Bronco Nation

Running Boards to replace Rock Rails

skinauset
Feb 23, 2022

Rank III

Feb 23, 2022

Ordered running boards (tube steps) for our new 4 door Black Diamond. The dealer installed the running boards but had to remove the original stock "rock rails" as not enough clearance to leave both the running boards & rails. 6 holes along each side of the vehicle are now visible just above the running boards where the rock rails were removed from. Not a great look! Anyone had a similar issue for correcting this?
Last edited by a moderator: Feb 23, 2022
Moderator

Standing Grumpy Face

Feb 23, 2022

#1
There are many aftermarket side step options that cover up the pinch welds. Essentially the mounting area is in front of the pinch welds. But most will still sit a little lower than that area leaving it exposed. Some just look better than others.

And welcome to Bronco Nation!!!
Cybero

Rank V

Feb 23, 2022

#2
skinauset
Ordered running boards (tube steps) for our new 4 door Black Diamond. The dealer installed the running boards but had to remove the original stock "rock rails" as not enough clearance to leave both the running boards & rails. 6 holes along each side of the vehicle are now visible just above the running boards where the rock rails were removed from. Not a great look! Anyone had a similar issue for correcting this?

I thought it was well-known that Ford's rock rails and Ford's tube steps cannot coexist.

Ford did just now offer a new option, “Hoop Steps” that apparently can coexist with the rock rails.

Otherwise, if you want both rock rails and a usable step, you need to look to the aftermarket.
May the Ford be with you, always.
On Order: Badlands 4-door 2.7, Lux Package, Velocity Blue, non-Sasquatch
Cybero, Jefe Dusty
Moderator

Team Jeff!

Feb 23, 2022

#3
skinauset
Ordered running boards (tube steps) for our new 4 door Black Diamond. The dealer installed the running boards but had to remove the original stock "rock rails" as not enough clearance to leave both the running boards & rails. 6 holes along each side of the vehicle are now visible just above the running boards where the rock rails were removed from. Not a great look! Anyone had a similar issue for correcting this?
Here are a few options to cover the pinch weld area.
https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/...qypEfLmyXEwp55H8V1ioAFvGaSmtfGyEaAi5QEALw_wcBhttps://accessories.ford.com/products/bronco-4dr-2021-trail-armor-rocker-panels-1https://thebronconation.com/forums/threads/clean-look-above-the-side-steps.8533/
2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.
cristian

Rank III

Feb 23, 2022

#4
Garemlin
There are many aftermarket side step options that cover up the pinch welds. Essentially the mounting area is in front of the pinch welds. But most will still sit a little lower than that area leaving it exposed. Some just look better than others.

And welcome to Bronco Nation!!!
Ford's option for their tape mounted "trail armor rocker panels" at $269 to hide the pinch weld holes is highway robbery! The Ford tube step is good quality but more thought should have gone into the design if you prefer having the tube step with the rock rails.
Deano Bronc

Team Jeff!!

Feb 23, 2022

#5
skinauset
Ford's option for their tape mounted "trail armor rocker panels" at $269 to hide the pinch weld holes is highway robbery! The Ford tube step is good quality but more thought should have gone into the design if you prefer having the tube step with the rock rails.
You are talking two completely different parts from Ford and they were never meant to nor advertised to be used together at any time by Ford.
Now do AM's make a combo, absolutely are they going to cost you absolutely!
ANd Ford has come out with the "hoop step" for the rock rails now as well.
WT HOSS 4dr 2.7 MIC Lux Tow
7/16/20 Res -- 1/22/21, 10/8/21 Order -- 3/24/22 VIN -- 5/9/22, 5/23/22, 5/16/22, 6/6/22, 6/17/22 Build 7/15/22 Delivered

Rank III

Feb 23, 2022

#6
Deano Bronc
Here are a few options to cover the pinch weld area.
https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/...qypEfLmyXEwp55H8V1ioAFvGaSmtfGyEaAi5QEALw_wcBhttps://accessories.ford.com/products/bronco-4dr-2021-trail-armor-rocker-panels-1https://thebronconation.com/forums/threads/clean-look-above-the-side-steps.8533/
Thanks for the information. I had previously looked into the trail armor rocker panels on the Ford Accessories site but thought they were greatly overpriced, especially for a tape mounted product. I'll check out the alternates provided.
Deano Bronc

Rank V

Feb 23, 2022

#7
skinauset
Ordered running boards (tube steps) for our new 4 door Black Diamond. The dealer installed the running boards but had to remove the original stock "rock rails" as not enough clearance to leave both the running boards & rails. 6 holes along each side of the vehicle are now visible just above the running boards where the rock rails were removed from. Not a great look! Anyone had a similar issue for correcting this?
Some people have done a few tweaks to fit both.... not sure how awkward they are.
95 Eddie 5.8 Windsor 2021? nope, 2022?, wait 2022.5 HOSS3.0 equipped WildTrak/LUX/Leather/MIC. 7/14 RES

Rank VI

Feb 23, 2022

#8
Can anybody provide a link to a Ford Hoop step that coexists with existing rock rails? My Google Fu isn't working so well and this would be the answer to all of my problems!!

Team Jeff!!

Feb 23, 2022

#9
TitsLaRue
Can anybody provide a link to a Ford Hoop step that coexists with existing rock rails? My Google Fu isn't working so well and this would be the answer to all of my problems!!
THey are coming out, not released yet
WT HOSS 4dr 2.7 MIC Lux Tow
7/16/20 Res -- 1/22/21, 10/8/21 Order -- 3/24/22 VIN -- 5/9/22, 5/23/22, 5/16/22, 6/6/22, 6/17/22 Build 7/15/22 Delivered
TitsLaRue

Rank VI

Feb 23, 2022

#10
giphy-16.gif

Rank V

Feb 24, 2022

#11
TitsLaRue
Can anybody provide a link to a Ford Hoop step that coexists with existing rock rails? My Google Fu isn't working so well and this would be the answer to all of my problems!!

It did not seem to be on their accessories site, as of yesterday.

But it does show up as an option in the B&P.

May the Ford be with you, always.
On Order: Badlands 4-door 2.7, Lux Package, Velocity Blue, non-Sasquatch
JoergH, TitsLaRue

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