Xterra Step Tube mod done (FINALLY)
10-27-2002, 10:41 PM
#1
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Xterra Step Tube mod done (FINALLY)
Guys,
Man, now here's a mod that I wish I would've planned more carefully. In retrospect, this *could have* been a simple mod, but I wanted to do something more than what was really necessary. I'll detail why this mod was a pain in the butt later, but again, I fault this more to my lack of foresight and planning than anything else!
I got this idea from RandyM from ODW. Basically it was to use Xterra step tubes in place of the stock running boards. Randy's solution was to bolt the entire thing directly onto the frame---which I didn't want to do. I wanted to create arms that would mount onto the existing 4runner hangers. Bad idea and not well thought out! Thanks Robinhood for your assistance in setting me straight on this one.
After weeks of thinking about alternatives, it came right back to Randy's idea except that I wanted the step tubes to stick out a little more. So I purchased 1" aluminum blocks, drilled holes into it, cut off the original 1/4" mounting plates and had them welded onto the arms. Then I tapped the frame and drilled straight through some areas (where possible) for a good, secure fit.
Here's a pic of a modified arm with a welded 1" aluminum block:
And here's a pic of the completed step tubes (passenger side):
The cool thing though, I learned a few things along the way. Like how valuable tapping/drilling oil is.
And how to properly tap a threaded hole. Also, sometimes a corded drill is better than a cordless drill. Etc, etc, etc.
More pics later with a complete write up (man, another write up!?!?) By the way, the step tubes look AWESOME on the 4runner.
Bob
Man, now here's a mod that I wish I would've planned more carefully. In retrospect, this *could have* been a simple mod, but I wanted to do something more than what was really necessary. I'll detail why this mod was a pain in the butt later, but again, I fault this more to my lack of foresight and planning than anything else!
I got this idea from RandyM from ODW. Basically it was to use Xterra step tubes in place of the stock running boards. Randy's solution was to bolt the entire thing directly onto the frame---which I didn't want to do. I wanted to create arms that would mount onto the existing 4runner hangers. Bad idea and not well thought out! Thanks Robinhood for your assistance in setting me straight on this one.
After weeks of thinking about alternatives, it came right back to Randy's idea except that I wanted the step tubes to stick out a little more. So I purchased 1" aluminum blocks, drilled holes into it, cut off the original 1/4" mounting plates and had them welded onto the arms. Then I tapped the frame and drilled straight through some areas (where possible) for a good, secure fit.
Here's a pic of a modified arm with a welded 1" aluminum block:
And here's a pic of the completed step tubes (passenger side):
The cool thing though, I learned a few things along the way. Like how valuable tapping/drilling oil is.
And how to properly tap a threaded hole. Also, sometimes a corded drill is better than a cordless drill. Etc, etc, etc. More pics later with a complete write up (man, another write up!?!?) By the way, the step tubes look AWESOME on the 4runner.
Bob
Last edited by Bob_98SR5; 10-28-2002 at 08:30 PM.
LOL
10-28-2002, 12:04 AM
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A 4Runner-san. 
looks kool Bob. Is'nt learning fun? I enjoy all aspects of doing something 'new'...especially if the finished product has great results. Looks like you've succeded. Looks factory.........Japan, yeah...that's it. Good job bro.
butnut
looks kool Bob. Is'nt learning fun? I enjoy all aspects of doing something 'new'...especially if the finished product has great results. Looks like you've succeded. Looks factory.........Japan, yeah...that's it. Good job bro. butnut
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10-28-2002, 06:06 AM
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Guys,
Thanks for the compliments. Now answers to the questions:
pf: those step tubes were $359 or something like that. It was too expensive. Besides, I really like the Xterra step tubes.
nrgetic: the step tubes were free. I got them from an Xterra guy who was just going to throw them away. Go check the Xterra owner's club forum and you might get lucky.
The aluminum blocks were less than $8. The bolts were less than $10. The tap was less than $15. The most expensive part was the welding---it was (gulp) a $100. I couldn't believe how hard it was to find a good aluminum welder in L.A.!
Now the cost was approaching (with tools) the cost of Manik step tubes, but again, it was more b/c I liked the look of the Xterra step tubes more than anything else.
Bob
Thanks for the compliments. Now answers to the questions:
pf: those step tubes were $359 or something like that. It was too expensive. Besides, I really like the Xterra step tubes.
nrgetic: the step tubes were free. I got them from an Xterra guy who was just going to throw them away. Go check the Xterra owner's club forum and you might get lucky.
The aluminum blocks were less than $8. The bolts were less than $10. The tap was less than $15. The most expensive part was the welding---it was (gulp) a $100. I couldn't believe how hard it was to find a good aluminum welder in L.A.!
Now the cost was approaching (with tools) the cost of Manik step tubes, but again, it was more b/c I liked the look of the Xterra step tubes more than anything else.
