AMP Power Steps

[Muscleford]

I am having the same problem. They retracted perfectly for 6 months. As of two weeks ago the passenger side leaves a 1/2 inch gap when retracted. I can push it as it retracts and it closes the gap, but now on its own it doesn't close fully like before.

I and everyone who rides in my truck love the amp research side steps!

I contacted Amp-Research and they had me submit a warranty claim with proof of purchase and and a video of the step. I did that on Tuesday and am waiting for a response. The person I spoke to said it sounded the motor was stripped. My thinking is it is either the gear on the motor or the gear it engages on linkage assembly or both.

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[deleriumtremor]

I am in the same boat as a few above.

I installed my Amp Powersteps on my ‘21 FX4 maybe a year ago. It was a fussy install to get them aligned properly and operating correctly, a few times back and forth with the bolt up sequence, before they would retract completely, but finally got it working the way previous installations went on other make trucks.

A month or so ago, they quit retracting fully on both sides. They leave about an inch or so gap up front on both sides.

My guess is ours were marginal enough that the inevitable grime that accumulates (we are off road a lot and in the winter it gets pretty gnarlly up there), there is enough drag to halt the retraction on the front pivot.

I will try remounting when the weather gets a little better in the spring (the garage floor tends to get pretty messy in the winter).

If I can’t get them working well again, I may deinstall them, as they don’t look right at this point.

I think if I had it to do over on this particular truck, I might choose one of the other alternatives with a motor on all four hinge points. I went with AMP on this install as I had great success with them on my GMC’s.

 

[Muscleford]

They sent new motor which when the weather gets better I will install. Mine started acting yours then started making terrible noise. They do an upgraded one with two motors, perhaps the these could be retrofitted.

 

[deleriumtremor]

They sent new motor which when the weather gets better I will install. Mine started acting yours then started making terrible noise. They do an upgraded one with two motors, perhaps the these could be retrofitted.

I spent some time "fiddling with the mounting points, torquing in different sequences" as per the advice from the company and still no joy so far. I need to really clean the front operators so I can get some serious lube on them to see if that will help. Longer term, even if that does the trick, I am skeptical it will hold up under the mud load they get every other trip we take in the winter.

I am also going to try shimming the operators in various ways with some shim stock I have on hand to see if I can get the alignment a little better to eliminate the problem.

Finally, if none of that works, I will inquire about the ability to retrofit the four motor option, although I seriously doubt that will be a no cost option and I am really not in the mood to spend any more on these steps.

If I can't get them operating flawlessly I will probably deinstall them. The way they sit now with the front half opened slightly, it acts like a scoop for mud when off-road in the winter (like 10lbs of mud caked on the first half of the step), not good.

 

[Muscleford]

I spent some time "fiddling with the mounting points, torquing in different sequences" as per the advice from the company and still no joy so far. I need to really clean the front operators so I can get some serious lube on them to see if that will help. Longer term, even if that does the trick, I am skeptical it will hold up under the mud load they get every other trip we take in the winter.

I am also going to try shimming the operators in various ways with some shim stock I have on hand to see if I can get the alignment a little better to eliminate the problem.

Finally, if none of that works, I will inquire about the ability to retrofit the four motor option, although I seriously doubt that will be a no cost option and I am really not in the mood to spend any more on these steps.

If I can't get them operating flawlessly I will probably deinstall them. The way they sit now with the front half opened slightly, it acts like a scoop for mud when off-road in the winter (like 10lbs of mud caked on the first half of the step), not good.

I went to install the replacement motor and found both sides operating flawlesly. Not sure why but ok for now.

 

[LB'sTremor]

I spent some time "fiddling with the mounting points, torquing in different sequences" as per the advice from the company and still no joy so far. I need to really clean the front operators so I can get some serious lube on them to see if that will help. Longer term, even if that does the trick, I am skeptical it will hold up under the mud load they get every other trip we take in the winter.

I am also going to try shimming the operators in various ways with some shim stock I have on hand to see if I can get the alignment a little better to eliminate the problem.

Finally, if none of that works, I will inquire about the ability to retrofit the four motor option, although I seriously doubt that will be a no cost option and I am really not in the mood to spend any more on these steps.

If I can't get them operating flawlessly I will probably deinstall them. The way they sit now with the front half opened slightly, it acts like a scoop for mud when off-road in the winter (like 10lbs of mud caked on the first half of the step), not good.

They have a 4 motor option like the Rihno's?

LB

 

[deleriumtremor]

They have a 4 motor option like the Rihno's?

