"Powerstep"

[PSoffe]

We have an '06 MegaCab in the shop right now and we are trying to install a set of Bestop (Amp Research) powerstep retractable running boards.



My question is this, has anyone done this to a '06? I know that issue #50 has a brief description of this but the problem is that the installation instruction from both companies show removing the instrument cluster to obtain the illusive GY connector. Amp Research' engineer indicated that the connector is under the dash to left of the steering column (which is NOT depicted in the instructions) and is non-existant in the area that he indicated.



Is anyone familiar with this install?



Thanks and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I installed the set in my 04 and I would think it is similar. The connector was hard to find on mine, as the illustrations left a lot to be desired. The connector plugged into the back of the instrument cluster. There were 3 back there, but I figured out which one it was by finding the four purple wires (each had a different color tracer) that I was supposed to tap. It was the one closest to the driver's side. Maybe this will help.

 

[MCrossley]

we just did a 06 mega cab and nobody said anything about not being able to find it, on my 05, I just pulled the cluster which was much easier than trying to fish around for the wires... .

 

[PSoffe]

We found it, finally. We had recieved information that was otherwise mis leading and eventually took matters into our own hands. The instrument cluster does have to come out as the connector is on the left of the panel and not the right hand like the '05. Once that was done it was a piece of cake.



http://www.tdr1.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=55319&stc=1



Thanks

 

[TEaton]

Pat,

I'm getting ready to do the install on my powersteps. . Is it going to be bad??? They say professional installation..... I thought it didn't look to bad. My only concern was the wires behind the instument cluster but I think you have answered that one for me. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Troy

 

[Jeff Clark]

The dealer wanted to charge me 3 hours for installation. I put them in myself in 3 hours having never done it and at least half of that was re-doing stuff I did wrong because I didn't read the instructions very good. It's not bad. The hardest part was finding the correct harness behind the instrument cluster.

 

[TEaton]

I am getting ready to go into the dash now to locate the harness.

So far my instructions have left a lot to be desired. The mounting holes stated 3rd and 7th from front..... I had to use the 3rd from front and the 8th hole.

Do the wire colors match the ones in the instructions. My instructions only show them good up to 2004. I hope the colors haven't changed.

Thanks,

Troy

 

[jdaigle]

TEaton:

Can you give us an update on your Powerstep MegaCab install?? I've also got a MegaCab and am looking at many step options. How much ground clearance do the Powersteps provide... how loud/smooth is the motor etc. Thanks in advance!!!!



Jason

 

[TEaton]

Well it got cold and snowy here and I really don't want to be in the 40* garage trying to wire it up and break the plastic dash!!!! That would upset me, but it is my luck!! I will try to get it wired up in the next couple of days. Hopefully someone will post the wire colors before I tear into it. I will try to take some pics also to post. I have a hard time getting the pictures uploaded.

Troy

 

[jdaigle]

Troy:

I know the "luck" thing ol to well Be safe, take your time and plenty of pics!!



Jason

 

[TEaton]

OK, I FINALLY got the instrument cluster out. What a job that was. I hope the wire colors are the same as the instructions. I don't have the motors on yet so I am kind of doing things backwards but that is the way I usually do it!!

Anyone have the wire colors??

Troy

 

[TEaton]

Ok, The instuctions weren't the best but I was able to get it done. The hardest part was removing the dash.

I am used to a '99, the '06 is designed totally different. The center cupholders and radio cover needs to come out just to get the instrument cluster. It would've been nice if they would've explained this. Start with the Cupholders and the knee bolster under the steering column.

 

[TEaton]

The powersteps totally disappear under the body and above the frame when the door is closed. They tuck up under the frame and body nicely when they are retracted.

When they extend they provide a platform that is in the middle of the door jamb and the ground. ON my truck it is excatly 12" to the top of the jamb at the carpet and 12" to the ground.



This is very comfortable to get into and out of the vehicle. It seems much better than the traditional running boards and nerf bars.

The wire colors match the instructions for the 2003-2004 model year.

The wire connector is the large one going into the back of the instrument cluster.

This was a very easy and straight forward installation. . I just wish the instructions were a little better.

Don't forget if you do the installation the body holes are also wrong on the instructions. It states the 3rd and 7th from the front. I had to use the 3rd and 8th from the front for the MEGA CAB. I think these instructions were from the Quad Cab.

Hope this helps someone,

Troy

 

[TEaton]

More pics in the reader rigs???

Troy

 

[jdaigle]

Great write up Troy... . Thanks!!!!!!



Jason

 

[strokerschmoker]

What place has the best deals on a set of these steps? I have broke the budget on the truck already but Im always trying to get one more mod on it

 

[BKowalski]

I just purchased these running boards, for my '06 Megacab. I'm getting them from www.electricstep.com . They had the best deal - Free Shipping & a $100 discount on their website. Total cost was $1039. 99. I priced them at my local autoparts store and I was quoted around $1300 + tax. The Dodge dealer wanted $1499. 00 , when they become available in the second quarter of 2006.

 

[TEaton]

Mine was from electricstep.com also..... So far no problems and I would do it again. I can totally understand the mods broke the budget but these definately useful.

Troy

 

[CMusgrove]

I envy you guys that can install those power steps. Local Speedliner shop installed mine for about $400. They matched the $1,039 and free shipping for the steps themselves. They had a pretty rough time figuring out the instructions but they work great. In my 06 mega cab 2-wheel they swing down to about 8" from the ground. No more need for the grab handles for anyone in the family. Waranteed for 3 years.