http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifHelp! After reading many of the posts here about side steps, I'm more confused then before; it seems that every one has their favorites. The truck just doesn't look "finished" without them, but which ones will fit my needs? I was thinking the Westin Platinum chrome for the warranty, but then heard complaints about the black step being in the wrong place (or too small?) for getting out. Then thought about getting them from GM; they shouldn't be more than about $50 more if ordered from links found here, and the black step part looks longer. I guess I'm concerned about the rust, as we do have a salt problem here in the winter, and have been hearing that the Westins are prone to rust from the inside, water and salt getting in the ends where the GM's are sealed? Your feedback is appreciated; don't want to spend money foolishly when there are so many things we need!

stick with stainless

Westin Oval Side Steps are available in chrome plated aluminum and they have the widest steps. No matter what brand you buy, you should go with aluminum or stainless steel.


Most of the steps have their pads fastened through holes in the tube. If you have a regular steel tube, water will eventually get inside the tube and start the rust cycle... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif

Westin Oval Side Steps are available in chrome plated aluminum and they have the widest steps. No matter what brand you buy, you should go with aluminum or stainless steel.


Most of the steps have their pads fastened through holes in the tube. If you have a regular steel tube, water will eventually get inside the tube and start the rust cycle... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif





I am on my third warrantied Westin set...............Black powdercoating over regular steel...............it won't hold up in New England..........http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


The last new set I got is not even on the truck........it will be sold as Westin did not want to upgrade me to Black over Stainless unless I paid full price for the new bars less any difference from the regular ones........http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


Even after three replacement sets they were offering me nothing as far as making it right..........and I had to R&R all three sets.........http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif


So I have decided that the kid's are older...........I am leaving them off.


Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gifNY

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gifI guess I wasn't aware that there were aluminum steps available, but was leaning towards stainless---for strength & durability? Are the GM steps chrome plated stainless? I'm thinking that Westin is being reasonable by offering the upgrade and only charging for the difference, but maybe I don't have all the facts, or I missed something. From the sounds of it, the chrome/stainless works better than the black in most instances. Thanks Edited by: Black Max

N-Fab. They make awesome nerf bars.

I got the Westin wheel to wheel platinum stainless versions. I dont think the step pads are in the wrong place at all. The problem I see with them is they are not as low as my Ford OEM ones were. This makes it more dificult to use when exiting the truck. Getting in they are fine, but getting out they are odd to use.

I got the Westin wheel to wheel platinum stainless versions. I dont think the step pads are in the wrong place at all. The problem I see with them is they are not as low as my Ford OEM ones were. This makes it more dificult to use when exiting the truck. Getting in they are fine, but getting out they are odd to use.


Another advantage of the Westin Ovals is the ability to adjust the entire step forwards or backwards to the best position for the door opening. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


I live in a state where they use way too much salt on the roads in Winter. It doesn't matter if the plain steel is powder coated or painted, the road salt here will ruin them in a year or two. With stainless or aluminum you usually get a lifetime warranty.

As an alternative, Truck Expressions has the "stirrup" steps on clearance:


http://www.truckxpressions.com/truckaccessories/special/04.htm

I have Stainless Steel Bully Nerf Bars, they were only ~$300.00


Pretty nice, not as shiny as Westin Platinums.

Westin Stainless/Chrome Platinums here...yeah, the front steps are placed a little too far to the rear of the door opening, but they are still a darn good set of bars. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif


Tom http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Pig.gif

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifThanks for all the helpful advice. After much thought, I've decided to order a set of Nasta stainless bars. Only time will tell if it was the right choice!

Hey,


As long as they are stainless steel, and you like 'em.... they are the best darn steps in the world!


Enjoy!