About to install Amp Research Powersteps - Any tips?

weagle99 · July 19, 2013

My Powersteps should be here tomorrow. Install seems straight forward enough but I have never removed the door panels on my SLT before and am worried they won't re-attach tightly. Anyone here install these powered running boards before? Any tips on the install?

TIA

AgDoctor · July 19, 2013

Watch the YouTube video on the door panel removal for your truck. If never done it can be a little tricky.

Other than the tools required a flashlight helps a lot when trying to feed the wires through the rubber door grommet.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

weagle99 · July 21, 2013

Thanks for the reply. I installed these this weekend. What a great addition to the truck. Expensive but man are they a high quality piece of gear.

Some tips for those who might this thread in the future:

- Motorized linkages are hard to install in the 'down' position but seem to tighten down better with the aluminum blocks supplied. The arms are not supposed to touch the aluminum blocks - I had to grind some clearance into the blocks but I think part of the problem was that I was initially installing the motorized linkages in the 'up' position without the motors.

- There is a middle tab on the seat side of the switch plates on the door panels that needs to be pressed in with a small screwdriver while removing them from the door panels.

- I couldn't get the rear tab to release on either sill plate and ended up breaking them off. Luckily there is a metal clip close to that location that holds the sills down fine.

- On my truck there was a plastic body plug in the passenger floor panel that I drilled through to get the wires into the cab - no drilling of sheet metal required.

- The supplied wire connectors with the kit work much better than normal t-tabs for splicing into the wires.

- Plastic trim pry bars are worth their weight in gold for removing the door panels.

- Allow yourself about 7 hours to do the install if it is your first one. Lots of time but if you are mechanically inclined you can do it - just take your time. The instructions with the kit are very good.

I highly recommend these!

-

Prokopchuk_9 · July 21, 2013

Mine are ok, just make sure you keep them lubed up. I've taken them apart and cleaned/greased the pins also.

In extreme cold weather I pull the fuse,

Because they get really stiff and you can hear the motors struggle.

For instal, don't use butt connectors. Try to solder everything you can and shrink wrap everything. Other than that install is pretty straight forward...

weagle99 · July 21, 2013

Do you lube the gear train? What type of lube?

Have you ever gone through a water crossing with them and had any problems?

AgDoctor · July 21, 2013

I never take mine apart. I don't encounter any salt though. I do however go through mud every day...dirt road home. I use WD40. Keep a can in the toolbox and give a spray now and then. Works great and doesn't leave mush of a film.

I didn't break anything during my install. They are expensive but I'll never go back to regular bars. These are light years better and the truck looks better without those ground effect looking chrome bars, unless you like that kinda thing.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Prokopchuk_9 · July 21, 2013

I just took them apart after the winter for that exact reason, the salt got into the pins. One of the pins felt worn too so I machined a new one, going to check the others after this winter.

I don't use wd40 to lube stuff, wd40 is meant for cleaning IMO. It probly works tho. I use grease, I use a little needle bearing greaser push it in there. It works great.

Next spring I plan on making all new pins, and putting a grease hole thru the pins with one hole at a 90* angle to the thru hole. Drilled and tapped on one end for grease zerk. That would make life easier.