Bob
10-28-2002, 01:24 PM
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Bob,
First let me say that those look good!!
I hate the stock running boards that are on my 'Runner right now, but my wife won't let me take them off (she says it will be too hard to get in with a skirt on *pfff* whatever). Hopefully i can land on a good deal for some xterra steps and do the install.
First let me say that those look good!!
I hate the stock running boards that are on my 'Runner right now, but my wife won't let me take them off (she says it will be too hard to get in with a skirt on *pfff* whatever). Hopefully i can land on a good deal for some xterra steps and do the install.
10-28-2002, 03:54 PM
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Travis,
When I was looking for one to buy, I was quoted between $50 and $100 but never $150. I wouldn't buy it if I were you. Oh, the only time I was quoted $150 was for the charcoal ones. I'd just wait until you can find another seller.
If welding costs you the same as it costs me ($100), you are approaching the new cost of Manik step tubes. You'll have to make a decision on that point. But then again, I think I did overpay on the welding but I asked around to a few shops and they all recommended the place I went to. Maybe you can find it cheaper.
Bob
When I was looking for one to buy, I was quoted between $50 and $100 but never $150. I wouldn't buy it if I were you. Oh, the only time I was quoted $150 was for the charcoal ones. I'd just wait until you can find another seller.
If welding costs you the same as it costs me ($100), you are approaching the new cost of Manik step tubes. You'll have to make a decision on that point. But then again, I think I did overpay on the welding but I asked around to a few shops and they all recommended the place I went to. Maybe you can find it cheaper.
Bob
10-28-2002, 08:00 PM
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Good job Bob. Got any pictures of the mounts bolted to the frame?
So do you think the tapped holes are strong enough?
I still think we could have gotten them to mount to the stock 4runner positions.
Steve
So do you think the tapped holes are strong enough?
I still think we could have gotten them to mount to the stock 4runner positions.
Steve
10-28-2002, 08:19 PM
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Steve,
Yeah, I have a few pics mounted to the frame. I'll show them in my write up.
It might have taken too much time, effort and $$$ to mount them on the existing hangers.
I tapped a total of 5 10mm holes. The other ones I fed a bolt thru the entire frame. I'll es-plain it more in the write up.
I do think the tapped holes are strong enough. If not, they are well supported by the bolts that go thru the frame.
Once again, thanks for your help!
Bob
Yeah, I have a few pics mounted to the frame. I'll show them in my write up.
It might have taken too much time, effort and $$$ to mount them on the existing hangers.
I tapped a total of 5 10mm holes. The other ones I fed a bolt thru the entire frame. I'll es-plain it more in the write up.
I do think the tapped holes are strong enough. If not, they are well supported by the bolts that go thru the frame.
Once again, thanks for your help!
Bob
10-28-2002, 08:28 PM
#15
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Thread Starter
Steve,
Yeah, I have a few pics mounted to the frame. I'll show them in my write up.
It might have taken too much time, effort and $$$ to mount them on the existing hangers.
I tapped a total of 5 10mm holes. The other ones I fed a bolt thru the entire frame. I'll es-plain it more in the write up.
I do think the tapped holes are strong enough. If not, they are well supported by the bolts that go thru the frame.
Once again, thanks for your help!
Bob
Yeah, I have a few pics mounted to the frame. I'll show them in my write up.
It might have taken too much time, effort and $$$ to mount them on the existing hangers.
I tapped a total of 5 10mm holes. The other ones I fed a bolt thru the entire frame. I'll es-plain it more in the write up.
I do think the tapped holes are strong enough. If not, they are well supported by the bolts that go thru the frame.
Once again, thanks for your help!
Bob
10-30-2002, 01:27 PM
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Originally posted by Bob_98SR5
Travis,
When I was looking for one to buy, I was quoted between $50 and $100 but never $150. I wouldn't buy it if I were you. Oh, the only time I was quoted $150 was for the charcoal ones. I'd just wait until you can find another seller.
If welding costs you the same as it costs me ($100), you are approaching the new cost of Manik step tubes. You'll have to make a decision on that point. But then again, I think I did overpay on the welding but I asked around to a few shops and they all recommended the place I went to. Maybe you can find it cheaper.
Bob
Travis,
When I was looking for one to buy, I was quoted between $50 and $100 but never $150. I wouldn't buy it if I were you. Oh, the only time I was quoted $150 was for the charcoal ones. I'd just wait until you can find another seller.
If welding costs you the same as it costs me ($100), you are approaching the new cost of Manik step tubes. You'll have to make a decision on that point. But then again, I think I did overpay on the welding but I asked around to a few shops and they all recommended the place I went to. Maybe you can find it cheaper.
Bob
Bob if you can find any for under $50 in your area before thanksgiving let me know.
My sister and her husband are at the navy base by LA (I think) and I am meeting them in Las Vegas for thanksgiving...
