Availability of Frame Mounted Nerf Bars for 1989 Ford Bronco

Updated 03/01/2026 | Published 02/15/2026

Question:

Im finding most steps and nerf bars mount to the vehicle rocker panels. I want frame mounted products. Does the Westin 23-0535 nerf bar mount to the frame? if not, do you have any that do?

asked by: Kevin R

Expert Reply:

Hi Kevin; all of the nerf bars like the # 23-0530 for your 1989 Bronco are going to mount on the rocker panels. I don't know of any frame mounted options for this vehicle. If you are really set on mounting to the frame you will have to have custom brackets fabricated locally to make it work.

expert reply by: Robin H

Westin E-Series Round Nerf Bars
(click to enlarge)

Kevin R.

2/19/2026

Thank you, I'll investigate that option.

Robin H.

2/19/2026

@KevinR you're welcome.

David D.

3/1/2026

@KevinR I was able to get the 23-0530 nerf bar kit to mount to the frame of my 89 bronco but not exactly as the instructions state. The front of the bars attached exactly as the instructions stated and is securely attached to the frame. However, if I remember right, the instructions wanted the rear end of the nerf bar to connect to the frame by way of a substantial metal clip that goes over the horizontal lower lip of the main frame rail, bolt to an oval bar that then bolts securely to the rear end of the nerf bar. The metal clip was supposed to be mounted to the rear of where the nerf bar was supposed to connect to the oval bar. These instructions work great for an f150 or longer truck with a longer frame raul but the Bronco has a shorter wheel base and the clip could not be mounted on the frame rear of the nerf bar due to interferences with the front leaf spring mount. I ended up mounting the clip forward of the Nerf bar connection to the oval bar. This still wasn't straightforward as the frame rail is turning up at the point the clip has to go. The clip would not simply slide on so it could be bolted in place. HOWEVER, with a hammer, I was able to drive the clip on the slanting frame rail as the clip spread just a little after applying this force. Then I bolted the clip in place per the instructions and mounted the rear end of the nerf bar to the oval bar rearward of the clip. The end result was the nerf bars are securely mounted and I can bounce my fat ass on them with no give. I included my email in this response so if you send me your email, I'll send you pictures of how I deviated from the instructions for the rear frame mount, but made it work.