Amp research power steps.

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mattydipps

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So Ive had my eyes on these for a long time and finally went out on a fluke and bought a set of amp research power steps... I really couldn't find a cheaper set of steps that I couldn't live without and I needed something fairly quickly due to a very pregnant girlfriend and pretty soon a baby to stick in the back.. I was looking at the n-fabs and a bunch of different set ups but nothing looked exactly how I wanted it to look... So I figured these would be best for what I want..

Any of you guys install these on you rig? Was the install pretty straight forward? I opted for the new plug and play kit which connects directly to the obd port and needs no hard wiring.. There are plenty of YouTube videos on the install and the instructions are pretty straight forward.. Just curious if anyone ran into any snags while installing their set..



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12TrueSport

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So Ive had my eyes on these for a long time and finally went out on a fluke and bought a set of amp research power steps... I really couldn't find a cheaper set of steps that I couldn't live without and I needed something fairly quickly due to a very pregnant girlfriend and pretty soon a baby to stick in the back.. I was looking at the n-fabs and a bunch of different set ups but nothing looked exactly how I wanted it to look... So I figured these would be best for what I want..

Any of you guys install these on you rig? Was the install pretty straight forward? I opted for the new plug and play kit which connects directly to the obd port and needs no hard wiring.. There are plenty of YouTube videos on the install and the instructions are pretty straight forward.. Just curious if anyone ran into any snags while installing their set..

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I've installed three sets of these, one on a Chevy and two on Ram's. Key to a successful install is good tools. By tools I mean a good right angle drill or similar with good bits (maybe extra bits of the same size in case one breaks), a good rivit gun etc. Also, take your time. If you rush this you can have issues that will require modifications later. On my 2015 the holes for the motor linkages were predrilled. This was both good and bad because the holes were there but they needed to be a hair lower on the pinch weld. Wiring is easy. One of the key steps is when you have everything put together, steps on, wiring done, and you're getting ready to optest.... before you put in the fuse and close the doors STAND ON THE STEPS TO SET THE LINKAGES! This is in the directions but people miss it all the time and then the step hits the pinch weld and gets stuck.

If the steps get caught on the pinch weld you may need to grind it down. Out of the three I have installed one set needed this and it was because of the predrilled holes. The template included for drilling is very good if the predrilled holes aren't there.

My third set has the OBD plug and I thought it would be a pain or get in the way but since I plugged it in I don't even notice it.

If you get the lights, install them like instructed or not at all. If you mount them to the pinch weld and the step clearance is very tight, the steps will hit the lights. My second set had the lights mounted on the body like instructed and they were cool but not really needed. On this last set I just cut em off.

Bottom line - take your time. These are the best steps out there. If you rush the install it can get painful.
 
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mattydipps

mattydipps

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I've installed three sets of these, one on a Chevy and two on Ram's. Key to a successful install is good tools. By tools I mean a good right angle drill or similar with good bits (maybe extra bits of the same size in case one breaks), a good rivit gun etc. Also, take your time. If you rush this you can have issues that will require modifications later. On my 2015 the holes for the motor linkages were predrilled. This was both good and bad because the holes were there but they needed to be a hair lower on the pinch weld. Wiring is easy. One of the key steps is when you have everything put together, steps on, wiring done, and you're getting ready to optest.... before you put in the fuse and close the doors STAND ON THE STEPS TO SET THE LINKAGES! This is in the directions but people miss it all the time and then the step hits the pinch weld and gets stuck.

If the steps get caught on the pinch weld you may need to grind it down. Out of the three I have installed one set needed this and it was because of the predrilled holes. The template included for drilling is very good if the predrilled holes aren't there.

My third set has the OBD plug and I thought it would be a pain or get in the way but since I plugged it in I don't even notice it.

If you get the lights, install them like instructed or not at all. If you mount them to the pinch weld and the step clearance is very tight, the steps will hit the lights. My second set had the lights mounted on the body like instructed and they were cool but not really needed. On this last set I just cut em off.

Bottom line - take your time. These are the best steps out there. If you rush the install it can get painful.


Dude that's awesome information!

I was kind of hoping the obd plug wasn't going to bother me... What do you think if I elongate the holes that are pre drilled on the pinch weld to refrain from having problems? I'm thinking I can spray some protectant on the holes to prevent rust from happening underneath the linkages...

Have you noticed if you can plug and unplug the plug in the obd port without having any issues? Not that I anticipate it but it's nice to know..

Thanks for the info !


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sbarron

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Great advice 12Truesport... I can attest to the fact that almost anything done under these trucks benefits from a right angle drill.

And taking your time might be the best advice ever.
 

12TrueSport

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Dude that's awesome information!

I was kind of hoping the obd plug wasn't going to bother me... What do you think if I elongate the holes that are pre drilled on the pinch weld to refrain from having problems? I'm thinking I can spray some protectant on the holes to prevent rust from happening underneath the linkages...

