Raptor Chrome Nerf Bars

Just bought a new Tacoma last week and the nerf bars that were installed were just too tall....couldn't use them (they were pretty much same height as door). They took them off and reimbursed me for them so I could buy aftermarket ones. I have looked and have found these
http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.co...Raptor-Oval-Magnum-Step-Bars/_Item/_320700073

Have no idea if they are decent but look to be about the right height. I have also looked at the Westin, Black Horse and Ionic.....any recommendations from anyone? Thanks.

 

those bars will still be about the same. what about something like this?



made by n-fab

http://www.n-fab.com/

 

Really like the looks of the straight bar and definitely want the stainless. The ones that were on the truck, the ones in my avatar, were just a little too high.....needed to drop it only about 2 or 3 inches which looks like what the Raptor might be.

 

maybe someone on here has them.

I think the raptors might just stick out farther and the angle of the picture makes it look lower. who knows

you can also see if any shops around you can do a custom bracket that will drop them.

 

Thanks....there is a couple of truck accessories places close by, will check them out tomorrow.

 

You need to ask yourself a question before you buy nerf bars / steps.

"Do I want something to step on so I can climb in easier or do I want something to protect the truck?"

If you actually want to protect the rocker panels the consensus is to buy "Sliders".



If you want an actual step I'd recommend something like the N-Fab Nerf Bars since they actually have a step that's lower than the cab height.

 

Couple things to consider with those Raptor step bars from my perspective. For whatever it's worth.

1) They aren't really much lower than the door sill. So as far as steps go are they really helping?
2) They don't stick out much so the only purchase you get is with the tip of your toes or the side edge of your foot.

I went with the N-Fab steps because the step is well below the door sill and the foot pad is open enough my children can easily get their little feet in there and find some purchase. As for me.. I wear a size 10 and wish the steps were a bit more open. Those Raptors don't stick out very far from the sill horizontally so I think I'd have the same gripe.

That said My Tacoma has a 3" lift on it, I'm 5'6" tall, and I rarely use my steps when I climb in. Before I lifted the truck I NEVER used them - only my kids did. And they hang down below the door sill!

 

How about any opinions on these....they reduce the step up by 6 inches:
http://www.realtruck.com/westin-genx-oval-nerf-bars/20-2770.html

 

i bought a set of "DeeZee" nerf bars for my access cab and they were too low for me. I wanted them mainly for the "looks" & parking lot protection, but I didn't like the way they looked(too low), so I sold them(pic attached). Maybe this may help you decide....

 

Thanks judgeman.....those look about the exact height I need. Wonder if all the DeeZee cut off that much of the step up? Will check that brand out....Also, some nice trucks posted in this thread so far.

 

I have the 5 inch raptors in stainless. All pics from drivers side. Beware the angles on the front and rear... ill try my dslr and pc, pics thru pjone very slow

 

I'm selling some ac side steps

 

That damn android is sure convenient, but nice to be back on PC with a full sized keyboard...

So pics. Try to ignore the dog's breakfast of wiring on the front bumper. All the wiring behind the bumper is finished, I don't feel like soldering in the rain tonight... once the wiring is done I'll post it up in the MGM thread. Iw as gonna black everything out, but I think the SS bars with factory rims, Al tool box and chrome light reflectors is gonna come out ok.

 

FWIW my first choice was the Nfab hoops steps in black with the third hoop at the back for reaching the tool box easier. But the wife liked these best. They are plenty stout for 190# of me to wax the roof next time without having to climb into the bed.

 

Thanks Poindexter....those pics really helped. I have just about decided to order those Westin's I posted above. The Raptor looks good but not sure they are low enough and I really don't like the big gap I will have between the door and the bar with the low ones. I like those N-Fab but the stainless ones were way out of my price range. Thanks for all the advice and help....think I will order the Westin's today...will revisit this thread and post pics after I install them.

 

As promised...I have pictures of my new Westin nerf bars. These work perfect....exact height I needed.

 

mred20, I am looking at the same Westins in black right now, and I had a few questons,

How does the step grip work when it is wet? I have heard that they can be slick.
How was installation? Did you have to drill any extra holes to get it mounted?

Thanks for the help.

 

I haven't had any issues with the grips being slippery when wet....just make sure you put nothing on them to make them slick (armorall). The installation was a breeze.....took about 20 min. for both sides (12 bolts all together--6 on each side). All holes are predrilled.