Built in dirt trap!
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Joined: Jan 1999
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From: Spearfish SD
Built in dirt trap!
I have a 01 Super Crew with the plastic covered factory running boards. My wife drives it to work every day, and it is never off of the pavement...so this will probably apply to nearly all of you too.
This past weekend, I was adding some lights to the running boards and had to remove the center support from the running board/body. I discovered a built in dirt trap, and what could eventually turn into a location for rust to begin.
In the center of each running board mount, there is a "u" shaped depression. That depression was level full with wet dirt. These brackets are built with no way for the dirt and water to escape. Since the truck never goes off road, this dirt is obviously being carried up with the spray from the wet roads.
I think it might be wise to drill a hole(s) in the bottom of the channel?
What do ya think???
This past weekend, I was adding some lights to the running boards and had to remove the center support from the running board/body. I discovered a built in dirt trap, and what could eventually turn into a location for rust to begin.
In the center of each running board mount, there is a "u" shaped depression. That depression was level full with wet dirt. These brackets are built with no way for the dirt and water to escape. Since the truck never goes off road, this dirt is obviously being carried up with the spray from the wet roads.
I think it might be wise to drill a hole(s) in the bottom of the channel?
What do ya think???
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,247
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From: El Cajon, CA
Well then I guess I should look at that myself. I offroad quite a bit (when I can) and love running though mud puddles so I would guess mine is full too. Thinking of removing my steps and replacing them with the smaller hoop steps, not the full nerf bar but just the steps that will fit 1 foot in. More appropriate for the 4x4 and less for big rocks to hit. I have taken a few rocks pretty hard on my steps as they are the lowest point on my truck in the middle. Although they do make a good "your about to bottom out your truck you idiot!" warrning sound.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 104
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From: Birmingham, AL
I've darn near ripped my running boards off the truck a number of times. Seems like you can NEVER get all of the mud/dirt out from behind those things. I wonder if changing them out for Nerf Bars would be an improvement.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 34
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From: Cypress, Tx
If you do go mudding in your screw make sure and check behind your tail lights afterwards!!! There is a hole behind them that lets all kinds of junk in there!!! After my first trip out in mine I had to take the taillights off and dig the mud out!!!
Go down to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up some rubber plugs and stuff them in those holes.. Trust me you'll want to...
-Kevin
Go down to Home Depot or Lowes and pick up some rubber plugs and stuff them in those holes.. Trust me you'll want to...
-Kevin
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: The Bluegrass State
Neil, thanks for the info. I'm going to check my running boards out later today to see if I have the 'U' shaped brackets.
kev2126, you're right, the hole in the back is very annoying. I've had to take my passenger side tail light out several times for tiny rocks/sand between the plastic housing and the paint.
RP
kev2126, you're right, the hole in the back is very annoying. I've had to take my passenger side tail light out several times for tiny rocks/sand between the plastic housing and the paint.
RP