Aries Sidebars on an '06 Access Cab

[dgbarnes]

My dealer sold me a pair of Aries sidebars for my new '06 Access Cab. The parts manager assured me they were easily-installed and I usually have no problem with things like that.

I had just finished updating the stereo system and decided to unbox them and give it a try. Unfortunately, when I got to the part where you use a 6" bolt to attach the bracket to the fron of the frame, I ran into a problem.

There is a 45-degree brace (it might be the motor mount, but by this time I was too tired, coled and pi$$ed to care) welded to the frame at the point of the bolt holes. At the very least it would have to be drilled, and even then, the Aries bars use a spacer that is not made for a 45-degree angle.

I called Aries and gave him the part number (202003-2) which is listed as being applicable through 2006. He said he would check it out and took my phone number. That was four days ago. I called the next day and was transferred directly to voicemail. I left a message and naturally have yet to hear from them.

The weather's been terrible here in OKC and I really hoped to hear from Aries before I took them back to the dealer. My dealer seems to have an aversion to refunds. And I don't want to pay them to drill a hole and still not have them mounted correctly.

Has anyone successfully installed this model Aries sidebar on an '06 Access Cab? If so, how? I just want to have my ducks in a row (as much as is possible for me) before I take them back to the dealership.

Also, my dealer claims there's no such thing as genuine Toyota step bars for the Tundra. The on-line Toyota Parts division of Toyota of Dallas seems to disagree. I e-mailed them about my problem and they said their application guide said they fit on an '06 Access Cab.

I just want nice step bars/nerf bars. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. And any experience with the Aries could bolster my case with my dealer.

Thanks in advance. This is a GREAT site!

[BaseCamp]

The Aries do not fit the 06 Tundra and forget about hearing back from them. I had purchased a set in May of 06 and saw the same thing you did. The pictures in my set of directions didn't match the parts. The dealer tried to get any kind of help from the factory for 3 months. They never called me back, or answer any of my emails. They did talk to the dealer but never follow up after stating that they would. I stopped payment on my credit card and they finally had UPS pick it up after I threaten to take it to the dumps. It took about 5 months to finally get rid of it.

Purchased a set of Nasta bars last week, got it in 2 days, installed it in 30 minutes.

Your dealer will have to take the bars back because Aries claims "no drilling required".

Good Luck,
BaseCamp

[dgbarnes]

Thanks for the reply BaseCamp. I really wanted confirmation from someone before I went back to the dealership. Like you, I had given up on Aries. I felt they must have been dishonest with me on the one occassion we talked because I would think they would know without "looking into it" whether the bars fit the '06 or not.

And thanks for the tip about Nasta. I'll check into them right away.

I really appreciate your help.

[BaseCamp]

I got my Nasta bars at SVCUSTOMS.com for $250 with free delivery. Best price I could find.