Step pads for my bars?

I ordered some step pads on eBay that looked like they were going to fit my step bars and they are about 2 or 3 mm too short for the holes to line up. So in other words they are garbage. Is there a reliable source for new step pads because Amazon has thousands and I just don't trust ordering online anymore. Maybe do I have to go to the dealer?

 

First question is who made the step bars you have? They aren't like then ones on my '07.

 

I don't know. They came with the vehicle and I don't see a brand anywhere on them. There's only one pad left on it and it says "Big Country"

 

Well, I would do one of 2 things if I was trying to fix this this on the cheap. Best way is to install rivnuts into the existing holes, drill corresponding holes in the new plastic pads you bought, and screw them down. Of course you need a rivnut tool for the first method. The easiest way is to tape the new pads in place temporarily, drill through them and through the bars, and install with long enough screws, and flat washers and lock nuts on the under side.

 

When I looked for replacement pads for the bars on mine, Aries step bars, the replacement pads almost as much as just buying new bars, like 2/3rds. So I just bedlined the bars, pads and all and it has been fine.

 

Upon research I see what people mean by maybe just buying all new bars. If I can't find a compatible pad, who do I have install new bars? Dealer? I can't and do not have the tools.

 

Dealer can do it but may be more $, since dealers usually charge more. Any shop can handle swapping them, probably takes about half hour-40 minutes to do both, hour tops.

 

You must have an automotive accessory place near you. Around here they install/ spray bedliners, do stripes, install remote starters, etc. They are going to be most likely cheaper than a dealer.