Amp Research Power Steps

[Phessor]

Can anyone who bought the override switch confirm the install is just 3 wires between the switch and the control module?
I can't see spending $40 for $10 in wire, switch and connector pins.

Yes, that is all it is. Lucky for me it was on sale last year.

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[micl9]

Yes, that is all it is. Lucky for me it was on sale last year.

Thanks!
I have some molex pins that should work, just need a 3 way rocker switch.
Picked up a used set of steps for an awesome price, just need to replace 1 motor. And its on order!

 

[micl9]

Well I have finished my install

• The front Idler Linkage Assembly is a bitch to install!!!!!! Especially the passenger side - that one bolt turning a 1/4 at a time SUX.
• I used the method discussed earlier to bring the purple wires in thru the harness pass thru. I also added the override switch wires. I used a broken fish tape to stab thru the rubber and then puled the wires back thru into the cab. Used a little wire pull lube and it worked great.
• Regrading the override switch - I used some Molex pins I already had. They weren't an exact match but seemed to work. I have not tested yet as it was hot as hell today and I was done. Rocker switches arrive Monday. I was going to manually short the wires, but was done for the day.
• I bought an OBD-II splitter on Amazon,
  
  appears to be same as what AMP sells but cheaper, $35! Worked just fine. I have my OBDII Bluetooth installed and working with OBIIAA. Cant wait for my next inspection to see the shop freak out.
• Problems
  • Replacement motor arrives Wednesday. I think I will need to play with the linkage after installing as the side without the motor right now is kinda stiff, it will stay stowed on its own.
  • The side with the motor moved freely, but after installing the motor the front edge doesn't tuck all the way to the body. Anybody else experience this?
• Most important - My Wife loves the steps
• OH, I do plan to use the LED lights, but can't see drilling a hole in the pinch weld. I will just put them on the frame. Maybe when it gets cooler!

Thanks all for the the tips and recommendations!

Now to sell my stock side steps...

 

[Phessor]

Well I have finished my install

• The front Idler Linkage Assembly is a bitch to install!!!!!! Especially the passenger side - that one bolt turning a 1/4 at a time SUX.
• I used the method discussed earlier to bring the purple wires in thru the harness pass thru. I also added the override switch wires. I used a broken fish tape to stab thru the rubber and then puled the wires back thru into the cab. Used a little wire pull lube and it worked great.
• Regrading the override switch - I used some Molex pins I already had. They weren't an exact match but seemed to work. I have not tested yet as it was hot as hell today and I was done. Rocker switches arrive Monday. I was going to manually short the wires, but was done for the day.
• I bought an OBD-II splitter on Amazon,
  
  appears to be same as what AMP sells but cheaper, $35! Worked just fine. I have my OBDII Bluetooth installed and working with OBIIAA. Cant wait for my next inspection to see the shop freak out.
• Problems
  • Replacement motor arrives Wednesday. I think I will need to play with the linkage after installing as the side without the motor right now is kinda stiff, it will stay stowed on its own.
  • The side with the motor moved freely, but after installing the motor the front edge doesn't tuck all the way to the body. Anybody else experience this?
• Most important - My Wife loves the steps
• OH, I do plan to use the LED lights, but can't see drilling a hole in the pinch weld. I will just put them on the frame. Maybe when it gets cooler!

Thanks all for the the tips and recommendations!

Now to sell my stock side steps...

As far as the one end not coming up all the way, one of mine did the same.
I had to loosen both brackets and retightened per instructions, then it was fine.

 

[micl9]

As far as the one end not coming up all the way, one of mine did the same.
I had to loosen both brackets and retightened per instructions, then it was fine.

Got lucky - loosened up the front step attach screws and lubed all the joints. Snugs up nice now! The drivers side will need the hinges loosened, but I will wait for the motor to arrive and for the temps to drop next weekend.

Was in Christmas morning mode when I got home from picking this up. Started install immediately. Should have cleaned and lubed before I installed. ?