Have you noticed if you can plug and unplug the plug in the obd port without having any issues? Not that I anticipate it but it's nice to know..

Thanks for the info !


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The OBD plug is super easy. It's about the same size as a code scanner and i easy to get a hold of. Mine have been on since April and haven't unplugged them yet.

The directions say to spray corrosion preventative on all the holes after you drill. The pre-drilled holes are nice because they are painted etc. When you get to the step of drilling the holes (that may already be there on the pinch weld) tape up the drill pattern like the instructions say. If it looks like the holes need to be elongated that would be the time to do it. Use the paper drill pattern as your guide.

Worst case is you have to grind down the pinch welds but if all goes well you won't have too.
 

swh822

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I want these steps badly..when do you plan to do the install?
 

bridogr1

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I got this when I had lift installed. Very glad I did!! Lift and 37's were pretty high off the ground!! Also wife is kinda short.


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mattydipps

mattydipps

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I want these steps badly..when do you plan to do the install?


They will be here Wednesday... I plan on getting them done over the weekend.. If I get out of work early one day, they'll be going on then. I do plan on experimenting with my gopro and maybe making a video of the install / write up for anyone interested..

For the price I paid for them, they better blow my mind.. I've had my eyes on these bad boys since I bought the truck !


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Graygoose

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Nice, post results and pics of install!
 
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mattydipps

mattydipps

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The OBD plug is super easy. It's about the same size as a code scanner and i easy to get a hold of. Mine have been on since April and haven't unplugged them yet.



The directions say to spray corrosion preventative on all the holes after you drill. The pre-drilled holes are nice because they are painted etc. When you get to the step of drilling the holes (that may already be there on the pinch weld) tape up the drill pattern like the instructions say. If it looks like the holes need to be elongated that would be the time to do it. Use the paper drill pattern as your guide.



Worst case is you have to grind down the pinch welds but if all goes well you won't have too.


I was just going over the instructions on my break at work and is removing and relocating the brake cable necessary? I've watched a few videos on the install and none have shown this step...


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12TrueSport

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I was just going over the instructions on my break at work and is removing and relocating the brake cable necessary? I've watched a few videos on the install and none have shown this step...


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Yes it's necessary.

You're essentially going to lift it up a couple of inches so the step and linkages don't hit it. Once you put on the adapter bracket you just loosen the cable until it comes apart. The key here is using a sharpie to mark the threads on the adjuster so when you tighten it back up, you know where you started.

Don't be intimidated by the directions. Just go slow.
 
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mattydipps

mattydipps

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Yes it's necessary.



You're essentially going to lift it up a couple of inches so the step and linkages don't hit it. Once you put on the adapter bracket you just loosen the cable until it comes apart. The key here is using a sharpie to mark the threads on the adjuster so when you tighten it back up, you know where you started.



Don't be intimidated by the directions. Just go slow.


Ah dude, how much to fly you out here and give me a hand, lol...

I'm not doubting my abilities.. Just nervous to take apart a truck that has 4k miles, lol


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12TrueSport

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Ah dude, how much to fly you out here and give me a hand, lol...

I'm not doubting my abilities.. Just nervous to take apart a truck that has 4k miles, lol

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Moving the brake cable is a very small step. After that you're not taking anything apart but you will be drilling!

I tore into my truck when it had 23 miles on it! Doing the work yourself will teach you a lot and feel great.
MOD ON!
 

four_gear

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What are these steps like in mud/snow/gravel over extended periods of time. I want a set but like 20 miles into the country and am not sure if they will hold up to the abuse.
 

HD4

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Just had mine installed today. They are REALLY awesome. Love the Led lights that shine down too.
 
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mattydipps

mattydipps

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Well I got out of work a bit early today and decided to tackle the steps.. Man these puppies are sweet! From the 5-6 times I've opened and closed the truck, I almost can't wait to go to work tomorrow just to use them...

I did have an issue with the install however that amp has addressed for the 2015s.. There is some control module which is mounted right on the frame rail exactly where the drivers side motor goes for the steps.. I called up amp and they are sending me a relocation bracket for the control module and suggested that i zip tie the module secure until the bracket comes.. Apparently the newer 2015s have this module in a new location and some of the older amp kits for the 2015 do not include the bracket.. No big deal but im glad amp was so quick and willing to make it right..

I didn't get to go pro much but I'll post up some pics tomorrow !


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swh822

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Patiently waiting on pics....
 
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mattydipps

mattydipps

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Here are a couple pics of the steps up and down.. So far after driving around all day with them, not really any complaints, highly impressed

5f809787c2ed321aad4a8accf9eb143d.jpg

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713884eb0cd84b6afe4e25e280933a68.jpg

a4d9cb14522acfdd43635130792320b7.jpg

d04300cbdc6b6df92c4b716daa4e0642.jpg

https://vimeo.com/134451995




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