Add running boards?

[azstang]

I have a 2000 XLT 5.0 with the factory side skirts and would like to switch to the factory running boards. I think there were two types available - Eddie Bauer and XLT/Limited. I know the EB won't work as I don't have the fender flares, but are the XLT/Limited a direct bolt on once the skirts are removed?

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[koda2000]

I have a 2000 XLT 5.0 with the factory side skirts and would like to switch to the factory running boards. I think there were two types available - Eddie Bauer and XLT/Limited. I know the EB won't work as I don't have the fender flares, but are the XLT/Limited a direct bolt on once the skirts are removed?

Thanks,
Shawn

the XLT type of running board is an easy bolt-on. they have brackets that bolt to the back side of the body's rocker panels. in the salt-belt they tend to rust, but in more southern climes they hold up well. I'm not sure what you mean by "side skirts" but if it's what I'm thinking, removing them will leave holes in the rocker panels. these can be plugged, but they will be noticeable. you may need to add nut-serts to the back of the rocker panels on a truck that didn't come with running boards. the EB/Limited type boards mount in a similar way and may hide the holes on the rockers, but require the fender flares. the Limited boards have lights built in.

 

[azstang]

Thanks. The side skirts are plastic pieces as shown below. It looked to me like the XLT boards, like the ones on your Mountaineer in your avatar picture, would cover almost all the holes? I'm not adding the fender flares so the EB boards are out.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[koda2000]

That's what I thought you meant by "side-skirts". My Mountaineer has a similar running boards to my Eddie Bauer, but doesn't have the fender flares. The Mountaineer boards would be probably be your best bet if you can find a set. No fender flares required and they will hide the holes. My XLT just has the pipe-style running boards.

 

[ZWilson07]

the XLT type of running board is an easy bolt-on. they have brackets that bolt to the back side of the body's rocker panels. in the salt-belt they tend to rust, but in more southern climes they hold up well. I'm not sure what you mean by "side skirts" but if it's what I'm thinking, removing them will leave holes in the rocker panels. these can be plugged, but they will be noticeable. you may need to add nut-serts to the back of the rocker panels on a truck that didn't come with running boards. the EB/Limited type boards mount in a similar way and may hide the holes on the rockers, but require the fender flares. the Limited boards have lights built in.

Would you mind getting some pictures of how your EB and XLT ones mount? I am just trying to visualize it in my head as well as how the EB ones actually look under there.

Is it just holes that are literally drilled through the rocker panels at the factory or are the holes there on non XLT/EB trucks?

Thanks

 

[ZWilson07]

That's what I thought you meant by "side-skirts". My Mountaineer has a similar running boards to my Eddie Bauer, but doesn't have the fender flares. The Mountaineer boards would be probably be your best bet if you can find a set. No fender flares required and they will hide the holes. My XLT just has the pipe-style running board.

Did you add those gray fender flares to the red XLT? They look like what would be on an EB. I have seen that same gray setup on a white XLT before but I also have seen plenty of XLT's that are just solid body color with no gray fender flares?

BTW your vehicles are in such good shape, props to you man. That blue on tan EB is gorgeous.

 

[colintrax]

That's what I thought you meant by "side-skirts". My Mountaineer has a similar running boards to my Eddie Bauer, but doesn't have the fender flares. The Mountaineer boards would be probably be your best bet if you can find a set. No fender flares required and they will hide the holes. My XLT just has the pipe-style running boards.

View attachment 82561
View attachment 82562

Koda just as a FYI those aren't explicitly on mounties. My 97 explorer came with them factory. No flares

 

[azstang]

Thanks Koda2000. I've seen those same ones you have on your mounty on Explorers as well. I think they'll work well for my situation.

Anyone in AZ have any in Medium Toreador Red they want to get rid of or trade for skirts? Not likely I'm guessing.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[koda2000]

Thanks Koda2000. I've seen those same ones you have on your mounty on Explorers as well. I think they'll work well for my situation.

Anyone in AZ have any in Medium Toreador Red they want to get rid of or trade for skirts? Not likely I'm guessing.

Thanks,
Shawn

I've never seen an Explorer with those running boards, but I guess they exist. I wish my EB had them. I don't care for the fender flares.

 

[ZWilson07]

I've never seen an Explorer with those running boards, but I guess they exist. I wish my EB had them. I don't care for the fender flares.

Do you know why some XLTs got no fender flares, and some XLTs got the gray fender flares?

Also do you know if gray is the only color fender flares that comes on the XLTs? I have never seen fender flares on them that aren't gray.

Like mentioned above it is normal to see the fender flares and such on the EB/Limited, but I have never been able to find why some XLTs have fender flares and others do not. The exterior color never seems to make a difference either. Just either gray fender flares with matching gray bumpers and matching gray small lower body portion or just regular body colored without flares and gray plastic/chrome bumpers.

 

[koda2000]

Do you know why some XLTs got no fender flares, and some XLTs got the gray fender flares?

Also do you know if gray is the only color fender flares that comes on the XLTs? I have never seen fender flares on them that aren't gray.

Like mentioned above it is normal to see the fender flares and such on the EB/Limited, but I have never been able to find why some XLTs have fender flares and others do not. The exterior color never seems to make a difference either. Just either gray fender flares with matching gray bumpers and matching gray small lower body portion or just regular body colored without flares and gray plastic/chrome bumpers.

i guess having an XLT with the the grey flares was part of some option group. my XLT is heavily optioned. about the only things it doesn't have that my EB does is the driver's message center, EATC and the chrome rear bumper.