Side Step Bar Installation Question - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

Lexus Luthor · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 11:52 AM

I have a question regarding the installation of my Challenger Side Step bars on my Double Cab...

I read the installation instructions and they said to use the existing/factory "threaded holes" and screw/nut on the truck. I looked this morning and must be lame because I can't seem to find them. Any suggestions??
I did see some of what looked like black metal (or very hard plastic) hole plugs but did not have time to investigate much further.

Anyone ever installed side step bars?....Do you have any instalation tips? Do I need to drill any holes or anything?

**Mods...please do not move and burry my post. I need some quick input on this subject...

aspenh1 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 01:01 PM

Is it nerf bars or the factory steps? Iinstalled westin nerf and had to use the predrilled holes on the frame. Worked flawlessly. 30 total to do both sides. Think this is what they are talking about?

Lexus Luthor · #3 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 01:19 PM

They are the nerf bar style bars. Not the factory running boards. BUT they are the "Challenger Tube Steps" that you can order from Toyota as a factory option.

Here is a link to a picture of what they look like on another members truck.

Side Step pic 1
Side Step Pic 2

Stargazer · #4 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexus Luthor

I read the installation instructions and they said to use the existing/factory "threaded holes" and screw/nut on the truck. [/b]

When I removed the running boards from my Sequoia I noticed that in addition to the threaded holes where they were screwed on, there were additional threaded holes on the same line along the length of the vehicle. I assumed that these would be extra support for step bars. All the threaded holes were along the bottom "pan" or "floor" of the vehicle. (I don't know the proper term.)

The holes were not covered at all but did not look that big so it may be easy to miss. I wonder if the Tundra is similar?

RWK · #5 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexus Luthor

I have a question regarding the installation of my Challenger Side Step bars on my Double Cab...

I read the installation instructions and they said to use the existing/factory "threaded holes" and screw/nut on the truck. I looked this morning and must be lame because I can't seem to find them. Any suggestions??
I did see some of what looked like black metal (or very hard plastic) hole plugs but did not have time to investigate much further.

Anyone ever installed side step bars?....Do you have any instalation tips? Do I need to drill any holes or anything?

**Mods...please do not move and burry my post. I need some quick input on this subject...

Just checked under my DC and found 3 threaded holes and 3 threaded studs spaced out at 22" below the doors on each side. The 3 threaded holes are clustered near the front below both front doors.

Lexus Luthor · #6 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 08:00 PM

Thanks guys...I just got an email from Steve G @ Carson Toyota and he said that they are under the plastic plugs that I was seeing. I will have to look more carefully.

Thing is that I need to be able to mount 4 brackets to support the running board. I guess the challenger bars are a bit different than most standard nerf bar styles.

Anyone else w/ any expeirence?

Thanks again, This is why this site is so cool.

xedge · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexus Luthor

Thanks guys...I just got an email from Steve G @ Carson Toyota and he said that they are under the plastic plugs that I was seeing. I will have to look more carefully.

Thing is that I need to be able to mount 4 brackets to support the running board. I guess the challenger bars are a bit different than most standard nerf bar styles.

Anyone else w/ any expeirence?

Thanks again, This is why this site is so cool.

I have the OEM Challenger side steps on my 04 DC & you've seen my pics. The bolts are on the underside of the body, but mine were not covered with plastic. Maybe on some models they were? I actually re-used them because they seem to be better quality as opposed to the ones that came with the kit.

Installation took about 1hr (+/-) & it was completely bolt-on, no drilling. Get your hangers set, but don't make them tight because you gotta have some wiggle room when you attach the steps. Once you got the steps anchored, tighten everything up as per the directions. A real snap.

I am really happy with them. It makes getting in and out so much easier, saves dings in the parking lot, less wear & tear on my seat plus grabbing stuff in the middle of the back seat isn't quite a chore anymore.

Enjoy your mod!

Lexus Luthor · #8 (**permalink**) 06-04-2004, 01:20 AM

xedge...thanks for the tips. I am going to install this weekend. Thanks again. And I got them for the very reasons you posted that they are good for.