself if you have a hammer drill. I was in Dallas at a truck accessory store a few months back and they had them in stock and could install them cheaper than I could get them online. I haven't measured them but I do crawl under to get at the oil plug when I change the oil. It does make for a tighter squeeze but if they hang lower than anything else, it ain't by much. They don't stick out far at all. I mostly got them for my kids to climb up on and they do the trick for that. As far as quality, they've never shaken loose and are very sturdy to stand on. I recommend them and that is kind of unusual for a vehicle accessory. I'm fairly picky that way!

 

When I bought my truck I told them to throw in the chrome FORD step bars. Well a week later and the parts dept still couldn't tell me a firm delivery date so I talked to the sales manager and expressed my disappointment. He called me right back and basicaly said his parts dept is all f*&%$d up! He then told me I can wait till they come in, or go where ever I want and have any ones put on and he'll foot the bill. So I went to a truck accessories shop and they installed Westin's on for FREE. They look great and my kids love climbing on them to get in. At first I thought they drilled into my underside, but then I noticed the truck came with holes predrilled already underneath the body and they mount right in. I have a 4x4 with ORP and there are other parts of the truck that hang lower underneath than these bars, and they barely stick out from the body. If I were to guess I would say they stick out about even with the tires, but to tell you the truth I haven't really noticed. Hope this helps.

 

I have black Westins. Really like them. Very sturdy. I've have a 350 lb-er stand on them. The truck squats a little but the bars don't give. If Mudder ever comes back to this site from the other site he will endorse these too. You really ought to see the pic of his truck sitting on these bars while high centered on top of a hill. Easy install - about 1-1/2 to 2 hrs. from getting the tools out to putting them away and not rushing at all. Oh yea I did cheat. I read the instructions first.

 

I have WAAG's from LA, CA. There are pro's & con's. They keep idiots from door dinging you, and brush. They also help with in & out. But, when they're wet, even with the knubs on them, I have slipped off a few times and bashed my shin twice. You will also collect mud on your pants from them.

 

I have the chrome Westins and I'm realy pleased with them.
Even though I had them installed, it looks like you could install with
minimal effort ( i was in a hurry). They really accent my chrome grill
surround and chrome side mirrors. I also have the L-tails, fronts
and corners. It all blends in nice.

 

Ordered my black westins on Monday. Will install as soon as they arrive. Had a set of Genuine Steel, and had to return them. I have a Gibson super truck, and the bars would not fit on the truck. The genuine steel are wheel to wheel, and the westins are cab length only(I hope). If anybody knows this for sure, please reply.

 

While I have the Westin's, and think they are very good looking, I really wish they didn't fit so tight by the cab area - they really don't provide much room for you to put your foot. If they stuck out about 1/2"-1" more and were about 1/2" lower, I think they would be perfect. I've been considering replacing them with something that will provide a more usable step area (rather than just an area for your toes) - if something like that's even available. From what I've read here about the Manik's, they actually fit tighter than the Westin's do. Just my observations.

 

I have the Westins black bars. I installed them myself in an hour direct bolt on (no hammer or drill) tools used:couple of sockets, ratchet and torque wrench.

 

While I was deciding on which side steps to install my neighbor bought a SC with a pair of Westin steps. He was not very happy with the mounting position and eventually had them replaced with some Ford factory steps. He also felt they were not strong enough. I decided then to go with the chrome Manik side steps and have not been disappointed. IMHO, the Manik steps are much more stylish and solid. They also have some limited adjustment on the mounting position. I installed them by myself with no problems. Unlike the Westin steps, the Maniks are full length from front to rear wheel well. The tubes are end capped and have two mounting plates for bolting on to the mounting brackets. Mounting brackets mount to the body using existing factory holes.
I can also give a big thumbs up to their customer support. When I received the steps the rear step pad on the drivers side had a crack on both ends, like it was pressed into the tube with too much force. I emailed their support people weeks later using the link on their web site. Someone called later that day and said they would ship me a replacement. Not only were they quick to respond, but they sent me a complete set(4) of new step pads.
If you want my vote, Manik is the way to go.

 

irobot,

Where did you buy your Manik steps and how much did they cost?

 

What is a good aftermarket nerf bar or board that sticks WAYYY the effe out to keep my doors from getting dinged?

Thanks...

 

Thanks for all the replies! Anyone have pictures of the Westin or Manix installed?

 

Mark, It's not a close up, but the link below in my signature has a picture of the Black WEstin's installed on my Black and Silver S'Crew. They are sturdy! I'm about 230 lbs and no flex on them.

 

I second what irobot says about the SS Manik Nerf Bars. They are easy to install (and adjustable), look great and very functional; allowing easy access to the cab. Also, because they extend all the way to the rear wheel well, they can be used to help access the front of the box, even though there is no step pad at this location. I ordered online from truckaddons.com (Trail Blazers) cost was $331 US plus shipping. Shipping to Canada was real adventure, but finally got them after about 9 weeks, it was worth the wait Pictures of the the bars can be found on the Manik web site.