Side steps or not?

GizmoB73 · May 23, 2015

I have just removed my side steps because the leading edge of the support brackets were starting to corrode/rust and I wanted to tidy them up.

I am still in the process of doing this, but I have to say that I think I prefer the look without them on.

I think it makes the truck look a bit higher and a bit more rugged, I am not sure the picture really does it justice, but if anyone else has removed them they will probably know what I mean.

[attachment=0:17klfifu]2015-05-22 20.23.22sml.jpg[/attachment:17klfifu]

I don't use my Nav off road, other than a rough un-made track road to my house, so I am not worried about protecting the sills from rocks or trees.

I am sure there will be lots of mixed views, but I am interested in what people think as I am tempted to leave them off.

lookskyward1 · May 23, 2015

I think the truck looks great without them but being a short 4ss need them to a cess the roof and clean the windscreen. I also wonder if the help protect the bodywork from stone damage.

GizmoB73 · May 23, 2015

lookskyward1 said:
I think the truck looks great without them but being a short 4ss need them to a cess the roof and clean the windscreen. I also wonder if the help protect the bodywork from stone damage.

That's a very good point which to be honest I hadn't thought about yet.

I guess I could use steps when cleaning the truck, which I really should do more often.

The stone damage did cross my mind, but I don't think it would be any worse than a regular car if just used on the road would it?

steveoborne · May 23, 2015

i much prefer the look without the side steps on

steve

GizmoB73 · May 23, 2015

steveoborne said:
i much prefer the look without the side steps on

steve

Thanks Steve, have you removed your side steps and did you leave them off?

13en · May 23, 2015

I like them with out, but my kids use them as they struggle getting in and out.

leec33 · May 23, 2015

I second the without look. Are they easy to remove and put back on?

GizmoB73 · May 24, 2015

leec33 said:
I second the without look. Are they easy to remove and put back on?

Mine were, just three brackets each side, and two nuts per bracket.

I did soak them with WD40 for a few minutes first and easy to get a socket in.

onlyme0666 · May 24, 2015

I took mine off to strip back and polish and the "WIFEY" could not get in so had to put them back on after polish.

leec33 · May 24, 2015

GizmoB73 said:
leec33 said:

I second the without look. Are they easy to remove and put back on?

Click to expand...

Mine were, just three brackets each side, and two nuts per bracket.

I did soak them with WD40 for a few minutes first and easy to get a socket in.

Sorry I meant to say. The brackets on the chassis were they easy to get to

spookyrooky · May 24, 2015

I stand on mines to help me to wash the roof and to scrape the ice off the windscreen.

lookskyward1 · May 24, 2015

I've just used mine to fasten some ladders on the rack. I would struggle without mine :bbbump

leec33 · May 24, 2015

So it seems we're 50/50 on this...

nexsuperne · May 24, 2015

mine will be coming off... to fit some of Rich's rocksliders on instead

neilh · May 24, 2015

Mine will be coming off - but getting stuff onto the roof, sorting the roof tent and my lad getting in and out all becomes much more difficult. Fortunately they'll be coming off to be replaced with sliders too

onlyme0666 · May 24, 2015

yes the bolts to the chassis are easy to get to
2 bolts per bracket and 3 brackets per step.

leec33 · May 24, 2015

neilh said:
Mine will be coming off - but getting stuff onto the roof, sorting the roof tent and my lad getting in and out all becomes much more difficult. Fortunately they'll be coming off to be replaced with sliders too

How about chucking a little foot ladder in the back?

GizmoB73 · May 25, 2015

It's good to see the range of opinions, and some good valid points raised.

I am going to finish putting another couple of coats of smooth black Hammerite on the brackets, but leave them off for a while longer.

I find that as I don't really use the steps myself other than when cleaning the car, then I will just use some small steps for cleaning.

I also find that the mud that splashes up onto the side steps has a tendency to rub off on the back of my jeans/trousers when I am getting out of the truck, and this obviously doesn't happen without the steps fitted.

Purely from a "looks" perspective I would like to add a 2" lift and some BFG's (when I can save up the money) which I guess will add around 3" to the height when climbing in/out so it may make it a bit more of a task without steps at that point...

adequatelyaverage · May 25, 2015

Mine are off... Was tired of getti mud up the back of my calf getting in and out.

Looks much better without them in my opinion, but don't really use the roof much!

leec33 · May 25, 2015

I haven't a roof rack anymore. So i only go up to the roof to clean!

Side steps or not?

GizmoB73

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leec33

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