Running Board Option For A 1996 Ford Bronco Full Size

Updated 08/07/2025 | Published 08/06/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Aries RidgeStep Running Boards - 6-1/2" Wide - Black Powder Coated Steel - 53" Long

(81)

$276.07

Westin E-Series Round Nerf Bars - 3" - Black Powder Coated Steel

(114)

$246.49

Question:

The list if fits for Part Number: AAC2853 does not go back to 1996. Does that mean it doesnt fit anything that old or the list just doesnt go back that far? Im looking for that running board or something very close for a 1996 Ford Bronco full size. Can you assist?

asked by: Craig M

Expert Reply:

Hi Craig!

My buddy had a full size '94 Bronco in high school and always liked it. Was slightly faster than my full size '92 Blazer, but I got slightly better gas milage. : P

Anyway, there was a generation change in 1997 for the Ford trucks and that is why you aren't seeing your Bronco listed as a fit. I checked with Aries and the RidgeStep Running Boards - 6-1/2" Wide - Black Powder Coated Steel - 53" Long # AAC2853 are not going to fit, unfortunately.

The closest we have to that style, which I will admit isn't that close, is the Westin E-Series Round Nerf Bars - 3" - Black Powder Coated Steel # 23-0535. Are you trying to emulate the factory side steps some of the Bronco's came with?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Westin E-Series 23-0535 90s Bronco
(click to enlarge)

Craig

8/6/2025

Hi Lazer. Thanks for the effort and research. Greatly appreciated. The Bronco has about a 4" lift on it (+/-) so it is high and difficult to get into. I have old Westin nerf bars like the picture you posted. I'm not really a fan of those - unless it had a step welded just below the round bar. I want something that looks great - tough but not too tough. Definitely not the stock running boards (Eddie Bauer edition). I keep saying "running boards" but I really want black welded steel boards with a drop step welded under it. something along the lines of the GO RHINO RB30 DROP STEP RUNNING BOARDS (from a different website - sorry. I'm open to suggestions! Craig

Lazer S.

8/7/2025

@Craig Those GO RHINO RB30 steps are pretty cool and I think I have seen a few of them around. Can see why you would want something like that with a 4" lift. I couldn't find anything like that online for your Bronco, but I may (emphasis on may) have a stepping off point. Pun intended. The DeeZee Brite-Tread Running Boards - 6" Wide - Aluminum Tread Plate # DZ2017 is for a regular cab '96 F150 and these are cab length steps. I couldn't find the exact length of the steps, but the shipping length is 60". The wheelbase of your Bronco is 104" so this could, theoretically, be made to fit with some modifications. They also only come in polished aluminum, so you would need to paint them black. From there, you could use something like the Carr Custom-Fit Side Steps - Super Hoop - Black Powder Coated Aluminum - 17" Step - 1 Pair # CARR120251 or 7" Step - 1 Pair # CARR102521 to add that second step. This would put more torque on the DeeZee step so I would try to beef up the support brackets somehow, but I think this could be a cool look once done.