NFAB vs. OEM Predator steps

My gf was often complaining about stepping up into my truck. I needed to get some steps. I've had nfabs on everything so I bought some 3" steps for the Taco.

As soon as I put them on, I didn't like them. I can't explain it but I think they're too big or something. Their old school design looked dated on the Taco. I pulled them off and returned them.



I didn't really need or want sliders. I tried again with OEM Predator steps. I think because they're more flat instead of round, are angular and hold tighter to the body and have the cutouts in the steps that they looked much better on the truck.



For anyone in the same boat, I recommend Predator steps which are usually easily available on Craigslist.

 

Just don't do any wheeling with those Predator Steps, as the cheap welds generally break when they hit anything in the woods. But they do look better than the N Fabs definitely.

 

Yes love them Predator pro series is what they call them FYi $499 only & yes better than the Old tube Design for sure

 

I did the smaller N-fab and personally I think they look way better than the 3" ones.

 

Have you got a part number handy for those steps?

 

I ordered the N-Fab Predator Pros last night also. They're very close to the OEM Predators (same manufacturer?) but they may be a little tighter to the truck (not 100% sure on this).

One thing I DID notice was the main tube is square in shape as opposed to the rounded main tube of the OEM Predators. I like how that better matches the design of the truck.

These are definitely not for off-roading. They're aluminum and if you snag them on anything they're history. They're only for looks and functioning steps which matches my needs. They also have aluminum end caps. I had OEM running boards on one of my Ravs which had plastic end caps that would weather over time. Since these steps are 100% aluminum if they start looking scratched up or weathered you can just blast them and re-powder coat. Brand new again!

 

I had the OEM Preds on my truck when I bought it, took them off after the first off roading, they are bolted to the body, and reduce clearance quite a bit. I would rather go with nothing than take a chance with ripping them off and having major rocker panel damage. The Preds are light aluminum, with plastic end caps, and look cheap and pedestrian to me. If you want a set they are easy to come by on CL or Facebook Marketplace. BTW, my wife hated the Preds as they actually made it worse for her getting into the truck as she was always banging her shins.

 

Correct. Predator steps are lightweight aluminum and meant as steps. They are not and should not be considered armor. At all.

I think steps on stock or near stock trucks are completely shin bangers. Mine is up 5" on 35s and it's that awkward height where you barely can't slide in anymore and the step is a little overkill. The entry into the Tacoma has always been awkward.

 

Good point.

Ya hit these too hard and you could bend some sheet metal. Not good.

 

Get her one of those folding step stools and keep it in the passenger seat.

 

I have the 2” tube Nfab because I bought them cheap on Amazon warehouse deals. They work for my current needs which is a way for the kids to get in without crawling on the floor. I like the OEM design a bit better. They are not the lowest point of the underside of the truck so no real clearance loss, other than for the rear steps maybe for break owner angle. I’ll probably take them off when the kids are bigger, then again maybe not my wife is 5’ so she uses the passenger side. I never use them and have not banged my leg on them either. My 4Runner before the taco had factory nerf bars, always made my pant legs dirty at the worst possible time. I’d love some armor, but don’t really need it for the amount of weight and places I go.

 

I’m a bit confused, if you don’t off road why would you have the lift and big tires?

 

I said the steps aren't armor. You're making assumptions.

 

Yes, you are correct, as the Predator steps are are really unsuitable, and even hazardous off road, I was questioning them being mounted on a lifted truck with oversized wheels and assumed the truck wasn’t used off road. My mistake.

 

It's hard for me to talk towards the Tacoma per say, as I immediately pulled off and sold my OEM Preditor steps. On the same note, as soon as my wife got her 4runner home, she also immediately has me pull off her TRD OR steps as well.

However, when we lifted her 4runner, I bought her the NFab RS steps. They're easy enough to take off when we go offroading (literally 5 minutes), but I liked how the step is filled in. This way when she's getting into the truck in the rain or snow, her foot won't slide through in heels.

 

To those that have the OEM Predator Steps.I am wondering how the finish holds up in northern climates?Have you had any chipping or flaking of the powder coat or corrosion where the end caps are fitted to the bar,due to the salt and brine products used on our roads?

 

I've said it in other threads. I went with the Predators for my daughter. She insists on getting up in the truck by herself, and the Predators help her do that. And I do like the look of them. Once my girl gets a bit older, I'll probably move up to some sliders.

 

sick truck brother!

 

I'm a fan of the Nfabs. Have the Epyx. I don't off road. The steps are a bit lower than most, so work great for me due to hips issues. The steps are perforated with slots for knocking mud or snow off shoes and avoiding slips. Grandkids like them also as it allows them enter and exit access by themselves. Easy install, great looks, easy cleaning. But if seriously off-roading, Leave them at home.

 

Love my nfab