Mobility issues - Need sure footed sliders/side steps for 05 Access 4x4 TRD

Hey all. I have an ’05 Access cab, TRD 4x4 with the oval side steps with those cheap plastic pieces for steps, which are falling apart. I have some mobility challenges (Army got the best of me.) So, I am looking for some really stable/strong sliders or steps with good footing areas. I’d like strength, so to be able to protect and have good useable stepping areas for reaching the top rack.

I’ve checked the “armor” thread but most things are bumpers and such. Any suggestions, pics and links are great!

Thanks!

 

Nice looking truck! I'll ask just because I have them on my truck, but are the alternate version of OEM steps an option? They have a far super textured surface to use. Here's a pic of mine from back when I polished the truck.

 

Close-up here. It's only shiny in 1st pic because I just washed/rinsed it.

 

IDK if OEM’s are still available. Everything I’ve checked have been for Gen 2/3’s, haven’t found anything suitabe for Gen 1, yet.

 

A couple of guys here on the forum have quite recently picked them up, used, in great shape.

It's one of those things where you really, really, really (did I emphasize that?) want to make sure you get them with all of the brackets and hardware. They come with 2-piece brackets, and it seems like you're lucky if you even get 1 of 2 pieces. Best to find a donor truck and pull them yourself.

There are a couple of 1st gen threads on sliders, you'll find it by narrowing down search using the "search this forum only" checkbox, and looking for the words "sliders" or "nerf bars".

Like ... Go to the main 1st Gen forum here: https://www.tundras.com/forums/1st-gen-tundras-2000-2006.2/

Click on the search box, type "sliders" (1) and click the two checkboxes shown (2) to narrow the results to 1st Gen forum and cleanly format the search results, before clicking the first "Search" (3) button, not the Google button. Repeat for "nerf bars"

​

 

GREAT, THANKS! This is helpful!

 

Not much in the threads on steps. I do see some I like, with flat surfaces, but these ap0ear to be custom made. Lot’s of banter about sliders, custom welding and such. Scary thing, having to drill into the frame to bolt on, when there’s already plenty of factory holes.

 

What dimensions are yours? Trying to figure out how much footing they give.

 

They've got a couple other options but these ones I believe run wheel to wheel.

https://www.lundtruck.com/crossroads-running-board/2005/toyota/tundra

 

The 5" wide i-boards may be a good option as well. Long flat surface with plenty of grip.

Another member here has them.

 

No prob, and I just updated with more pics of the OEM ones to give some perspective. Not as nice or fat as some of the sliders guys have here on the forum, but I've got little kids and a mom with lower joint issues, never once have they slipped or had an accident.

I can measure in a bit.

 

It’s not the best photo (I’m not around my truck right now) but I have the 5” iBoard running boards and I like them! They’ve got some adjustability to be closer/further to the cab. They do stick down and out a little more than I’d prefer, but I don’t do anything crazier than fire roads so they haven’t gotten in the way so far. I also have a roof rack and the running boards work great when I’m loading my kayak up there.

 

One issue I've had searching the forum for stuff regarding our 1st gen's are aftermarket support. The pool is getting more and more shallow, and finding a good aftermarket front or rear bumper that doesn't look like I'm desert racing has become problematic. I might just have to take measurements and have something custom made. Frustrating, but that's where we are.

I appreciate you and all the information sharing you've provided to our forum members shifty.

 

Looks nice! Clean lines, smooth and simple.

 

OEM measurements for Access Cab.

Looks like the step is a little over 5" deep, sticks out about 2" from the body line/bulge of door, and is around 5½' long.

 

Very nice, Thank you!

So no problem with stepping on to climb in?

I have a bad R hip, lower back. So when I step in, I plant my left foot on the side step and then transition my R into the floor board. Without a side step it’s a bit more cumbersome for me. So, I need a really good platform (space) to plant my L foot. These round bars, the plastic insert tread, is falling apart from the way I plant myself, and they’re slippery.

 

I do like these Roan Runnigboards, but they do not make them for my year model, unfortunately.
https://n-fab.com/roan-running-boards

 

Looks like only two brackets? Who sells these?

 

I can't recommend NFab after having 3 sets on my truck. 2 have been warrantied for rusting finish, the 3rd are rusted now after 2 years.

 

This is one of those times when I'd say, "I think it varies from case to case".

I'm just over 6ft tall, and heaviest I've ever been is ~230lb but tend to hover around 180-185lb. I use the OEM running boards for all kinds of stuff, spent an hour or more with my full body weight on each side while polishing the chalk out of the paint last year or year before, and regularly use them when washing the truck.

I don't always stand with both feet and full weight when getting into the truck, sometimes I'll left-step and throw my right leg over the seat bolster. The boards never feels like it has give to me. When taking these measures, I stood on the passenger board with my full body weight and bounced up/down and very little give.

If you were in the 250lb+ range, something maybe easy to accomplish when physical issues limit activity, it could be a different story for you. Much of the support for these comes from the bracket design Toyota used. Pics of that are over here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-1288#post-2683805

In those pics, notice there's not only the silver-looking pieces you'll see in this TX member's photo: https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-1288#post-2683648

But there's also multiple black brackets which help clamp those on. Like these two. You'll need to make sure you get all the brackets, and bolts too if possible, if you purchase used.

 

Oh, but it's worth saying, a steel slider-bar type setup that's had sandpaper adhesive strips installed would provide you the most possible support. I'm not aware of any bolt-on (no-weld) setups, but others may know something?

 

Nice to know!

 

Good to know! They look sturdy. I looked around a bit for a used set. Nothing that made me want to jump at. Color and condition being the main issue, at first glance. I think black steps would blend in well, if I couldn’t find OEM steps in the desert sand to match my truck.

 

I’m going to check out a truck topper dealer today. They also sell and install steps. I tk what your describing would be a good fit, provided they have at least three brackets, and the non skid surface. thanks!

 

Link here (I think I bought them on Amazon but you can get the search info from this website)

Only 2 brackets per side, but they hold me fine and I'm 6'3", 220 lbs. Being this tall I don't need them to get into the truck, but love having them for washing, loading the roof rack, and getting in at a higher point to save the seat bolstering a little more.

 

They look nice. They appear to stick out a ways however, but thats just from my perspective. Still searching…

 

I understand the climate difference but I've had the truck 5 years and had 3 sets of bars rust pretty significantly. The Westin bars I had years ago on a truck still looked fine after 5 years.