97 Nerf Bars on 93???

[AlaskanJack]

So I want to add some bars on my Ex. I want a nice look and was wondering if anyone knows how hard it would be to modify some 97 Sport nerfs to go on my 93 Sport. I even looked at some off a 99 Sport and they are shaped different and might work better. Anyone looked into this? What problems might I encounter.

It appears to me that if the length is good then its just a matter of bolting to the frame and that's not difficult to change. The only thing I don't know is whether the existing brackets would need too much modifying.

 

[Doug]

are they stock nerf bars or after market ones? stock ones bolt to the body and would probably be easier to make fit than aftermarket ones.

 

[LStoudenmire]

I looked at doing the same thing, until I noticed that the factory nerf bars don't appear to connect to the frame. Not much strength.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

The factory bars do bolt to the body side bracing. There are 3 supports each held on with 3 bolts (9 total per side). They are plenty strong, because the bar support is spread out along the side.

However, 6 of these bolts (2 per support) go into a nut that is factory welded to the body. I can't remember if this area is "blind", or there is room to reach in and put a nut on. If there is room to get a wrench in, it would be a simple matter of drilling the holes and bolting it on.

 

[AlaskanJack]

Originally posted by Namitey
are they stock nerf bars or after market ones? stock ones bolt to the body and would probably be easier to make fit than aftermarket ones.

I have been looking at the stock ones from a 97 and 99 I believe. They are definitely different from each other.

I figured that if I could get the brackets to match up to the frame and not have to remove my side tupperware then I would do it. I am planning on either a 2" or 3" BL which I think will make them work better.

 

[AlaskanJack]

Driving to work this morning I was right next to another 1st gen X. I looked down and noticed that he had the 2000 I think nerf bars on. It was a 2dr sport just like mine and I was trying to get his attention when he turned. I will probably never see the Ex again, but I am hopeful. I want to get a close look at what he did.