What kind of step to use on a taller truck?

[firefighter]

I had a 2" lift kit on my truck previously and now I've upped it to a 4" lift with 33" tires.
Even with just the 2" kit, sometimes the truck was hard to get up into if you were in cold weather clothes (or my wife in a tight skirt). 

I'm thinking I may add some kind of step but would appreciate a bit of feedback.
First of all, I don't want something that is flimsy or something that will rust. I've seen my share of rusted out tubular steel nerf bars and I refuse to even install something that will rust.

I have a 1976 single cab 3/4 ton 4x4.
My options are either stainless bars or steps, right? Do both these items mount directly to the chassis?
If someone could link me to a thread where this has been discussed before or even show some pictures of what they have done, that would be great.

Thanks guys.

[bake74]

     After market step should mount to the frame rails.  That is where you will get the most support.  In the past I have always built my own steps, I like doing that and they are more durable.
    All you have to do is search on the internet for truck steps, and you will have a night worth of reading and all the pics you can handle.  The aftermarket is overloaded with steps for trucks and suvs.

[heavychevy91]

I dont know how creative you want to get but ive seen steps made form a section of 1/2 chain with about 8 inches welded solid to make a sturdy step that can survive off road.

[1979C20]

The steps on my parents trucks mount to the body mounts. They are plenty sturdy.

[ehjorten]

I've got something like the Bully Aluminum Truck Steps on my '77.  I think something like that would be the only thing that would look good on a regular cab.  My '91 Crew Cab doesn't have anything and it has 8" of lift.  I kind of like it that way.  I just step in, no problem!  My wife and kids however have to be lifted in!    I would think that 4" of lift would be easy to get into without any steps.

[bake74]

     Some people like steps so they don't tear up the edge of their seats.

[beastie_3]

I have Carr hoop steps and they are great. Made of aluminum so they wont rust, and attach to the pinch weld.

[ehjorten]

I have Carr hoop steps and they are great. Made of aluminum so they wont rust, and attach to the pinch weld.

That's the name of the ones on my '77.  I couldn't remember.  They are nice and solid even mounted to the lower body seam.

Bake74...I don't know how you would tear-up the edges in a seat without steps.  I don't seem to have any problem.  I really wanted to put in the Amp Research PowerSteps, but I would have to relocate the fuel tanks to a Suburban style one in order for the steps to retract under the body.

[Da67goatman]

I would look into something automatic and retracting, like the Escalades.  They sell universal kits or you could design your own.

http://www.electricstep.com/electricstep.asp?Action=4&k=Retractable-Running-Boards&PageID=10577

Or... my personal favorite... convert to air ride and just lower the whole truck 

[Irish_Alley]

1k+ for a step lol

[firefighter]

I have Carr hoop steps and they are great. Made of aluminum so they wont rust, and attach to the pinch weld.

I like the looks of the Carr or Bully aluminum steps too. I don't need a full nerf bar.
I just hate the thought of drilling and mounting into the pinch weld / rocker area.

Would anyone happen to have a picture of how exactly these steps mount down under the rocker?

[bake74]

 [/quote]
  Bake74...I don't know how you would tear-up the edges in a seat without steps.  I don't seem to have any problem.   
[/quote]

     I see people all the time when the vehicle's are too tall for them, slide to the outside edge of the seat, and then slide off to fall to the ground, and have seen a lot of seats wear out because of this.  It makes it easier for them to get in and out with steps (my wife will attest to this).

     

I would look into something automatic and retracting, like the Escalades.  They sell universal kits or you could design your own.
 

     Da67goatman, I have done this on several jeeps, and they are nice.  I plan on doing something along these lines on my 74, along with grab handles inside the cab. (once again, wife's request, or else she doesn't want to ride with me  )

     On my 2000 Gmc crew, 4x4 I went with Westin brand steps ( I have the classic style H.D. GMC ), I wanted black steps for the crew cab, and bolt on ( no drilling or welding, bolts on to body mount bolts with brackets), It makes my wife happy which in turn makes me happy.

[beastie_3]

Look at diagram A

http://carr.com/uploads/instructions/103991.pdf

Two bolts and two screws. If youre worried about rust, you can use stainless hardware and use silicone