Bully Nerf Bar Install - 2005 Explorer

[XCAMP]

I purchased some Nerf Bars from etrailer.com http://www.etrailer.com/p-NB-308B.html

First, my Explorer is the XLT model with no factory installed steps. However when I got under the truck to install these, there were already bolts hanging out from the body panel where it said to put bolts through. So I just went out and bought some nuts for the ones already there, since it doesn't look like they are removable, are they?

Second, the nerf bar brackets that go on there don't line up with the bolts coming out of the body panel, and the directions say to just use one bolt and the support hanger, which just seems stupid.

Third, I get all the brackets and supports on, put the step on, and when I open the the doors, it hits the nerf bar (this is where I get really annoyed). I loosened all the bolts so it's flopping around and it clears the door.

So I don't know if I am missing something here or if this product is just a POS. I don't want to return them, that would be a huge pain and I really want to mount them. Am thinking of making some spacers to lower them down.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[BigRondo]

This thread may help you out http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297757

 

[XCAMP]

That does help a little... but even if I remove the factory bolts, the holes won't line up unless I get out the drill. The factory bolts seem stronger anyway, considering they are on a plate/bracket.

 

[jad2411]

When I got mine for the 97, instructions were basically the same, holes did not line up and it had only 1 bolt per corner, so I just went and got more bolts/nuts and had a buddy lift the truck, drill more holes and line everything up nicely. So it was definitely not plug and play for me, might be the same thing.

I am also wanting to swap the steps between bot 3rd gens, since white one has tubular and I think those would look better on the blue one with grill and tail light guards....

 

[XCAMP]

Thanks for the info, it was helpful. I got them on with the use of a lot of washers to lower the brackets, so the bars don't hit the doors. Overall I would say these don't really fit the explorer, yes you can make them work, but it's a pretty rigged up setup, the steps aren't really at the proper angle and they aren't that solid when all bolted up. Glad I got them on and they look good from a distance. Many reviews say they rust through pretty quick, so if they last me a year or two, that's fine.