Just got an F150 4wd extended cab that is a little higher than what I
used to drive. I need to add some running boards/steps.

The problem is the "wife to be" has rheumatoid arthritis which makes the
climb a little difficult at times. Looking around at commercially
available steps and running boards, it seems that you gain only about 4
inches in reduced step height. This may be a little too high still on
the "bad" days.

Anyone know of a brand that hangs a tad bit lower than the others?
Dropping a good 6 inches would be nice and would still be only slightly
lower than the frame (I don't intend to need super high clearance for
off road stuff)

*metalworking content* I could fab my own but I'm not sure it's worth
the hassle consdering the bolt-ons available (assuming I can find a
slightly lower set). The other option is modifying a mount spacer to
make an off the shelf unit sit a little lower. Anyone built their own
or have any comments on the mount/system to lower the step up? I'd love
to use a lineal actuator to make a lowering step but I think that's a
project that would never get past the planning stage due to time. RV
versions of this tend to be a little spendy and will probably be a bit
of a hassle to mount.

Koz

I think, in your situation, you could purchase a nice (decent) set of
"nerf bars" which are the "tube" type steps which extend out from
under the truck and act as a step. I believe most are "bent down" a
little bit - and I was thinking you could :
1... Make up a spacer of sorts, to lower down the mounting point from
the frame, and it's thickness could be whatever you needed.
2... If (and I say *if* because I don't know for sure) the mounting
ends of the nerf bars are still tubular in shape, you could mount a
spacer to the underside of the frame, then a round "socket" for the
end of the nerf bar to slip into.... the nerf bar could be slipped
into place, your lady could then enter the vehicle, the nerf bar could
be removed (only for ground clearance problems) and stored in the back
of your cab. Upon arrival at your destination, you could insert the
nerf bar again for exiting the vehicle... because you are the
gentleman that you are - you will be there to open her door for her
anyway....
Ken.