I recently installed AMP Research powers steps. they cost about $1300 Cdn (from National4wd in Burlington) and with receipt and one box top will get a free bumper step (or bed extender) through AMP Reaserch.
The install by the instruction is 3 hours and difficulty of 4/4. It took me about 4-5 hours and it was cold out and I was in no hurry. The most difficult part for me was removing my instrument cluster.
AMP Research's step kit includes everything needed including LED lights. My kit is for the quad cab and mega cab 2002-2008. The light wiring is part of the wiring harness for the power step so I assume that the lights weren't included when these steps first came out. The steps tuck up nicely under the vehicle when stowed and when deployed make a comfortable step up in a stock height 4x4. The step is less than halfway (10") than the floor height of 24", so even with a mild lift it'll still be comfortable. AMP R. does offer extend arms of an additional 2".
The instruction were alright using mainly pictograms. Being for both quad and mega cab I roughly followed dimensions on light placement. A couple of pics before we get any further:
Steps installed and retracted - hidden;
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Steps deployed;
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Bracket arms were pretty easy to install using existing holes for the main blots and by drilling two holes per bracket for pop rivets. A right angle drill would be useful or these holes or a compact drill as you have about 8" clearance between frame and door sill. I didn't drill or rivet yet, I'll see how it holds up, checking bollts periodically. I don't want to invite rust if I can avoid it. Using the existing holes per the instruction it seems that the brackets are not in the optimal position asthetically or dirctly under foot when climbing into the back. Small price to pay for not having to drill those holes.
The wiring harness is top notch and correctly laid out with just enough length. The powered arms are mounted forward with unpowered arms aft. Four wires must run into the cab through the firewall. This is my only complaint with this product. The instructions show a simple pictograph of where the wires enter the cab underneath the vehicle. It was hard to decipher but seemed to shoe it going through the steering column boot. It seem a difficult place to access so I looked around for a better point, even if I had to drill. As luck would have it I found a rubber firewall plug to the 10 o'clock position of the brake master cylinder (see pic). Fantastic location as it brings the wires in above the accelerator pedel where it will go in behind the instrument cluster. I'm going to use this plug later should I mount an external gps antenae or other electrics.
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The hardest part of the install was getting the instrument cluster out, there just didn't have the room until I finally figured out how to unplug the 3 harnesses at the back. I had to tap into four wires in the back of the middle harness. They are for the "door ajar" idiot light. I had to identify 4 of the six violet wires on the oem harness but it was without difficult. I use the supplied power taps (first time using them and much nicer than thiose old blue power taps. It might've been posible to follow this harness down and tap in lower (and not mess with the cluster) but this way I was sure to get the right wires and there is room behind the gauges.
the rest of the harness was easy the controller and two wires in the the engine compartment (positive right to the battery, the the negative to chassis close by). Also an inline fuse. Then route the wires down avoiding moving parts ar heat scources.
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Plug the wires into the motors then two pig tails either side for the lights. Again I differed from the instructions to position the light where feet would step. The lights require drilling through spot welds on the bottom body seem and crimping. Job done.
The lights;
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I really love these steps, they comfortable, wide (6") and again in an appropriate location. They fully hide when retracted (I'm not keen on the look of steps), extend fast enough to be there when you want it. They only extend when one of the doors on that side are opened (all four lights light up regardless of what door is opened). They are also presuure sensitive, put some weight on the step as you cliose the door and it won't retract.
Time will tell if they last through our Canadian winters with slush build up, salt and the like. But after one day, at this time, I highly recommend them. Just cant wait for my bumper step (which, originally, is the only item I was going to buy - oops)
The install by the instruction is 3 hours and difficulty of 4/4. It took me about 4-5 hours and it was cold out and I was in no hurry. The most difficult part for me was removing my instrument cluster.
AMP Research's step kit includes everything needed including LED lights. My kit is for the quad cab and mega cab 2002-2008. The light wiring is part of the wiring harness for the power step so I assume that the lights weren't included when these steps first came out. The steps tuck up nicely under the vehicle when stowed and when deployed make a comfortable step up in a stock height 4x4. The step is less than halfway (10") than the floor height of 24", so even with a mild lift it'll still be comfortable. AMP R. does offer extend arms of an additional 2".
The instruction were alright using mainly pictograms. Being for both quad and mega cab I roughly followed dimensions on light placement. A couple of pics before we get any further:
Steps installed and retracted - hidden;
Steps deployed;
Bracket arms were pretty easy to install using existing holes for the main blots and by drilling two holes per bracket for pop rivets. A right angle drill would be useful or these holes or a compact drill as you have about 8" clearance between frame and door sill. I didn't drill or rivet yet, I'll see how it holds up, checking bollts periodically. I don't want to invite rust if I can avoid it. Using the existing holes per the instruction it seems that the brackets are not in the optimal position asthetically or dirctly under foot when climbing into the back. Small price to pay for not having to drill those holes.
The wiring harness is top notch and correctly laid out with just enough length. The powered arms are mounted forward with unpowered arms aft. Four wires must run into the cab through the firewall. This is my only complaint with this product. The instructions show a simple pictograph of where the wires enter the cab underneath the vehicle. It was hard to decipher but seemed to shoe it going through the steering column boot. It seem a difficult place to access so I looked around for a better point, even if I had to drill. As luck would have it I found a rubber firewall plug to the 10 o'clock position of the brake master cylinder (see pic). Fantastic location as it brings the wires in above the accelerator pedel where it will go in behind the instrument cluster. I'm going to use this plug later should I mount an external gps antenae or other electrics.
The hardest part of the install was getting the instrument cluster out, there just didn't have the room until I finally figured out how to unplug the 3 harnesses at the back. I had to tap into four wires in the back of the middle harness. They are for the "door ajar" idiot light. I had to identify 4 of the six violet wires on the oem harness but it was without difficult. I use the supplied power taps (first time using them and much nicer than thiose old blue power taps. It might've been posible to follow this harness down and tap in lower (and not mess with the cluster) but this way I was sure to get the right wires and there is room behind the gauges.
the rest of the harness was easy the controller and two wires in the the engine compartment (positive right to the battery, the the negative to chassis close by). Also an inline fuse. Then route the wires down avoiding moving parts ar heat scources.
Plug the wires into the motors then two pig tails either side for the lights. Again I differed from the instructions to position the light where feet would step. The lights require drilling through spot welds on the bottom body seem and crimping. Job done.
The lights;
I really love these steps, they comfortable, wide (6") and again in an appropriate location. They fully hide when retracted (I'm not keen on the look of steps), extend fast enough to be there when you want it. They only extend when one of the doors on that side are opened (all four lights light up regardless of what door is opened). They are also presuure sensitive, put some weight on the step as you cliose the door and it won't retract.
Time will tell if they last through our Canadian winters with slush build up, salt and the like. But after one day, at this time, I highly recommend them. Just cant wait for my bumper step (which, originally, is the only item I was going to buy - oops)
