Installing Tow Mirrors

[kcnizdodge]

I just received the new tow mirrors for my 03 CTD 2500. Has anyone installed a set of these mirrors? If so, are they pretty easily installed? I am fairly sure I can install 'em myself but thought I would check with the experts before I get myself in over my head.



Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Are they the factory tow mirrors? I installed a set on my old 98 back in 2000. Back then, they weren't available with power. All I had to do was pull the door panel, remove three nuts, pull the old mirror, put in the new mirror, put the nuts back on, and put the door panels on. The process should still be the same and I think the plug is the same for both styles of mirror.



If you need instructions for removing the door panel, it has been posted here many times. Do a search or shoot me a PM.

 

[jwilliamson]

I installed the factory power on my 05 and as Jeff says it's three nuts and a plug. However it helps with 2 people doing it, one to hold the mirror the other to bolt them up. You should only have to pull back on the upper triangular portion of the door panel to access the bolts and plug.

 

[kcnizdodge]

Thank you Gentlemen, I knew you had the information!!



Many thanks,



Alan

 

[Jeff Clark]

You should only have to pull back on the upper triangular portion of the door panel to access the bolts and plug.

That's true. I started out that way, but since I was doing the job myself, and I found it difficult to hold the mirror, hold the door panel back, and install the nuts all at the same time, I removed the panel. 2 people makes the job much easier.

 

[2Gen3Gen]

I installed the factory power on my 05 and as Jeff says it's three nuts and a plug. However it helps with 2 people doing it, one to hold the mirror the other to bolt them up. You should only have to pull back on the upper triangular portion of the door panel to access the bolts and plug.

So true... It took my son and I 10 min to complete the job on the 2500 I had last year. My 3500 came with them as it was only a $100 option. The good guy deal at the dealer after I bought my truck was $300.

 

[Po' Riggity]

yup, I cracked open my door panel triangle to take a look, because I plan on upgrading to the tow mirrors, ASAP, as Im gonna be hauling a camper eventually. . and need to see around it. . looks to me like its 3 nuts and a plug.

Scott

 

[ECappleman]

Po' Riggity,



Did you get my PM?

 

[CGA97]

A couple tips...

I just replaced mine on Wed morning:



1. You can do it by yourself---just roll down the window and they are easy to hold. Once you get it in the holes, throw one of the nuts on finger tight and it won't slip out on ya.



2. Be very careful with the nut on the bottom bolt. I lost my grip on one and it fell down in the door. Had to take the door apart to get it out. Not tough, but a little extra work.



3. Use a deep well socket with extension on the bottom nut.



4. Take a look at the new mirrors. There is a little white plastic clip in the center that will make it a PITB to pull the factory ones out unless you know it is there. Just use a flat head screwdriver to release the clips.

 

[Tony T.]

Also if you have the outer mounted (Ventshade) window vent visors be careful when removing the old mirror and re-installing the the new one, because it is a tight fit. I learned the hard way doing the passenger side first,I cracked that visor, to big a hurry. It was also cold that day so that visor probably didn't want to give much with out breaking.



Tony

 

[ECappleman]

Anybody need a set of heated/electric?

I'm one of the strange ones and do more 4 wheeling than towing. Took mine off and put a set of sports mirrors on.

 

[Po' Riggity]

Ecappleman,

I just got your PM. . going to send you one back here in a sec. . Havent been around for a bit. .

Scott

 

[kcnizdodge]

Got my tow mirrors installed.

Well, I put 'em on yesterday and it was pretty easy. Thank heaven I purchased a 1003 Dodge service manual on CD last year because I had all the instructions and illustrations I needed to get the job done. On the 03, you have to take off the door panel, no choice there, but I still did the whole job in less than an hour start to finish. That even included a little bs time with the neighbors when they wanted to know what the heck I was doing.



Man, they are well worth what I spent for 'em and the time to get them installed! No more extension mirrors to fight with all the time. Shoulda done this much sooner.



Thanks for all the help guys, y'all are the greatest!!



kcnizdodge



:-laf