Anyone one have any pictures of side nerf bars installed on a 1983 4x4?

 

Can you post some pictures of your nerf bars? They probably have brackets for attaching to the truck.

I would assume you mount them to the frame, but you know what assuming means....

 

To drill or to weld is up to you, as well as choosing to gusset or use anti crush tubes.

The typical location is just below the tire centerline, such that if you are sliding over some obstacles the tires can pick up and climb over.

 

when I had my old 84 with nerf bars I sort of remember the rear of them mounting to the rear spring mount, but sold that thing 21 years ago and the nerf bars got bent to crap in the days before sliders

 

If you're talking about some old Smittybuilt nerf bars (as opposed to modern rock sliders), the front mounts require unbolting the transmission crossmember and dropping it down just enough to get the nerf bar mount between the frame and crossmember. The rears do require drilling through the frame. Adding some sort of plate on the inside of the frame is highly recommended.
I know this because I just removed the ones that had been on my truck about a year ago.
See profile pic for what it looked like when they were on. (nevermind, guess they don't really show up, just the old Smitty front bumper)

 

 

 

Yup, those are the same as my old ones.
The horizontal flat bar goes between the frame and crossmember at the front 2 bolt holes.
Glad to help!

 

 

not a spacer, "a plate on the inside(backside) of the frame" this acts as a load spreader.. If they are mounted with just a lock washer the stress point is very small and will cause a deformation which can lead to them tearing through the frame and pulling free. Just by torqueing them down you can get a dimple effect which will open up the hole you drill, add some load from impacts or using them.for loading and soon enough they are just hanging off the front mounts..

At the very least you want thick wide "fender" washers between the lock washer and the frame.

This is essentially the anti crush tube I was speaking about, but more diy friendly as it doesn't require a welder to secure the tube.

 

^^
What he said.

 

 

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Might have to wait for Bingle to post and see if he recalls how his were mounted.

Grab some measurements from the front mount's rear hole to the rear mounts front hole as well as how far the hoop sticks out from the frame/mounts. Someone with the frame section of a service manual can tell you for certain if these are regular or extra cab, or maybe something not.designed for the 83 Yoda.

 

 

Sorry, just saw this. Yeah, you likely have shortbox bars so you will have to do some custom work if you want them to go on your longbed. IIRC, mine lined up fine behind that mount. Between those cutouts in the frame maybe?
I would guess that vintage longbed Smitty's would be near unobtainable.