hatda02

I picked up a mint 01 Tacoma last Oct with only 10k miles on it. It had a new frame, brake lines, shocks, leafs and a few other things due to the recall. Since buying it I have been picking up parts and accessories to do everything that I wanted to it all at once (over a couple week period).

Since the truck will not be offroaded much I wanted a cheap set of step bars so the wife or kid can get in easier once the lift is done. I picked up a new set of Westin steps and started to install today. I'm following the instructions and the step bars will not fit properly. The rear part sticks out way too far and it appears they were designed for the frame to be shaped a bit differently. Even the tabs that insert into the frame will not fit the way the instructions state; you have to put them in the other way because there is structural support for the cross member that blocks the way the instructions show.

I could post some photos and all, but I know these will not fit. Westin is closed today being a Saturday....I guess since no one on the planet would ever work on their truck on a Saturday, so I can't ask them.

Does anyone know with the new frames if the shape/dimensions changed a bit?

hatda02

Okay, so I will add photos. Who knows maybe someone will need to see these at the Westin place although I would think this would have been covered.

Here is a pic of the instructions:


Here is the one side assembled, but not on the truck (note the graphic above is for drives side and my pic is the pass side):


Here is the assembled side mounted with just the front bolt hand tightened as defined in the instructions. Notice how the rear is under the frame.


If I force the step bar in place this is what it looks like. With it being forced there is a large gap in the mounting plates in both the front and the rear (I did not take a pic) so once you try to tighten the bolts something WILL snap. Notice how the front is way far in and the rear is sticking out:


Now if I remove the rear U shaped bracket that is adding like an inch it fits much better. Here there is enough pressure on the bar that it stays in place against the frame, but of course there is nothing to bolt to now:


And a shot from above shows it is almost evenly spaced with the body....but almost is not going to cut it.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Looks like you got the wrong part in the correct box.

Or someone just sent you the wrong part number.

No the frames are the same as far as size otherwise nothing would fit

hatda02

Thanks. I really did not think they would. I'm going to call them on Monday when they open and see if their support person can call up this post so they can see my dilemma. The instructions say they are for my Taco, the part number on the outside of the box is right, and all of the contents match what should be there, but I'm wondering if it is the steps themselves that are for something else? Because it looks like the rear should be a bit shorter than the front.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

the drawing isn't even close to the part...did you happen to try putting it on the other side of the truck?
not saying that will work, but worth 5 minutes of time.
I have no clue where that vetical bracket would mount too...seems like it you cut one part of it off (right side) and rotated it 90 degrees you might be able to get it to work on the bottom of the frame...i think westin just screwed up...

hatda02

Part of the reason the drawing looks different than the parts is the drawing is for the extended cab, but the steps are same just the part sizes in the pic versus what I have differs a bit.

I called Westin today and had them reference this post. They said the Tundra's with the new frames (I did not know Tundra's had a frame recall, but I don't follow those models) have the same problem and they will not fit. From looking at the pics he said Toyota had to change the shape of the frame on these as well. Since I don't want to cut/drill/weld these things (I mean why should I? I wanted them bolt on. If I wanted something I had to weld I would have gone with sliders) I will have to try to return them. The only problem is I bought them awhile back and the return policy is expired.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

If they don`t fit and you can not return them .

Either fix them to fit or put them up for sale.:wabbit2: