Ranger Raptor Side-Step Removal and Replacement Options

[Narwhal Truck Toppers]

To echo many comments above. We have run the truck hard without steps, and this results in a lot of rock chips. PPF is a must if you’re going to run no side steps long term. We are running RCI sliders now. They look great and add real protection from impacts and debris.

There is debate around whether bolt-on frame sliders could compromise the frame. Only time will tell, as we have not seen anyone report that their frame was bent as a result of a significant impact on the sliders.

There are a few slider options that install in the same area as the factory side steps, and several members seem to be happy with them so far. We have several photos on this forum of our setup, as well as videos on YouTube showing the truck with and without sliders. Hope this helps.

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[Lion77]

Goat Fab Sliders Installed - Big Improvement over Running Boards | Ranger6G - 2024+ Ranger & Raptor Forum, News, Owners, Community (6th Gen)

Another option, particularly the angled one's really tuck up nice by the rockers (I believe they have the same slope angle as the rockers underneath).

Watch the video, unless you're a hard-core rock crawler, I think something like that would work well as rock / salt protection (both crawling / trails and normal driving on gravel roads or salted roads in winter).

Angled ones provided 4 inches more of rocker clearance for 4x4 use. That's usually what gets hung up is the factory side steps which sit at the same height as the frame.

Obviously, it won't help with break-over, but on trails where rocks are in-line with the wheels, it will help a lot, or at angles. I think it's a good improvement without really affecting the overall handling dynamics like a lift / tires will if you're looking to keep it closer to its rally / baja nature like I am.

That's what I'll be moving to as my last mod once the Method gets their darn 705's back in stock for me order. Also upgrading to Rokblokz XL mudflaps over the OE ford ones I have on now (on order).

So far, the factory side steps + Ford OE flaps have done well, but the Method 705's are +35 offset, so that's why I'm upgrading to XL rally style flaps from the OE, due to the wider off-set wheels.

Ford Ranger RAPTOR 2024+ Mud Flaps — RokBlokz

Between those and the angled GOAT sliders + Line X bedliner on my rockers already, should be plenty of protection / rust prevention for the life of the truck, since I'm more into higher speed stuff, I'm not too worried about flaps getting damaged off-road.

I got 18.6k miles on mine, second winter, done OHV parks, hundreds of miles of gravel roads and only 1 small rock chip on drivers' side rear fender which came from another car.

No PPF, just ceramic coating I did myself in the fall to help prevent oxidation / scuffing of the clear coat from road grime, mud and bugs.

 

[adrouin64]

Definitely looks better removed. Definitely takes on more roost w/o them. I haven't seen any aftermarket options that have similar coverage to the stock ones that aren't overbuilt for our needs. I would love to see some aluminum options. Aluminum sliders are pretty popular in the Wrangler world and work well. I don't plan on bashing this one too much, anymore, in the rocks.

I bet I know of a company that could build a pretty sweet set of aluminum ones... They do a ton of work with Ranger Raptors already and are allegedly pretty handy with some aluminum... LOL

 

[AdventureLab]

I bet I know of a company that could build a pretty sweet set of aluminum ones... They do a ton of work with Ranger Raptors already and are allegedly pretty handy with some aluminum... LOL

ha ha. You read my mind. I was just looking at this thread.

Since I removed my OEM steps for Raptor Rally, I have since gotten a few dings in the rear flares. I definitely see the need for some sturdy aluminum sliders. We would definitely want to bolt to the frame and it may make sense to incorporate some type of removable roost guard. From what I can tell, a lot of the roost hitting the rear flare is coming from ricocheting off of the ground, so it's going to be hard to protect without a big guard sticking out from the side of the truck, like the stock steps. Interesting challenge.

 

[adrouin64]

ha ha. You read my mind. I was just looking at this thread.

Since I removed my OEM steps for Raptor Rally, I have since gotten a few dings in the rear flares. I definitely see the need for some sturdy aluminum sliders. We would definitely want to bolt to the frame and it may make sense to incorporate some type of removable roost guard. From what I can tell, a lot of the roost hitting the rear flare is coming from ricocheting off of the ground, so it's going to be hard to protect without a big guard sticking out from the side of the truck, like the stock steps. Interesting challenge.

Definitely let me know when you guys come up with something or if I can help in any way.

I've been wanting to get rid of the stock steps for a while now. I've got a few of your products already and they're holding up nicely!

 

[AdventureLab]

Definitely let me know when you guys come up with something or if I can help in any way.

I've been wanting to get rid of the stock steps for a while now. I've got a few of your products already and they're holding up nicely!

I definitely will. I'll also probably create two threads when we get started, and I'll make sure to tag you in it.

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