2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Homemade wheel to wheel step bars

[JBodenhamer]

After a few winters here in NY, the step bars on my 2001 quad cab are about to give up the ghost to rust. I like the N-Fab wheel to wheel bars, but they are really pricey! I have access to fabrication assets and know how to weld, so the work of making the bars is not too challenging for me. What I am curious of is if anyone has done this, and if so, if they either have some plans for them or suggestions of the best way to mount them. My current tube ones mount to the cab mounting bolts with support straps drilled into the cab metal. I do not really want to replicate this design. was thinking of mounting to frame, but do not want to drill many(preferably no) holes. Rust here is a major challenge to deal with. Truck was bought new in TX and there until 2009 so it is in overall great shape, but I have been fighting the rust since arriving in NY. I need the 3rd step for the bed to access my toolbox as I fabricated a hard tonneau to cover the rest of the bed and now I cannot stand in there to get into the toolbox.



Any suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated.



Thanks!



Jon

 

[ENafziger]

Dad and I just made some for my 1st gen. We made them out of 2" x 4" x 1/8" rectangular tube we had in stock. We used 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/8" square tubing to attach the steps to the frame... 3 supports on each side, welded to the frame.

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I added anti-skid tape to the top surfaces, and installed a blue light strip above the step to see it at night.

--Eric

 

[tolmsted]

Looks good to go. Nice work.

 

[RByrum]

I too am considering fabricating my own wheel to almost wheel. I will stop step @ 2' past cab. This will be good support over a shorter distance and not have to mount to bed.

I am considering mounting to cab mounts and securing with a Stainless steel chain to protect against an inevitable bump. The idea with a chain is the step will not bend as readily as one mounted solid.

 

[ENafziger]

The idea with a chain is the step will not bend as readily as one mounted solid. <!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

You may find that hard to use. Most of the time that I've seen this done, heavy cable is used. It allows enough stiffness that the step doesn't swing freely and feel unstable, but it will give if needed.

I made mine solid enough to take a pretty good impact if needed. They are still 1 1/2" above the transfer case skid plate and transmission crossmember.

 

[therabbittree]

I made a set for my dads quad cab, a few years ago. The tube ones he had rotted. I used the tube bar's mounts and welded on to them then added drop down brackets from the body. My dad is over 350lbs and he can jump on them and they don't move. I made them from 2x4 rectangle tubing. I will look from some better pictures...

Here's a view from under looking toward the passenger side. You can see the angle iron tube drop mounts I built it from and my angle straps.

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Thanks,

Deo