Where Do Westin Tube Steps Install on a 2006 Ford F-250 Regular Cab  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Westin tube steps, # 23-1325, install on the inside of the rocker panels so technically I would say it is neither the frame nor the rocker panel. But it is more the rocker panel.

The installation instructions have the following steps:

1. Remove the contents from the box and check for damage. Verify all parts are present. Read and understand instructions before beginning.
2. Mounting points for the side bar brackets are located on the inside of the vehicles rocker panel. The area behind the front of the rear tire should have four holes and a rec-tangular slot.
3. Install clip nuts into all rectangular slots as shown in figure 1. Some mounting locations will not have provisions for a clip nut.
4. Attach the front driver side mounting bracket with the slot for the side bar facing the front tire. Note: for 2010-on model years place (1) front mounting bracket spacer in between the rocker panel and the mounting bracket before attaching. Use two of the supplied M10 bolts along with flat washers, lock washers, and nuts to attach to the bottom two holes loosely. Use one M10 bolt along with one lock washer to attach bracket to clip nut already installed.
5. Repeat step 3 for remaining brackets, slot for rear bracket faces the rear tire.
6. Attach the driver side bar using the supplied M12 bolts, washers, and lock washers to the mounting bracket slots.
7. Align side bar and then tighten all remaining hardware.

I actually own a set of Westin tube steps almost exactly like these. I have had them for almost three years and I live in Missouri. I am a hefty guy and have not had a problem with them at all. I can stand on them and there is no play at all.

On many vehicles, tube steps have to attach to the rocker panels because the frame rails are too far under the vehicle. The brackets would have to be very long and the longer the bracket the more torque would be put on the mounting location, like using a cheater bar to loosen a lug nut on a wheel.

expert reply by: Michael H

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