Do N-fab or similar step bars negate added lift benefit?

With Icon's progressive leaf, 5100's at 1.75", and 265/75 tires, my 2011 has a nice 2"+ lift now. It's not bad for me getting in and out, but my 5'5" pregnant wife is a bit less than pleased, and getting in and out is now paired with cursing at me.

Got thinking about something like n-fab's reasonable 2" bars with the steps for $300 or so, which might help her out.

My main question is, now that I added a bit of clearance to the truck so it doesn't scrape and grind when I go over anything larger than a speed-bump, will these bars just negate the advantage and reason I put the better suspension on in the first place? I could see cracking these things pretty easily when riding over a rock or something. That said, I do mild off-road (i.e. Rausch Creek greens/blues) maybe twice a year. Other than that it's me being impatient and hopping a median or curb here and there I know these types of steps aren't exactly sliders, so dropping down on them might be less than great. Depending on install ease/time, I wonder if it's an option to just remove them in a few minutes for any planned excursions, and put them on again afterwards?

Another thought I had was that the steps might help or hurt getting the baby in and out (likely will be in the center of the rear seat). Depending on how the steps stick "out", I wonder if they prohibit getting up close to the door to be able to reach that middle area with the child seat?

Thanks

 

I'm waiting on my Rhino side step bars. For what I looked in many images of tacomas with it, they all ride higher or at about level with your chassis. In other words, if you were to kneel down on one side of the truck, and look under to the other side, you would see the lowest point of the step flush with the frame reails.

 

Interesting, thanks. I guess the N-fab might sit lower on the step parts that hang down.

 

Yes the NFabs and similar step type bars sit pretty low

 

Ugh. Maybe I just carry around a little folding step stool lol!

 

Found an old pic in my gallery from when I had NFabs on my truck

Here is the measurement to the top of the step from the door sill

5 3/4" from sill to TOP of step

Add another 1 1/2 or so to the underside of step

 

If you're going over obstacles that are within a couple inches of contacting your cab, do yourself a favor and get a set of sliders. Some of the sliders stick out further and can be angled flat so they can double as a step. Some companies are also making a step that bolts to the sliders, similar to that of the NFab bar. The sliders will also actually protect your truck's cab.

 

Thanks guys.

OZ-T, I take it you don't have the n-fabs anymore, from your statement?

 

No , I sold them locally

 

To go with sliders, different step, or nothing?

 

For the last approx a year I've had nothing

I am going to go with bolt on sliders and I originally got the stainless steel NFabs because they would stand up better to my coastal winter conditions but over time I decided I didn't care for the look of them anymore and took them off

That and I used to bash my shin on the back ones everytime I took my breifcase out from the backseat when I got to the job site , lol

 

Aaaand this is what I was worried about each time I try to lift the baby/carrier in and out.

 

Check out the Avid bolt on slider style steps , they use the factory running board mounting locations and tuck up high like a slider

Keep in mind these are definitely NOT actual sliders though

http://www.avidoffroad.com/products/05-tacoma-products/sliders/

 

What he said ^. Here's a few pics of the avids on my truck:





They sit fairly high and you don't lose any clearance. If you look at the truck straight on from the side you can't even tell they're there.

 

I have been eyeing them up, thanks. I didn't know if, since they are SO high and tucked, if they would be much help for her anyway.

I guess they are sort of a medium strength kind of option. I would guess they are better at taking abuse than n-fab steps or any running boards, but like you mention, aren't meant to get beat to hell like weld on sliders. Still, for the mild wheeling I do, I would think they could offer some protection if I did drop down on something.

Was also looking at their step rails, since they tuck up the most, it seems. Just don't love that the steps have round rails...seems not the smartest idea.

 

Actually, OZ-T, I think I was browsing some other "hybrid" sliders or something that were bolt-on but touted to be quite strong. I think I remember reading that they bolted to the frame, and required a few extra holes to be drilled. Looks like these Avid's are not int he frame and a quick easy bolt on. I've gone through too many vendor sites and they're getting mixed up in my head. lol

 

The Avid bolt ons are just steps that look like sliders , they bolt into the cab bottom like NFabs or OEM steps / nerf bars

Real sliders bolt ( or weld ) to the frame of the truck

 

Yep, the avids bolt into the factory running board location just like the n fab style steps.

 

OR, you could get ACTUAL l sliders that will double as steps...

 

he can get whatever he wants , I'm just answering questions