Tubular Side Steps--2nd Generation

[MAYoung]

Gentlemen:



When I got my 1998. 5 Quad Cab, Long Bed, I installed the Mopar tubular side steps. I have been very satisfied with the product but after 15 years, both steps suffer from serious rust.



What I really want to do is find exact copies of the original Mopar products. Since they are no longer manufactured, I will have to settle for a close second. Any recommendations?



Picture attached. The black tie wraps are holding the plastic steps in place.

M. A. Young

Fair Oaks, CA

 

[JR]

Check out AutoAnything.com. Theyve got a wide selection of all sizes and styles. I like the 4" tubes or even the 5" oval style. The bigger diameter looks good on these trucks IMO. Theyve got lots to choose from, including styles like what youve got on your truck now.

 

[Axtell3]

Nice use of the zip ties. I used baleing wire to hold a friends on, untill they could be replaced.

 

[Moe]

Call the manufacturer. Mine did the same thing. I called them to buy a new step and they sent me a replacement for free Moe

 

[AWeiman]

i have dee zee brand on my truck. they were on the truck when i bought it years back. they look like they are the same as what you have. that being said after all these years in the rust belt if i jumped too hard on the drivers side one, i know it would fall off. most of the rust trouble is in the mounting brackets the tubes themselves on still solid.

 

[MAYoung]

Questions:

Mr. Moe: I do not know who the manufacturer of the step is/was. It came in a Mopar box from Dodge in early 1998 and I do not recall a manufacturer being identified. Any idea who made the step accessories for Dodge back then?

Mr. Weiman: My tubes have actually rusted from the inside out. Even though this is a California truck, the time it spent in the Sierra Nevada mountains exposed it to lots of salted roads. The brackets have held up well.

Lastly, I notice that the Dee Zee product (among many) is only supported from the ends. How strong is the step when actually stepped on? Does it sag in the middle?

Thank you,

Mark Young
Fair Oaks, CA

 

[AWeiman]

i stepped on my passenger side one just to check and it is solid all the way across. doesnt seem to sag at all. mark just curious how do yours mount, is there support brackets in the middle? my wife has mopar steps on her 06 mega and they only have support on either end as well.

 

[MAYoung]

Mr. Weiman:

The steps that I purchased in 1998 are attached at 4 points You can see the two black brackets in the middle of the step. Each end is attached in the same fashion. If I recall, I had to drill holes for 4 quarter inch bolts. The attachment has held up well.

The steps have failed as a result of internal tube rust. After running on the roads in Sierra snow, the tubes, particularly the driver's side, started to rot away. There is no metal to repair.

I have started stepping on other people's side steps to see how strong that they are. Even with only two attach points on the ends, they support my weight. I see a number of Smitty's brand and am looking for the Dee Zee brand. Based on their DZ pictures, I like their model best. Purely cosmetic choice, however.

M. A. Young
Fair Oaks, CA

M. A. Young
Fair Oaks, CA

 

[AWeiman]

just wondering is there anyway to use the middle brackets from your old steps on a new set of steps?