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Includes one pair of side bars and mounting hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: SEMI-GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Material: Blank
Color: Black
Side Component Type: Board and Bracket
ARIES 3" side bars are more than a fancy decal for your truck, Jeep or SUV. They are a confident first step on each new adventure. These 3" nerf bars are constructed from strong carbon steel for superior rigidity, and they feature a sleek semi-gloss black powder coat finish. For an added edge, each nerf bar also goes through an E-coat process, before receiving its black powder coat, to strengthen and protect the final finish against peeling, chipping and scratching. ARIES 3" round side bars are also available in polished stainless steel or semi-gloss black powder-coated steel. All ARIES 3" nerf bars come with heavy-duty steel brackets and non-skid step pads. The mounting brackets are strong and custom-designed for specific makes and models to allow the side bars to contour to the lines of your vehicle. They offer easy installation and the strength necessary to provide sound footing. These particular custom nerf bars fit specific years of the Ford Explorer (see application info to verify fitment). ARIES 3" round side bars also come with non-skid step pads made of tough polypropylene. These step pads feature a textured pattern for enhanced safety, and they cover a wide portion of the tubes for a more comfortable step.

Explore ARIES products at TowUniverse for top-tier grille guards, side bars, nerf bars, headache racks, and more. Upgrade your vehicle with ARIES today!
ARIES is a fast-paced marketer and innovator of truck, Jeep, SUV and CUV accessories. From automotive enthusiasts to professional builders, our products are built for the champions of individualism, innovation and attitude.
We offer the perfect combination of unique style and durable construction, specializing in custom-fit grille guards, bull bars, side bars and running boards, as well as Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator accessories.
ARIES products are made vehicle-specific for a custom fit, and they are available for a wide variety of makes and models sold in North America.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2010 | Ford Explorer | Sport Utility · 4-Door | — |
Yes, the ARIES 203018 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BBDR203018) is designed to fit the 2002-2010 Ford Explorer.
The ARIES 203018 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BBDR203018) fits the following vehicles: 2002-2010 Ford Explorer. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The ARIES 203018 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BBDR203018) fits 2002-2010 Ford Explorer models. The 2010 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The ARIES 203018 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Ford Explorer (Part #BBDR203018) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The 203018 Sidebar is designed for 02-10 Ford Explorer 4 Door models. However, the installation procedure differs between 02-05 and 06-07 model years, particularly for rear Mounting Bracket orientation and mounting bolt configuration. Verify your specific model year before purchasing, as the manual does not confirm fitment for 2008-2010 Explorer models or non-4-door variants.
The kit includes: 1 Driver/Left Sidebar, 1 Passenger/Right Sidebar, 3 Driver/Left Mounting Brackets (Front, Center, Rear), 3 Passenger/Right Mounting Brackets (Front, Center, Rear), 4 large Tube Spacers (1" x 3¼"), 2 small Tube Spacers (1" x 2 9/16"), 4 10mm x 120mm Hex Head Bolts, 2 10mm x 100mm Hex Head Bolts, 24 10mm x 30mm Hex Head Bolts, 6 10mm Clip Nuts, 42 10mm Flat Washers, 30 10mm Lock Washers, and 12 10mm Hex Nuts.
Insert the 10mm Clip Nut through the larger factory hole on the driver side floor panel with the threaded nut facing up. Orient the Clip Nut to engage in the smaller hole (Figure 1). If the center factory hole is too small for the Clip Nut, file the Clip Nut until it fits.
Use 2 10mm x 30mm Hex Head Bolts, 2 10mm Hex Nuts, 2 10mm Lock Washers, and 4 10mm Flat Washers to partially hang the driver front Mounting Bracket to the pinch weld (Figure 3). Do not fully tighten until the Sidebar is leveled and adjusted.
The driver front Mounting Bracket uses the 1" x 2 9/16" (smaller) Tube Spacer and a 10mm x 100mm Hex Head Bolt. The center and rear Mounting Brackets use the larger 1" x 3¼" Tube Spacers with 10mm x 120mm Hex Head Bolts.
For 02-05 Explorer models, install the rear Mounting Brackets the way they are stamped. All cradles on both sides should face the rear of the vehicle. Mount with 2 10mm x 30mm Hex Head Bolts per bracket (Figure 5).
For 06-07 Explorer models, swap the rear Mounting Brackets: install the passenger rear Mounting Bracket on the driver rear, and the driver rear Mounting Bracket on the passenger rear. The front and center cradles on both sides should face the rear of the vehicle, and the rear cradles on both sides should face the front of the vehicle. Mount with 1 10mm x 30mm Hex Head Bolt per bracket (Figure 6).
Attach the Sidebar to the Mounting Brackets using 6 10mm x 30mm Hex Head Bolts, 6 10mm Lock Washers, and 6 10mm Flat Washers (Figure 7). Do not tighten until the Sidebar is leveled and adjusted.
Do not tighten any fasteners during initial assembly. After all three Mounting Brackets are partially mounted and the Sidebar is positioned on them, level and adjust the Sidebar, then tighten all hardware at that time.
No drilling is required. The installation uses existing factory holes on the driver side floor panel. However, if the center factory hole is too small for the Clip Nut, you must file the Clip Nut until it fits (Step 5).
The manual does not provide torque specifications for any fasteners. Contact Curt Manufacturing or consult a professional installer for the correct torque values.
Perform periodic inspections to ensure all hardware is secure and tight. The manual does not specify inspection intervals or a detailed maintenance schedule.
The 203018 is designed for 02-10 Ford Explorer 4 Door models. Installation differs for 02-05 and 06-07 model years. Verify your model year before purchasing.
No drilling is required. The installation uses existing factory holes. Filing of the center Clip Nut may be necessary if the factory hole is too small.
Do not tighten any fasteners until the Sidebar is leveled and adjusted. Then tighten all hardware at once.
Torque specifications are not provided in the manual. Contact Curt Manufacturing for this information.
Perform periodic inspections to ensure all hardware remains secure and tight. No specific maintenance schedule is provided.
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