Power steps or nerf bars
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Ideeho
Power steps or nerf bars
Due to life, I haven't been on FTE forever. Usually I lurk in the 73-79 Forum anyway. I recently bought a 97 F Superduty Quigley 4x4 Conversion so I will be hanging in here from now on too. Im wondering if anyone has used a set of Carr aluminum hoop steps and made them electrically actuated to fold up under the floor while going down the road? I think it can be done using a couple of linear actuators. Love this truck but the wife has hell getting in and out of it!! Let me know if you've seen anything like this. Need to get something installed but don't wanna risk tearing them off when off road. Thanks in advance!
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 639
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I've been kicking around this idea lately, I hate steps but my 5 foot tall wife has no chance of getting in the truck anymore after the lift and tires. Retractable would solve both our problems with steps or lack thereof.
I saw a 70 Econoline with a retractable step on the side door that was all manual, it raised and lowered by linkage from the door opening and closing. Pretty slick.
I saw a 70 Econoline with a retractable step on the side door that was all manual, it raised and lowered by linkage from the door opening and closing. Pretty slick.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
I'm quite sure it could be done with some 12v linear actuators, some garage door rollers and track and some ingenuity and patience. Could power the actuators off of the dome light switches with a couple of relays to extend when the door was opened. Looked on ebay and I think I can come up with the Carr steps, and actuators for around $200. May just have to order the steps and start tinkering........... Just seeing if anyone had done it before. If I do it, I'll post a build thread with pics. Got big plans for this one. Basically a Cummins swap, winch, flatbed with boxes, frame mounted generator for a camp trailer, and an all around tough tow/bug out vehicle. Its already got Dana 70 front and Dana 80 rear. Drives awesome! Gonna have to regear it when I do the Cummins swap. The 5:13 gears in it aint gonna work! 7 mpg with the 460 right now with anything I can hook onto behind it or running empty but I can take off from a dead stop in 4th gear and not even have to slip the clutch.......LOL
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 639
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Have you priced any of the factory electric steps from a junkyard? The prices are probably high but might be close to what it would cost to build them if you count your labor.
I bet something from an RV could be made to work too. After looking at some it seems they commonly use a motor like you'd find for our power windows.
If it triggered off the dome light they would lower if you ever turned on the interior lighting while in the truck. The door plunger light switches (I don't know the actual name) would be a better trigger.
I bet something from an RV could be made to work too. After looking at some it seems they commonly use a motor like you'd find for our power windows.
If it triggered off the dome light they would lower if you ever turned on the interior lighting while in the truck. The door plunger light switches (I don't know the actual name) would be a better trigger.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
Have you priced any of the factory electric steps from a junkyard? The prices are probably high but might be close to what it would cost to build them if you count your labor.
I bet something from an RV could be made to work too. After looking at some it seems they commonly use a motor like you'd find for our power windows.
If it triggered off the dome light they would lower if you ever turned on the interior lighting while in the truck. The door plunger light switches (I don't know the actual name) would be a better trigger.
I bet something from an RV could be made to work too. After looking at some it seems they commonly use a motor like you'd find for our power windows.
If it triggered off the dome light they would lower if you ever turned on the interior lighting while in the truck. The door plunger light switches (I don't know the actual name) would be a better trigger.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 639
Likes: 2
Keep us updated. I might just settle for regular fixed ones but we'll see.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,345
Likes: 802
From: Mi'kma'ki
nerf bars are just for looks fyi.they are too far up to the cab and too close in to the cab to be worth using.you find yourself just stepping over them and into the cab because of their poor placement.i won't buy them again.wish i went with the old school diamond plate running boards instead.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 639
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If they were retractable like he's planning they could actually lower down enough to be useful but tuck up tight like normal nerf bars when not in use. I'm really interested to see what he comes up with.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
The Carr hoops (or the longer ones) is what Im planning on using. How far below the rockers do they hang? Did you use the model specific mounting brackets, and do they just mount to the sheetmetal or the frame?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
That's what I don't like about the majority of the aftermarket steps, running boards, nerf bars.........they all mount to the sheetmetal. If ya happen to hit something...........or bury it in the mud up to the door handles (which I have done) youre gonna do some serious damage. That's why Im on this kick............
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