Hey where did you guys with the override switch put it? For a switch that wont get used very often I dont really want to make a hole in my dash. I may put it on the kick panel.

 

[micl9]

Finished the override sw install. Used the AMP install as guide, got a 3 way rocker off Amazon and Done! I will probably use this a lot as I have discovered that I don't need the step to get in our out.
As to the switch location - I put in on the "fuse" panel. Location decided for my by the round opening in the back here.

Tomorrow I install the new motor on drivers side.
Oh and discover that its not a good idea to leave the steps deployed in a car wash! The rear end cap fell off. The looked for it but it went down into the pit. I may get it back, but figured having spares isnt a bad thing so I ordered a set.

 

[tmcolegr]

Installation complete

 

[micl9]

Installation complete

Looks good! I am loving mine. Truck looks so much cleaner than the factory steps.
And look great on a white truck!
Hey I didnt think XLTs came with painted door handles!?
Found your post on this - Nice touch!

 

[tmcolegr]

Looks good! I am loving mine. Truck looks so much cleaner than the factory steps.
And look great on a white truck!
Hey I didnt think XLTs came with painted door handles!?
Found your post on this - Nice touch!

Very observant and you are correct !!

I replaced the mirror covers, door handles as well as the tailgate handle w/PTM replacements from a Lariat that match the body color

 

[micl9]

FINALLY
I have both sides working smoothly and snugging up front and rear. Had to use an ultra sonic cleaner to free up the linkages and lots of silicon spray. Also discovered you can remove the big shaft/drive shaft and get all the grit out!
I think this has now become my favorite mod, would I spend $1700 with what I know now? Not sure, but a lot more likely now.
These things ROCK, if you can afford them - GET THEM!

EDIT
And that side view I was asking about ?

 

[micl9]

Hey All
If you are not aware AMP sells a SS trim piece that really dresses up the steps and gets rid of the rough edge. Check out @tmcolegr 's thread HERE

 

[BGDOGY]

Just ordered a set, found them in stock and got a $204 discount. If anyone is interested in a set of factory OEM steps let me know. I hope the install goes as easy as it looks in Josh's video!

 

[micl9]

Just ordered a set, found them in stock and got a $204 discount. If anyone is interested in a set of factory OEM steps let me know. I hope the install goes as easy as it looks in Josh's video!

You will not regret getting them!

 

[JACER]

Well, after Open Heart Surgery, I needed to pull the plug, open the books and order the Amp Research Power Steps. I tried giving Stage3 a shot, but out of stock for 20 weeks or more. Also priced at 1649.

Went to Amp Research website, also listed at 1649, they wanted me to buy local. Great idea, but can't drive for the next 4 weeks.

Just happened to receive an email from Auto Accessories Garage.Amp Research Power Steps on sale for 1484 + tax, free shipping. They are in stock, will ship out Friday.

I have my mobile mechanic lined up & ready to go.

I will be removing the Ford chrome package Steps. They are flawless. ARE YOU IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA !ND WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED? Make a reasonable offer, please!!!

 

[deleriumtremor]

So earlier today I ordered a set of those AMP Research power steps for the Ranger.

I had them on a lifted GMC 1/2 Ton and it was a game changer for my wife (5' - 100lbs), getting into and out of the cab. I like the way the steps deploy, landing about 1/2 way between the ground and the cab, so when you step up, you land square in the seat with no major head duck or drag across the bolster. I also like the tucked up out of the way look they have when the doors are closed.

Clearly my stock FX4 is not as high as that lifted GMC truck, but a hip issue I have now has me lifting my leg with an arm to help me get into the cab. I have a hip replacement surgery scheduled in 3 weeks and my ingress and egress is going to be super challenged without any step assistance after that is done, so I decided I would install them before the operation. After I have fully recovered from the surgery, I plan to add the Fox 2.0 FPT dampers and level, perhaps the Tremor leaf springs as well, so having the steps after all that will be even better.

If I can remember to take some shots while installing the steps I will and in any case will do a photoshoot after to be posted on how they look and operate once I get them on the truck.

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