LB

They do make a 4 motor option, they call the PowerStep Extreme, unfortunately I just checked the availability and they don't make one for the Ranger, only F150 and up. Looking at it, it likely wouldn't have been an upgrade option anyway.

I will fiddle with it some more with shims and such, but right now, I am thinking they likely will be coming off. Too bad, I love the steps otherwise.

 

[deleriumtremor]

So I have made the decision to deinstall my AMP Powersteps from my 2022 XLT FX4.

I spent the morning and part of this afternoon seeing if I could get the two operators on each side close enough in alignment that the steps would stow completely. I tried everything I could think of (retightening multiple times in the exact sequence called out by the factory), shimming the outer or inner bolts purchases, lubing the pivots liberally each time, no dice.

I am convinced the cab on my truck has the mounting points just slightly out of alignment such that these steps are never going to work correctly on my truck.

After I get them off, I will offer them in the four sale section with copious declaimers that they did not work properly on my truck, with of course the kind of steep discount one might expect if they decided to take a flyer with these steps.

For anyone considering a retractable step option for then 5G Ranger, I would personally steer you to one of the other options, preferably one of the offerings with a motor on each corner of the mechanism.

I hate to bad mouth this product as I have had them on other trucks (not 5G rangers) and they worked flawlessly and were very durable. I just think they are problematic on the 5G Ranger.

 

[tgRanger]

So I have made the decision to deinstall my AMP Powersteps from my 2022 XLT FX4.

I spent the morning and part of this afternoon seeing if I could get the two operators on each side close enough in alignment that the steps would stow completely. I tried everything I could think of (retightening multiple times in the exact sequence called out by the factory), shimming the outer or inner bolts purchases, lubing the pivots liberally each time, no dice.

I am convinced the cab on my truck has the mounting points just slightly out of alignment such that these steps are never going to work correctly on my truck.

After I get them off, I will offer them in the four sale section with copious declaimers that they did not work properly on my truck, with of course the kind of steep discount one might expect if they decided to take a flyer with these steps.

For anyone considering a retractable step option for then 5G Ranger, I would personally steer you to one of the other options, preferably one of the offerings with a motor on each corner of the mechanism.

I hate to bad mouth this product as I have had them on other trucks (not 5G rangers) and they worked flawlessly and were very durable. I just think they are problematic on the 5G Ranger.

Sorry you’ve have so many issues with your boards.

I just purchased a set of these for my truck with the intention of installing them myself. I started the install but with a bad hip it got too difficult for me. I got as far as installing the driver linkages and board and had bad binding when I was closing them, I followed the instructions to the T and still couldn’t get them to close properly no matter what I did. So I decided to get them installed at an authorized dealer from RealTrucks site. I brought it there with the board still on the truck and told him I was having some binding and couldn’t get them lined up right. When I got the truck back the binding was gone, both side work and close perfectly. No gaps on either side. There has to be a trick the pros know having installed so many. Maybe take it somewhere before you remove them and ask if they can look at them for you. They’re great boards and worth it even if you have to be out of pocket a few dollars. I also picked up some spray silicone lubricant to do the maint myself.

 

[deleriumtremor]

Sorry you’ve have so many issues with your boards.

I just purchased a set of these for my truck with the intention of installing them myself. I started the install but with a bad hip it got too difficult for me. I got as far as installing the driver linkages and board and had bad binding when I was closing them, I followed the instructions to the T and still couldn’t get them to close properly no matter what I did. So I decided to get them installed at an authorized dealer from RealTrucks site. I brought it there with the board still on the truck and told him I was having some binding and couldn’t get them lined up right. When I got the truck back the binding was gone, both side work and close perfectly. No gaps on either side. There has to be a trick the pros know having installed so many. Maybe take it somewhere before you remove them and ask if they can look at them for you. They’re great boards and worth it even if you have to be out of pocket a few dollars. I also picked up some spray silicone lubricant to do the maint myself.

Thanks for the great advice (real experience).

I think there is a RealTrucks dealer in my area, I will gladly pay them if they can get them working.

On the lube, I am a little concerned some of my issue is related to a lack of lube (or binding from grit). We spend about 50% of the time we are in the truck off pavement, so there is a lot of crap sprayed on under the truck (and on the sides ), so it is going to be tough keeping them lubed if that is a requirement for this install. I run it through a car wash that has an under carriage spray cycle regularly (at least once a week). I had just done it and when I was under there dicking around with the tightening sequence, shims, etc. trying to get them to close all the way, I ended up having to put on some mono googles so I could see as the grit kept falling straight down into my eyes.

Anyway, thanks for the great suggestion, I will see if I can get it done. I would love to keep them.

 

[tgRanger]

Thanks for the great advice (real experience).

