Nerf Bar removal - instructions, pics, video

[davem]

The nerf bars on my 2001 XLT Explorer are getting really rusty and I think they could potentially fall off at some point ............. so I'd like to remove them.
I know rust will be an issue in taking them off.

Can anyone point me to a link showing how to take them off ?

Any advice/pointers are welcomed.

Thanks.

 

[Mike65]

I removed them from our 99 Sport & on each bracket there were 3 bolts that held each one to the body, 12 bolts total per side.

 

[davem]

Since my Explorer is off to college, I cant crawl under it right now to take a look, so sorry for some basic questions ............

Do the bolts that attach the L-bracket to the vehicle come off as part of the removal ? Or is the bolt itself kinda formed/built-in the the underside of the vehicle ?

My rig is a 2001, has lived most of its life in Minnesota ............. so I expecting some major knuckle-busting to remove the nerf bars.

 

[rb142]

There is a set of bolts attaching the bar to the brackets. Then the brackets are bolted onto the frame. You will probably snap off a few taking them apart, but that doesn't really matter if they are coming off for good.

That first step seems a whole lot bigger once you take the bars off!

 

[davem]

I'm happy to report that the bars are off and I absolutely LOVE the new look !

Some before and after pics:

https://youtu.be/qZuSxPP34Ak