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Installed 'Buffalo' Side Steps/Nerf Bars...

12K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  CUPRA 
#1 · (Edited)
Well, I finally got my butt into gear and ordered some side steps/nerf bars. They are 'Buffalo' brand 3" polished steel with black steps on them. Ordered them on Sunday, and they arrived this afternoon. As soon as I got home, I go to work installing them. Opened up the box, to find 2 bars, well packaged in bubble wrap and with foam protection as well, with a box of hardware and installation instructions.

I laid everything out in the garage first, which I am glad I did, as the pictures and the mounting brackets were reversed for the rear mounts, but that's no big deal.

I started with the rear mounts, bolting them to the frame first per the instructions, but come to find that the bolt for the rear control arm gets in the way of the mounting bolt for the side step, so I decide to mount the side step to the bracket before mounting to the Jeep. I balanced the side bar on a cement form tube I had in the garage, which was the perfect solution, just like a second pair of hands!

After that short setback, it was plain sailing from there, bolted everything up on the right side of the Jeep. Over to the drivers side, had a bit more of a problem with the rear mounting bracket, had to adjust it a few times to get it around the bolt for the rear control arm, but finally after a few deep breaths, got it mounted.

Tightened up all the bolts, took off the protective bubble wrap, stood back and admired my work!

I like how it looks on the Jeep - does make me want to get a lift now tho!
The side steps were $100 with $49 shipping, which I thought was an awesome deal and too good to pass up!

Enjoy!
 
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#3 ·
Thanks, I appreciate it.

I bought them from a store on eBay called 'Intrigued'. They sell aftermarket parts for many different types of trucks and SUVs.

Their service was awesome, the bars were $100, and then $49 shipping. I had been watching them for a while now, as the bars used to be about $180 with $49 shipping. At this price, I couldn't pass them up.

I'll take some better pictures this weekend and post them up.
 
#4 ·
Looks great, Make sure you update your garage when the lighting is better.
 
#6 ·
Looks good. I started out with rock rails and Lee wanted more of a step to get into the Commander. I ended up changing to nerf bars similar to the ones that you have. I think you got a much better deal on the price. I think for most of us with kids or a wife it is a more practical solution even it the rock rails might be stronger.
 
#7 ·
Those look good. I'm thinking about doing the same thing as HueyPilot did, don't need the rock rails anymore and would rather have better steps and rain protection for my passengers.

Going to look at the MOPAR side steps as I like the factory look better.
 
#10 ·
yeah thinking about those rails...as I have the rock rails for good now...i could try to piece a rubber plate or something on them as I can almost use them as steps anyway...but I like the look, just not my cup of tea, GOOD JOB
 
#12 ·
Ordered the same ones off "Intrugued" on e-bay, couldn't pass up the price, $100us, and $65 brokerage etc inc. flat shipped to Canada! Plus when I called and had ordered the wind deflectors, he put them in the same package and knocked the shipping down to $52 for everything, great service and 10 days from order to my door.

I also picked up the in channel window deflectors, looks like you Cupra got the exterior mount ones? Our commanders look near identical, well except mines white lol.
Must take pictures tonight!
I had the same installation issues as you did with the rear mounts, the bolt for the nerf bar lines up perfectly with the control arm bolt, had to take it off a couple of times and "play" to get it right, ended up tightening the nerf bar onto the mount snug, lined the rear mount up where it should be, then tightened the nerf bar onto the mount, then bolted the mount to the truck.
The driver side front plate was a little "fun" to get the backing plate with nuts lined up with the openings and bracket, spent a few minutes cursing under the truck on that one.
All in all Very happy with the package and the price is great!
The only thing I'm not so hot about is the mounting of the passenger side front mount where it bolts thru the plastic AC line, going to have to look at modifying that, I didn't want to tighten it too much in fear of cracking the plastic, and want a metal on metal mount vs sandwiching the plastic, I'm not worried about it coming loose, more concerned that my 12 year old son is going to jump on the rail and it'll crack the AC feed.
I think the MOPAR tubular side step mount is a little stronger, but I really like the look of the nerf bars wrapping into the truck rather than 2 tubes bolted to the side, and at a 1/3rd the cost I'm not going to complain (much).
 
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