N-Fab step-up / running boards for Trail Edition

When I talked to a buddy of mine who does fabrication, the square tubing is about the same gage or a bit thicker then then n-fab step brackets. I had him do a little spot welding in the corners for added support. The ground clearance should be about the same as if you were to have running boards. If you remove the rocker panels it will look unfinished. My other idea was to cut the RP about 1/2" lower from the chrome strip and then mount it without the mod.It will work that way also. I do still have that option if I decide to go that way.
 
I am still trying to decide between these, running boards or sliders... If you take sliders out the equation, do any of you second guess your decision to go with the NFabs?
 
Keemonrunning,
In your last pic, there is another bracket bolted to the inside of your extension. What is that bracket for? The rocker panel?
 
Turn_down said:
Keemonrunning,
In your last pic, there is another bracket bolted to the inside of your extension. What is that bracket for? The rocker panel?
Click to expand...
Yes that is the rocker panel bracket. Note you will need to get longer bolts to mount to the body,be sure to use loc tite on all bolts when mounting.
 
The only thing that worries me is the tack welds. Like I said, my shop guys are good with red iron and buildings, but I don't want them torching my rig. LOL

What's your opinion on not doing the welds at all? Did you "jump on them" before you tacked them to see how stiff they were?

A few more questions:

What size are the bolts/ nuts? 1/2"?
What length did you use for the longer ones and where did you get them?
Are they stainless, or hardened, or what?
And last, is there any way you can upload a sketch of the hole pattern on the spacer? I now it's only 4 holes, but what's the spacing and diameter?
 
Last edited:
Turn_down said:
The only thing that worries me is the tack welds. Like I said, my shop guys are good with red iron and buildings, but I don't want them torching my rig. LOL

What's your opinion on not doing the welds at all? Did you "jump on them" before you tacked them to see how stiff they were?

A few more questions:

What size are the bolts/ nuts? 1/2"?
What length did you use for the longer ones and where did you get them?
Are they stainless, or hardened, or what?
And last, is there any way you can upload a sketch of the hole pattern on the spacer? I now it's only 4 holes, but what's the spacing and diameter?
Click to expand...
IMO It will still work without tack welds. Well I didn't jump on them. I stood on it and rocked the truck. They felt the same way even before they were tacked on.
I believe they are 1/2" with washers. Not quite sure kinda eye balled the bolt and found the nut that went with it.
In the picture I used the original bolts that held the brackets in place. Couple days later I took the original bolt to a shop near my house that specialize in nuts/bolts showed it to him,let him know what I wanted (1/2"-1/4" longer and hardened steel with same threading)and came out with both that I asked for. I went with the 1/4" longer ones.I guess if it's tacked welded you wouldnt have to use longer bolts. I just want to make sure it was strong.
Sorry I don't know the spacing or diameter on it. I used the steps mounting bracket as a guide. I centered it on the spacer, found a drill bit that fit through the steps slotted holes and went from there. I know that isn't the proper way of doing things but it works for me. I usually try to make jigs,but if the part itself can be used as one,then that's the way I will go. once all is completed the steps can be adjusted either 1/2" forward to front wheel or to back wheel if need starting from center of steps mounting bracket. Hope this helps you out.
 
Keemonrunnin said:
When I talked to a buddy of mine who does fabrication, the square tubing is about the same gage or a bit thicker then then n-fab step brackets. I had him do a little spot welding in the corners for added support. The ground clearance should be about the same as if you were to have running boards. If you remove the rocker panels it will look unfinished. My other idea was to cut the RP about 1/2" lower from the chrome strip and then mount it without the mod.It will work that way also. I do still have that option if I decide to go that way.
Click to expand...

where can one acquire those spacers?
 
Anywhere that does fabrication work or steel buildings. HSS4x4x1/4 is very common. You may be able to get a piece of drop for next to nothing. You only need a foot. You may even talk them into cutting it into 2" sections for you.
 
Does this look right?

sunster-albums-pictures-picture4218-spacer-cropped.jpg


Does this look right for the spacer?
 
Yep. Just make sure it's 4" on each side, and it's 2" deep, and 1/4" thick.
Of course, you are missing the holes. lol

Where did you get it?
 
sunster said:
sunster-albums-pictures-picture4218-spacer-cropped.jpg


Does this look right for the spacer?
Click to expand...
It sure is. A couple of steps you can do that I didn't do before the install. Once you have the holes drilled and ready to install,give it a rough sanding to take some or any of the rust off. Then paint with rust oleum paint.
 
If you are looking for the square tubing, here is the cheapest shop I have found..

MetalsDepot® - A500 Steel Square Tube

I ordered the 3/8" thick just for overkill and placed my order for the N-Fab. I will post pics after they are cut and painted. Thanks again to Keemonrunnin for posting the mod!
 
The thickness isn't what I'm worried about. It's the fact that the mounting points have been extended 4". I'm afraid that will put too much stress where it mounts to the truck.

Plus, knowing my luck, 2 months from now they will make some for the SR5. lol
 
I just called N-Fab again and talked to someone else in fabrication.

They said they have already made an extension bracket to fit the SR5, and it worked very well. However, they decided to make the mounting arms specific for the SR5, along with a different model number for the steps. He said they are working on them and they should be available to the public in about 3 weeks. The second they are available, they will be on the web site.

So keep an eye out!
 
That's great news from N-fab; but can't see how an extension from them will be any different then the spacer blocks... Leverage is leverage. If you have any fear now, it will still be there, unless they somehow completely redesign how/where it is mounted... A 4" drop to get around the rocker panel is still a 4" drop.

Either way, if they have it ready in the time they say that will make the owners who do not have access to machine shops VERY happy! These steps are the best looking out there IMHO, that's why I am doing the spacer mod as I am writing this!!!!!
 
True, a 4" drop is a 4" drop. But, if mine fail from N-Fab, it's their fault. If yours fail, you're SOL.

That said, if they said they had no plans to make SR5 ones, then I would be doing the mod as well. But, since they are, why do it myself?
 
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