Fabbing step bars on a 2nd Gen Runner
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CenCal
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fabbing step bars on a 2nd Gen Runner
Got a barely used 110 mig welder recently. Was thinking about fabbing my own step bars for my "vertically challenged" passengers, and to be honest, it just sounds like a fun project. Soooooo.....
I'd like to make these myself. I just want step bars, not sliders, it's a 2wd. Strong enough to hold two adults, max, not support the weight of the vehicle. I'd prefer something simple, one long bar with 90's on each end, welded to the frame. Probably powder coat them black and throw some grip tape on 'em.
What "thickness" of steel would you recommend? I'd like to keep them as light as possible, while still sturdy to stand on. The rear portion looks like it would be mated/welded perpindicular to the frame. No problem. The front, however, would have to mount to a part of the frame where it bows in/narrows toward the engine bay. How does one cut/adjust for this?
Can you tell I'm new to this?
I'd like to make these myself. I just want step bars, not sliders, it's a 2wd. Strong enough to hold two adults, max, not support the weight of the vehicle. I'd prefer something simple, one long bar with 90's on each end, welded to the frame. Probably powder coat them black and throw some grip tape on 'em.
What "thickness" of steel would you recommend? I'd like to keep them as light as possible, while still sturdy to stand on. The rear portion looks like it would be mated/welded perpindicular to the frame. No problem. The front, however, would have to mount to a part of the frame where it bows in/narrows toward the engine bay. How does one cut/adjust for this?
Can you tell I'm new to this?
#2
for starters size of material is really up to you, but that 110V welder is not exactly ideal for strength, its generally for sheet metal so if u choose heavy duty tubeing although the welds may look good they proibly wont have very good penetration.
#3
Contributing Member
iTrader: (3)
You could probably use 0.120 wall tubing, that makes a fairly strong bar and that welder should be able to handle that thickness. Angle cuts work for the front frame brackets:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it_HowTo.shtml
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...it_HowTo.shtml
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RedRunner_87
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
84
06-01-2021 01:51 PM
MMA_Alex
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners (Build-Up Section)
25
04-18-2017 05:07 AM
Jnkml
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
3
07-06-2015 01:20 PM