Buy Ford Ranger Bumper Step Pad

Overview

The bumper step pad-also called a tread pad, step tread, or rear-bumper protector-is the textured plastic strip that sits on top of the Ford Ranger's rear bumper. It gives you safe footing when you climb into the bed and shields the painted bumper from scuffs and dents. The pad for the current U.S. Ranger (2019-2023) snaps into pre-molded slots with hidden clips and needs no screws. Older Rangers use a very similar clip system, so the basic job of the part has stayed the same for almost three decades. (Ford Parts, ranger-forums.com)

Fit & Years

• Current generation (2019-2023) - Center pad fits XL, XLT, and Lariat trims with or without tow package. Ford part numbers often start with KB3Z-17B807-. (Ford Parts)
• Prior generations (1993-2011 U.S.) - Many pads from 1997 through 2005 swap directly because Ford kept the same clip spacing. (ranger-forums.com)
• Check sensors - Trucks with parking sensors need the pad that has pre-cut round ports; others do not.
• Cab & bed style - On earlier models the Fleetside/Styleside beds share the same rear pad, while the older "Splash" step-side bed uses a shorter pad.

Materials & Design

• Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) or high-impact polypropylene (PP) is common for Ranger pads because it shrugs off UV, road salt, and small impacts. (Advanced Plastiform, Inc., industrialcustom.com)
• A raised diamond or ribbed texture boosts grip and channels away rain, cutting slip risk even with muddy boots. (Lapeyre Stair, gratingpacific.com)
• Hidden nylon or composite push-clips flex so the pad can be removed without special tools. (JustAnswer)

Installation Steps

1. Lower the tailgate for working room.
2. From under the bumper, squeeze each plastic tab with pliers while gently lifting the pad from above. No screws are used on 2019-2023 trucks.
3. Clean the metal bumper top; leftover grit can trap water.
4. Align new pad; press firmly until every clip "clicks."
5. If the bumper itself was removed, tighten the 10 mm bolts to 32 ft-lb (Class 8.8 steel), per a Ranger rear-bumper service guide. (Stage 3 Motorsports)

Tip: Work in warm weather; cold plastic is harder to flex.

Care & Maintenance

• Wash with mild car-wash soap, not solvent, to avoid drying the plastic.
• A silicone-free plastic restorer keeps the step tread from fading gray.
• Check clips twice a year; if the pad lifts at one corner it can whistle at highway speed.
• Replace cracked pads quickly-exposed metal underneath can rust.

Common Problems

← scroll table horizontally →

Safety & Rules

The textured pad lowers slip-and-fall risk, an OSHA focus area that costs industry billions yearly. (slipnot.com) Ford has issued recalls on some Rangers, but none involve the step pad; always check Ford's recall lookup tool for your VIN. (Ford Motor Company) If you carry rooftop loads or step on the bumper often, replacing a smooth or worn pad can be an inexpensive safety upgrade.

Related Upgrades

• Full-width steel bumper - Adds integrated tow shackle mounts; retains plastic tread insert. (Exp-One)
• Bolt-on hitch step - Slides into the 2-inch receiver to create a second landing spot.
• Bed-side steps & running boards - Pair with the bumper pad for three-point access.
• Spray-on bed liner - Prevents slips once you're in the bed.

Environmental Notes

Modern TPO and PP bumper pads are fully recyclable. Recycling cuts manufacturing energy use up to 40 %, according to polymer industry data. (industrialcustom.com) Many municipalities accept these plastics at automotive-parts drop-off sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need special tools to change the Ranger bumper step pad?
A: No. A flat screwdriver or plastic trim tool and small pliers are usually enough to release the push-tabs. (JustAnswer)

Q: Will a pad from a 2005 Ranger fit my 1998 truck?
A: Yes. Forum users have confirmed direct interchange because Ford kept the same bumper shell and clip spacing for those years. (ranger-forums.com)

Q: What is the pad made from?
A: It is molded from UV-stable thermoplastic olefin (TPO) or polypropylene, both tough automotive plastics. (Advanced Plastiform, Inc.)

Q: How much weight can I put on it?
A: The pad itself handles over 300 lb, but the real limit is the steel bumper structure, which far exceeds that in normal use.

Q: The texture is slippery after waxing my truck-how do I fix it?
A: Degrease with warm soapy water; never wax the pad. A rubber-safe cleaner restores grip.

Q: Can I paint the step tread?
A: Paint rarely bonds long-term to flexible TPO. A better option is using a trim-restoration dye made for plastics.

Q: How long does a replacement take?
A: Swapping just the pad takes about 15 minutes once you remove the old clips.

Q: Are there sensor holes in every pad?
A: Only Rangers with parking assist have pre-molded holes. Choose the correct style for your truck. (Ford Parts)

Q: Does a cracked pad fail inspection?
A: No, but sharp edges can be a safety hazard and may draw attention during a walk-around check.

Q: Is there a recall on Ranger bumper pads?
A: As of May 2025 no U.S. recall targets the pad, but you can verify open actions using Ford's online recall finder. (Ford Motor Company)

Q: Can one person install it?
A: Yes. The part is light, and no bumper removal is required on most trucks.

Q: Does removing the pad affect backup sensors?
A: Temporarily yes, because the sensor bodies stay clipped to the pad on sensor-equipped models. Unplug them before pulling the old pad.

Q: What torque spec should I use if I also loosened the bumper bolts?
A: Tighten 10 mm bumper-to-frame bolts to 32 ft-lb per the Ranger rear-bumper installation sheet. (Stage 3 Motorsports)

Q: How can I make the pad last longer in sun-heavy areas?
A: Wash monthly and apply a UV-blocking trim conditioner every three months.

Q: Do aftermarket metal tread plates fit the Ranger bumper?
A: Universal aluminum tread plates can be riveted on, but you must drill the bumper; this can void corrosion-perforation warranty.

Further Reading

• Ford official parts catalog-useful for verifying the latest part numbers. (Ford Parts)
• Ranger enthusiast forum threads on bumper swap compatibility. (The Ranger Station)
• NHTSA recall database for safety bulletins. (NHTSA Static)
• Polymer industry brief on TPO durability in auto trim. (industrialcustom.com)

These resources will help you dig deeper into fitment, maintenance, and safety topics around the Ford Ranger bumper step pad.