[jn.mitchell59]

Has anyone here installed a "I'm too fat and old to just hop in the seat anymore" helper step? Oddly enough, the metal's still good under the lower sills, something that would attatch there and the "frame box" would do the trick.

 

[jn.mitchell59]

Has anyone here installed a "I'm too fat and old to just hop in the seat anymore" helper step? Oddly enough, the metal's still good under the lower sills, something that would attatch there and the "frame box" would do the trick.

Oops, didn't mean to post this to electrical...

 

[tungtide]

Running boards. Makes getting in easy, but you need to be careful getting ou.

 

[Mmusicman]

We're ALL getting older too.. I was also having trouble reaching my door step.
Made my own... very strong and sturdy. Works perfect for me!
See my post:
Finished My New Side-Step

 

[realityguy]

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger there!.LOL but there are a lot of different styles out there to choose from already made from about $50-120..and probably some specific for Astros..
sample--->

4x4 driver's step - Google Search

I'm thinking of a 2" "Hitch step" also for my back doors..It's just too hard for my old knees and no wall handle to "jump"(yeah right!)..in that way..

MMs looks good! Hmm(looking again)..MM..is that a receiver type "hitch step"..bolted on there top to bottom?..welded tube..or welded bar onto one?

 

[Rod's Trucks]

IIRC, MM used the transmission crossmember

member as an inner support. I copied that general idea for my rocker panel/pinch weld guards.

MM posted that a while back, so it should be in the archives.
Rod J

 

[realityguy]

I'm not bad on the driver and passenger side..or slider because they have lowered steps.The back door step down or up kills me.I'm going to drag my heavy old Lincoln welder out of the big jobbox later this spring and weld something up..I've got a few extra old receiver hitches I can use in the hitches(both vans)..and I think some amount of 1/4" plate..gotta check that..but Everett Steel isn't too far away.
Interesting place for the step mount for the side..if my knees get worse.

 

[Mmusicman]

MM..is that a receiver type "hitch step"..bolted on there top to bottom?..welded tube..or welded bar onto one?

Yes hitch step. Nothing welded
(click link in my above post for details)

 

[bryancraftyhands]

Coincidentally, you should see what @markmitch happened to just post today. Nice look, but that step that @Mmusicman showed is probably less expensive, easier to install and practical.

 

[realityguy]

MM somehow I missed your link..(?)duh..thanks!).I don't deal with Amazon after some email harrassment from a guy I gave a negative to that wanted me to wait 2 months to receive a septic pump sensor part for my vacation home(are you nuts?!).
(2nd hand seller that was using /selling other people's listings and items..didn't have any of those items on hand)

Anyway..I just need one for a 2" rear hitch and bought this one off ebay..(Yours looks nicer) --->

Apex SHSDP Steel Hitch Step 847821016151 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Apex SHSDP Steel Hitch Step at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

If it isn't heavy enough.I can make/bolt something over it..

 

[markmitch]

I got these step bars from a vehicle I already own and all I need to do is take the brackets off and reconfigure them. I may need to buy some steel to use these but thats about it.

 

[Mmusicman]

Although I set mine up to be a "side-step"... it's actually a "hitch-step" designed for the rear
Plenty available... all types, all sizes, all prices

In my case.. My original intent was to mount a side-receiver so I could un-plug the step, but I quickly realized I would never unplug it, so I just bolted it permanent.

Now my wife wants to know where "her side-step" is.. lol
I put a portable-step on the ground for her

 

[WoodButcher]

bryan mentioned Marks post so I had to go looking,

what do you all think of this modification?

A while back I bought a rustey old S-10 to plow with but things didn't work out as planned and the transmission went in the s-10 so I am taking parts off of it and using it as a yard truck only. These step bars were on it and I am going to make/adapt brackets to fit them on my lifted Astro.

www.astrosafari.com

I have brand new running boards and back ladder for a rear door that came with it when I bought my '05 and haven't installed either. The ladder I won't put on as I'm sure the ladder or the steel of the door will fail, seen too many of that type in the junkyards.

The running boards Westin 276130

I just haven't made up my mind on, If I use them the hardware will need to be reinforced. Most of the 5 brackets bolt to the back of the rocker with 10 mm screws, drill a 3/16" hole and run the screw. No bueno considering my partner in crime / son weighs in at 260 w/o toolbelt will be standing on them tying, untying loads on the rack the boards need to be strong and not just look pretty.