TE N-Fab Nerf Steps Installed On SR5-No Spacers

StRanger7032

StRanger7032

New member
Here's a look at my TE N-Fab nerf steps installed on my SR5. I decided to go the route of removing the rockers instead of fabricating spacers. A lot of people don't like the "unfinished" look of the 4R with the rockers removed. I used flat black spray paint to black out the exposed rough areas and body hardware. I'm pleased with the results-what do you guys think?

Before:

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Masked off and surface-prepped for paint:

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Finished product:

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Side View

Here's the full side view from a rear angle. Probably 3-4 inches more side clearance than fabricated spacers with the rockers on.

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Looks great man!

Fortunately with mine being a mag gray, you don't see the rough unfinished look with the side skirts removed, but this looks like the most cost effective and best looking option for those that need to do some cover up.
 
Just looking at your pictures, to me the rocker panel cover is just a beauty thing, my 07 Tundra was all exposed like that. I have a pair of DEEZEEs on order, but am thinking of canceling them, I found the n-fabs for $330 and free shipping. I can live without the beautification, for nice solid step rails.
 

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Thanks, its nice to get a compliment once in a while. A few tips for anyone wanting to tackle this mod:

1. Take your time and do the surface prep right. Use ultra fine sandpaper or an abrasive pad to rough up the clearcoat on the painted surfaces before you even think about applying paint.

2. Use professional body masking tape. If you can't find that, spend the extra money at the hardware store to get the green Frog Tape. Using the blue 3M house painter's tape is a recipe for bleed-through and crappy results.

3. Mask off more of the truck than you think you need to. The overspray will go much further than you expect. Use a few thin coats rather than rushing the job with one or two heavy coats.

I took a lot of time and prepared properly, and the results look like the factory meant it to be that way. My only complaint about the whole job is that the front steps on the N-fab bars are a little too far forward. It feels a bit awkward when I use the steps to get out of the truck. As far as the overall look, I'm thrilled with it so far.
 
If you have the stomach for it, you can also take a laser level and project a line on the rocker panels, use masking take to tape off the line, remove the rocker panel, grab a dremmel rotory saw or a jig saw, cut straight along the taped line.

Reinstall the trimmed rocker which is now about the same size as the TE rocker panel. If you go this route, you will remove the metal brackets from behind the rocker panel.

If I recall correctly BFLAN went this route. I replaced the front fender flares and and installed TE rocker panels and fender flares that I had painted in the body color of the truck to match the rear fender flares etc.

Okki
 
Just put the N-Fabs on, only thing I noticed and maybe missed in previous posts was that the front mount only attaches with one bolt. The rocker panels use two but one of them is not useable with the N-Fabs. I stood and bounced then retourqued to 13lbs. I called N-fab and they recommended 12-15 so I split the difference. I will probably copy the OPs method this spring or summer when it is decent/warm outside.
 

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rouge1 said:
Just put the N-Fabs on, only thing I noticed and maybe missed in previous posts was that the front mount only attaches with one bolt. The rocker panels use two but one of them is not useable with the N-Fabs. I stood and bounced then retourqued to 13lbs. I called N-fab and they recommended 12-15 so I split the difference. I will probably copy the OPs method this spring or summer when it is decent/warm outside.
Click to expand...

were these a direct bolt on after the rocker panels were removed?
 
Step Usefulness

I have been considering N-Fabs on my SR5 after previously having them on an 08 Tundra. I have short legs and two young children..you guessed it..with short legs. I currently am running stock factory tires and have gotten used to stepping in without a step. In the future, I will likely go to BF Goodrich AT's (factory size) with a mild lift (likely the Bilstiens set at 2.5 and likely either a 1" spacer or equivalent coil for the rear. I noticed the prior comment about the forward location of the front step. Is the location height and front/rear positioning-wise conducive to use, or will I likely find myself attempting to step over it when entering/exiting the vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
 
BamaTrav said:
I have been considering N-Fabs on my SR5 after previously having them on an 08 Tundra. I have short legs and two young children..you guessed it..with short legs. I currently am running stock factory tires and have gotten used to stepping in without a step. In the future, I will likely go to BF Goodrich AT's (factory size) with a mild lift (likely the Bilstiens set at 2.5 and likely either a 1" spacer or equivalent coil for the rear. I noticed the prior comment about the forward location of the front step. Is the location height and front/rear positioning-wise conducive to use, or will I likely find myself attempting to step over it when entering/exiting the vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Click to expand...

I have the N-Fabs and the 2.5" Bilsteins/ SAW 1.5" rear springs. I can tell you from my personal experience, for me the steps are not very useful for ingress. I find myself stepping over them most of the time.
They are useful for getting stuff tied down on the roof, or washing the windshield, etc. The back step is much better placed and my kids use it to get in every time. They love it because they can get in by themselves!

For comparison, I had step rails on my Titan and I always used them to get into the truck.
 
Antman said:
I have the N-Fabs and the 2.5" Bilsteins/ SAW 1.5" rear springs. I can tell you from my personal experience, for me the steps are not very useful for ingress. I find myself stepping over them most of the time.
They are useful for getting stuff tied down on the roof, or washing the windshield, etc. The back step is much better placed and my kids use it to get in every time. They love it because they can get in by themselves!

For comparison, I had step rails on my Titan and I always used them to get into the truck.
Click to expand...

Thank you!
 
Jez, I just slide over the hood and jump in through my window. I'm way too busy for stepping and grabbing. :cowboy:
 
I love my N-Fab steps, I also step over them more than I used to with the stock running boards, but I love the look and the steps are lined up right where you need them if you actually need a step to get into the truck. I'm 6'5" so I really don't have a use for the step so it's more for looks because I hated the old stock running boards. Here's a side profile of mine

img_20180630_143326_080a153261a6305a7d185ef0fe4dd2fa616d42eb.jpg
 
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