Defdog2

Anyone have any experience installing the Mopar diamond plate side steps.... I have the cab & box steps on order for my 4.5 dually.

Need to know if I should try putting them on myself or let the dealer throw it up on a lift & zap it with their air tools...

I would prefer to tackle it myself if possible, that way my new baby gets to stay home with me!!! (She only has 120 miles on her & I'm being a little overly protective!)

I tried a search under diamond plate steps...didn't find anything.

Thanks...Defdog2

TON4FUN

Defdog2,

I have the boards you speak of except the bed units. Take a look at my pics for a finished product. The installation is pretty involved. I've installed two sets and both times it took me about 4 hours to install. I took the time to paint the holes I drilled to prevent rust. The holes that have to be drilled can not be drilled with a conventional drill. I had to go out and buy a 90 degree Dewalt drill to get the holes drilled. The frame is to close to the lower body to fit a drill in the place where the holes have to be drilled. So before you decide to tackle it you may want to go buy one along with a uni-bit as an average drill bit makes the 90 degree drill to big and you run into the same issue as using a normal drill.

Again, very extensive work, prob. worth it to have the dealer do it. Nothing beats doing it on your own and aquiring a new tool along the way. I hope that clears up your question.

TON4FUN

One thing to add is you have to pull your rubber plugs if you have them. The Mopar directions are very poor in my opinion. I put the brackets up to the body and marked the to be drilled holes with a marker measuring out the brackets per the instructions. Drill the holes, paint the bare metal, install the funky u-bolt bracket and use an air ratchet to tighten the nuts to the bracket bolts. If you don't have an air ratchet prepare to have a tired arm.

Defdog2

Ton4fun, Thanks for the info, just what I was afraid of.... guess I'll ask when I pick up the boards at the dealer what they will charge...

On the other hand, I could use a right angle drill Just put my rear flaps on yesterday & was debating that purchase as I can't get my last three screws in without removing the wheels to drill!

Thanks again, Defdog2