Rusty Step Bars

[Lazzman]

The step bars on my 1998 Explorer are rusted out and look awful.

The dealer wanted $560 to replace them but I am not willing to invest that much.

I have checked out some manufacturers but cannot seem to find any that are made for the Explorer Sport Model.

Does anyone know which brand or model will fit.

Thanks

 

[adam4584]

are they the factory step bars or are they the molded plastic stuff? because i've got a set off of my 97 sport if that's what you are lookin for.

 

[JDraper]

Lund, Westin, Owens, SmittyBilt, Go Rhino...Even Summit has their own step bars for the Explorer Sport...readily available. Check out Summit Racing's website.

 

[kert0307]

I had the same problem with mine, I finally just took them off awhile ago after sanding and painting them only to have thm start rusting again a couple years later. I just made a couple rock sliders to put on mine. I didn't like how the factory ones bolted to the body instead of the frame anyway.

 

[Lazzman]

All notable responses.

Thank you.

Mine are the Factory Titanium colored bars, are the '97 ones the same as the 98's?

 

[Lazzman]

Obviously the best way to fix this is to replace the bars with nu ones. I don't believe I can stop the rust from coming back on the old ones.

And buying new ones from Ford? Well the old ones only lasted 3yrs before they started to rust out.

I checked Summit Racing and they only had one model from Westin available in black or chrome. They did not offer the other brands you mentioned.

No matter what on line store I go to I just cannot seem to find step bars that will fit the 2 door Ex.

If anyone has any links to stores it would be a great help.

I am thinking of the black Westin bars on my black Sport with Titanium trim, wonder if this would look ok?

Thanks

 

[Silver X]

Mine were rusting too and were repainted by a dealership (accident related repairs). They started bubbling again a year later, so I just removed them. IMO, it looks better without any. I also don't get mud down the back of my leg anymore trying to step over it. My wife doesn't like the big step up, but its my truck and she doesn't have to like it.

I might get some chromed stainless step bars if I lift it more, but I'm happy without them. I wouldn't get painted non-stainless ones. They'll probably rust in a couple years too.

 

[JDraper]

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...908331+4294907830+4294924677+115&autoview=sku

 

[96ExplorerSport]

I replaced step bars on my 96 2dr Sport with Westin black bars. I did the install myself, it was pretty easy. I bought them from my local Advance Auto Parts store. They can order them for you and if you pick them up there is no shipping. It was also the lowest price I could find. I liked them so much I went ahead and got Westin front guard and lights as well. When I searched, I could not find any other brand for 2dr 96 X.
Good luck

 

[Millertime1987]

My opinion is that if you go with the molded step bars they will last a long time. But anything other then that you want to get the stainless steel tubular step bars. Best option out there.

 

[Lazzman]

Yeah this has been a thorn in my side for some time, they look like crap.

I am a detailer in my spare time and having a shiny truck with rusted bars looks awful.

My wife is a shorty and gave me a hard time about loosing the bars.

Found a nice set of Stainless for around $350.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions

 

[Vinniety]

Yeah this has been a thorn in my side for some time, they look like crap.

I am a detailer in my spare time and having a shiny truck with rusted bars looks awful.

My wife is a shorty and gave me a hard time about loosing the bars.

Found a nice set of Stainless for around $350.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions

I was in the same boat. I have a very clean truck and the step bars had signs of rust. The rust was only surface rust so what i did was sand them and paint them. Took me about an hour on each side to remove and sand. I then did a coat of silver rust resistant paint primer that a friend said would help before i painted it the original color. Well wasnt the exact original color but close enough. If you get real close you can see some minor imperfections from the sanding but WOW about 25 dollars in supplies and a few hours of my time i am very happy with the outcome. I will take a picture when i get home.

 

[Lazzman]

That would be great.

 

[ChaoticBastard]

I was in the same boat. I have a very clean truck and the step bars had signs of rust. The rust was only surface rust so what i did was sand them and paint them. Took me about an hour on each side to remove and sand. I then did a coat of silver rust resistant paint primer that a friend said would help before i painted it the original color. Well wasnt the exact original color but close enough. If you get real close you can see some minor imperfections from the sanding but WOW about 25 dollars in supplies and a few hours of my time i am very happy with the outcome. I will take a picture when i get home.

I did the same exact thing. I used the old paint as a primer and sanded it down the best I could. I used Rustoleum flat black on one coat . Then used a gloss black rustoleum as well. They have been on 6 mons now with no issues,not even a sign of rust and mine were really bad. Took about 3 hours total maybe a little more with dry time. I have a Black X and they were grey steps. I painted them gloss black and they look better that color and no more rusting.

 

[Lefy]

i took a wirew brush to mine and then rustoleum
i do it every 6 mouths they don't look to bad

 

[FilLaB0NGo7]

I took em both off last year, I like it better without... a bit more clearance, makes it look a bit meaner, and who needs em. good bye and good riddance