OK. Nerf bar questions.
I am going to re-word this. Trying to keep it simple.
Are the mounting locations and brackets for nerf bars all the same on Quad Cab models from , lets say 2004 thru 2010 on 1500 series trucks?
I am only asking because it seems there are places slapping different part numbers on the same set of bars. 2002 thru 2008 seem to all work together.
Why not 2009-2011?
So in theory I could buy a set of "blemished bars" meant for a 2009 and perhaps a different bracket set?
I sure as heck am not going to pay ridiculous money for them in any situation.
I have a hard enough time working just to put gas into my truck.

 

I am not sure about the forth gen being the same, the manafacturs have a vested intrest in making sure things are just different enough so that you have to buy new accessories. That being said there is a ton of used sets out there from guys taking them off that you should have no trouble finding a nice deal. Just try craigslist or Kijiji.

 

Different cab/bed dimensions and I wouldn't be surprised at all if the mounting brackets holes not only didn't line up, but might even be shaped/patterned differently.

If you can weld and have a means to custom fab brackets, then you could make them go no matter what you run into. Otherwise, buy the proper nerf for your year/model. There are a lot of "no-name" brands out there that are dirt cheap if you are looking to save money...

 

eBay has ~$100 steps. I have seen steps listed for 02-08 and 09-10 but not the whole range.

 

Yeah. Bummer.
I kinda figured they would be different.
I was kind hoping someone here had already done something similar.
With my truck being an 04 model. It is hard to find an affordable set.
Some of the newer models, sets are cheaper.
I have looked on CL and Ebay. Nothing in my area "yet".
And alot of people are asking darn near new price for used + shipping.
And Yes I am a cheapskate. HA!
I have been looking at the dirt cheap ones on ebay as well.
But you do get what you pay for.
Eventually I will find some middle gound
Decisions, decisions.

Anybody owned or have expierience with TruckChamp brand?
Claim to be T-304 16 guage polished for $130 plus $20 shipping.
Kinda wary to pull the trigger on those.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Shame you weren't looking about two years ago. I got tired of tripping over my black Westins that I originally had on my '04 in my storage shed and sold them on here (or DT, I can't remember) for $125. They were on my truck all of 6 months before I did an about face and went stainless and diamond plate instead of black trim pieces and accessories.

I've had a couple cheap sets over the years. Hit and miss, some that were every bit as good as Westin and some that pitted or rusted or lost a step pad on the highway in no time...