Side Step Compatibility

[TaKing]

Does anyone know if the side steps from the 97 XLT or the Eddie Bauer series are compatible with the XL base model?

 

[DirtJunky]

Should get some nerf bars. I have em on my 98 xlt and its way cleaner then a step
But what your asking, I'm not sure

 

[TaKing]

yeah that's what I'm looking to pick up but I want it to look more or less stock, and get it without spending a lot of money. I think the nerf bars were $100+ online

 

[TaKing]

I'm a bit cheap when it comes to these kind of things

 

[DirtJunky]

Moneys always an issue. Might be able to find some clean barely used ones for cheep.
I got mine new couple years ago but I go off roading so got a big 'ol dent in the passenger side (whipped it into a stump).
If your road only then buy new if you like but off roaring something always happens to new items

 

[TaKing]

Haha yeah I'm definitely not planning on going off road anytime soon. Unless going through the snow counts.
Do you think the OEM steps from an eddie bauer model would work? I think I could pick those up for cheap

 

[DirtJunky]

Pretty sure they would but not 100%. Frame work and all is the same so I don't see why not

 

[TaKing]

Ahh alright cool. Thanks dude!!

 

[FIND]

Yes they are compatible. You will need the speed nuts from the donor vehicle, all the holes for mounting are already there. If you are getting molded steps, additional modification will be required if you don't already have rocker covers to add the holes for the clips to go into. Otherwise, factory nerf bars will bolt straight up as long as you have all the bolts and speed nuts.

 

[DirtJunky]

These are the ones I threw on mine Westins

 

[FIND]

Just out of curiosity DirtJunky, how do the aftermarket ones attach? Do they just bolt into the front and rear pairs of holes on that lip under the rocker where the factory steps bolt, or do they bolt to something else?

 

[DirtJunky]

Pretty much bolt up the same. Westins are pretty simple. When I get back ill look up there again (been couple years)

 

[masospaghetti]

If its the same year, I think the attachment will be the same...however...I tried taking step bars from a donor 2000 model to install on my 98. About half of the bottom row of attach bolts had to be redrilled through my rocker panel (no big deal) - re-used the speed nuts here. However, my chassis lacked the embedded nuts for the two upper rows of bolts. The holes were missing too. I had to drill holes using a right angle drill for these, tbe clearance is pretty tight and installing 12 large hex-head sheet metal screws for each side. Not elegant, but it works.