I think there is a RealTrucks dealer in my area, I will gladly pay them if they can get them working.

On the lube, I am a little concerned some of my issue is related to a lack of lube (or binding from grit). We spend about 50% of the time we are in the truck off pavement, so there is a lot of crap sprayed on under the truck (and on the sides ), so it is going to be tough keeping them lubed if that is a requirement for this install. I run it through a car wash that has an under carriage spray cycle regularly (at least once a week). I had just done it and when I was under there dicking around with the tightening sequence, shims, etc. trying to get them to close all the way, I ended up having to put on some mono googles so I could see as the grit kept falling straight down into my eyes.

Anyway, thanks for the great suggestion, I will see if I can get it done. I would love to keep them.

You’re quite welcome. I hope you can get your issue resolved. It would be a shame for you to remove them, especially after all the work it takes to install them. And you would take a loss in the classified section. It’s worth the chance to see if they can help you. Get yourself some WD-40 silicone spray. Give the linkages a shot every time after you go through the car wash etc. Good luck ?

 

[Muscleford]

Thanks for the great advice (real experience).

I think there is a RealTrucks dealer in my area, I will gladly pay them if they can get them working.

On the lube, I am a little concerned some of my issue is related to a lack of lube (or binding from grit). We spend about 50% of the time we are in the truck off pavement, so there is a lot of crap sprayed on under the truck (and on the sides ), so it is going to be tough keeping them lubed if that is a requirement for this install. I run it through a car wash that has an under carriage spray cycle regularly (at least once a week). I had just done it and when I was under there dicking around with the tightening sequence, shims, etc. trying to get them to close all the way, I ended up having to put on some mono googles so I could see as the grit kept falling straight down into my eyes.

Anyway, thanks for the great suggestion, I will see if I can get it done. I would love to keep them.

It was suggested to me to take the truck to one of do it yourself car washes and use the high pressure wand and spray them down real good with them deployed then lube them real good. The pressure is higher and you can get the linkage sprayed better with them deployed.

 

[deleriumtremor]

You’re quite welcome. I hope you can get your issue resolved. It would be a shame for you to remove them, especially after all the work it takes to install them. And you would take a loss in the classified section. It’s worth the chance to see if they can help you. Get yourself some WD-40 silicone spray. Give the linkages a shot every time after you go through the car wash etc. Good luck ?

Thanks much, I tried a couple of the RealTruck dealers with no luck (one said flatly they wouldn't;t do it and the other said they would call me back, but never did).

I noticed that my local Ford Dealer was on RealTruck dealer list. I went down to schedule my windshield remove and reinstall recall work and while I was there asked the service writer if they installed AMP Research steps and she said they did. I explained the problem and she called across to one of the other writers, asking of they could fix my issue. He said yes and that it would likely be about $95 for the work. They said they could do it while the windshield was being done (same visit), so I have abn appointment next week.

We shall see.

 

[deleriumtremor]

It was suggested to me to take the truck to one of do it yourself car washes and use the high pressure wand and spray them down real good with them deployed then lube them real good. The pressure is higher and you can get the linkage sprayed better with them deployed.

Good idea. I need to do that anyway as the under carriage has so much gritty mud caked up under there that it makes doing simple tasks like an oil and filter change pretty unpleasant as the slightest brush against any surface showers you with grit. I think I will do that before I take it in to the dealer, maybe they will stick with the debug process a little longer if they don't have crap falling in their face the whole time.

 

[tgRanger]

Thanks much, I tried a couple of the RealTruck dealers with no luck (one said flatly they wouldn't;t do it and the other said they would call me back, but never did).

I noticed that my local Ford Dealer was on RealTruck dealer list. I went down to schedule my windshield remove and reinstall recall work and while I was there asked the service writer if they installed AMP Research steps and she said they did. I explained the problem and she called across to one of the other writers, asking of they could fix my issue. He said yes and that it would likely be about $95 for the work. They said they could do it while the windshield was being done (same visit), so I have abn appointment next week.

We shall see.

There ya go ?. Good news!

Hope it works out and their able to fix them for you. $95 isn’t bad. My installer said it took 30 mins to align the board that I couldn’t and his labor rate was $170 an hour.

I do want to mention I too called 1 other shop on the list for a price before the one I went with. They said no, that they would only install them if I purchased the steps from them so I was out of luck there.

I do have one small issue. I ceramic coated my truck some time ago and I noticed two L.E.D lights came unstuck. I called the shop and they said bring it back in and they would take care of it. It’s not their fault but maybe I should have mentioned the coating. I had no idea it’d cause them to unstick.

Good luck ?

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