AMP Bedstep

Just installed the AMP Bedstep in my 2018 SR5. After weighing all the options and the great posts here, I elected to cut the factory bracket. After completion, I’m glad I did, as opposed to using the replacement bracket as suggested by a call to an AMP Installer and the instructions.

I initially drew out the cut lines with a “French curve of sorts”, used a jig saw with a metal blade for initial cuts, then used an air sander/grinder to smooth everything out. Repainted the cuts and then installed.

Nice piece of hardware.

 

Looks great, how far above the ground does the step extend? Right now I use a milk crate and wouldn't mind checking them out.

 

It's roughly 14" to the top of the step on mine, and 7ish from the bottom of the bumper to the top of the step. I'm not sure if my stock height is different than yours though. I do enjoy the step when my 4 wheeler is in the back with the tail gate down.

 

Looks nice. We’re any mods required to install this?

 

He chose to cut the bracket. Amp Research provides one, but it doesn't seem quite as strong. Getting that bracket out was quite a pain.

 

Did you have to cut the brackets in order to get it to come out that way?

On my '16 it's mounted to the side versus most I see are mounted your way. AMP told me it was the only way to mount it.

 

The step that comes out the side is a different model. I bought

$330 75309-01A | Fits 2014 - 2021 Toyota Tundra

75309-01A. Yes, I had to cut the OEM bracket.

 

I didn't know the had a side step like that. I don't the same as you, cutting the factory bracket. I left it in the old truck knowing I could just cut the factory one. Much easier. I put my step on the farthest in spot. It's a little harder to get it out but hides it better in the up position.

 

I was sold that same model and returned it after I installed it because it doesn't sit flush and follow the body lines. Apparently there are 2 different part numbers. The other one fits much better.

 

you dont need to remove the bracket to cut it, you can use an angle grinder and just lop the thing off. (if you're a savage like me)
also if you have the one that doesnt follow the bumper lines, you can make it line up with some shims.

 

Offtopic, but why do you have a strikethrough through your username? I've seen others with the same and have been meaning to ask. Thanks

 

It’s paying tribute to LEOs. If you want it, PM one of the mods.

 

Great install Firefly412. I really like how you cut the stock bracket instead of using the one supplied by AMP. I installed mine about a month ago and it's may be the best upgrade I've done to my 2019 Tundra Limited Off Road. Wish I'd thought to cut the stock bracket instead of removing it and replacing it with the AMP bracket; it was a difficult install (made worse when I rounded off one of the bolt heads under the plastic on top of the bumper) turning a 1-hour easy job into a half-day of frustration.

The AMP Research Bed Step (which is the same as the one you can get from Toyota) is a great addition to any Tundra, and I'd recommend anyone installing one look closely at cutting the original bumper bracket like the OP instead of trying to remove it to replace it with the one supplied by AMP.

 

Thanks for the info

 

Need one of these

 

Damn man that’s a really clean install. I wish I had cut the stupid bracket. Those GD plastic clips everywhere are a nightmare.

 

SOB. No it doesn't sit flush and I didn't realize there was another model. They told it was only available on 2013's or older. It doesn't look aesthetically pleasing from the back. Now I may have to spend money again.

 

Are you not able to take that one off and return it?...I posted my troubles with the install a while back (stock bracket would not come out). After the install the step didn't seem right at all compared to the one I had on my prior vehicle (Ram 2500). I went back to the shop where I bought the step and they swapped it with the other model. Apparently their computer shows 2 models - One is for trucks that have a resin bracket from the factory and the other is for trucks with a metal bracket. I forget which is which, but let me see if I can find my post with all the details for you.

 

@JeremyGSU Here is the link to the thread I mentioned above. Read my post #15 about the 2 different part numbers. Sounds like the same thing happened to you.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/wanted-bed-step-for-2017.35547/

 

Unfortunately no as it's coming up on two years since I put it on.

 

Yes, that's exactly what happened to me. Mine even the bumper. I ended up buying a piece from Home Depot that has a nail at the end and then a little foam piece on the other and nailed the nail into the stopper piece that comes in the step so that it stops earlier and doesn't hit the truck. From the side it looks like it still hits it but if you get down low enough it barely clears it.

Looks somewhat silly from the back though. I may swap out to the correct one and try to sell the other one.

 

Do you have a pic. Thats what is keeping me from grabbing one of these, I don't like the way they poke out when they are in the up position.

 

Mine doesn't "poke out" at all. It's lined up well with the underside of the bumper and tucked in quite tightly to the underside of the truck. When looking at the truck overall, most would never even notice it's there.

Heck, if you want a real thrill, try installing the folding side steps (BedStep2) just behind the truck cab. AMP wants you to remove a bolt securing the bed, insert a metal plate over that, and then reinstall the bolt through the back area of that plate - all with less than an inch or two of clearance. Had to buy an wrench extension to get that tough bolt off and then couldn't get my fingers in there, over the plate, enough to put the bolt back on. After hours of unsuccessful fighting, I finally decided this was a job for someone else. The dealer's service department ultimately got it done, but it took two guys almost twice as long as they originally estimated. When I talked to them afterwards, they (shaking their heads, etc) were almost as shell-shocked as I was. We all had scratched up knuckles and similar.

 

You can see in the last picture what's circled. On my old truck I had the step toward the outside. There's about 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" difference between in and out. Hope this is what you was looking for.

 

Here are the slots used per the manual (for reference). Good idea! Wonder if moving it lowers the weight capacity any?

 

It shouldn't lower the weight capacity. If anything I think it would raise it because you're not stepping away from the center as far. When I put it on the new truck , I tried it and it didn't hit so I left it. But like I said it's slightly harder to get your foot on it but I like it better this way.

 

Agree, it does look cleaner that way.

 

I put one on my old double cab. IMO, it's useless unless you're bed cover is open or you have a tool box. It's so far under the buldged bed side, you can't stand on it unless you have something to grab on to.

 

I'm shortening my hard tonneau cover to allow for a black aluminum gull-wing toolbox. The bed under the tonneau cover will be used for my fishing gear, small generator, and similar. This is all in preparation of hitting the road with a travel trailer. The wife will tow our inflatable boat between locations, with those locations used as a base for nearby travels.

 

So after searching the post and the Internet you’re saying that this model that’s for the 2014 and 2015 fits better than the one that’s designed for the 2017 and up models correct? But the only catch is that I have to modify the bracket right? I have a 2018