3" vertical drop, and 1" horz offset. Made of 304 SS. Picture is unpainted brackets, will be available polished (shiny) or black.


Recommended for lifted trucks with OEM sidebars.


Before:


http://2fdr.com/mcrat/stock.jpg


After:


http://2fdr.com/mcrat/modified.jpg


Ground Clearance unaffected:


http://2fdr.com/mcrat/clearance.JPGEdited by: McRat

Oh, and yes my truck needs a bath. ;)


I still have a few bugs to work out. When I get them worked out, I'll make 4 more sets. Email me if interested. I need to find a cheaper source for material. The stainless stock ran $60 for 1 set. I think I got ripped.

Some thoughts:


The stock bars serve one good purpose, they make the truck look better by hiding the frame rails. They are useless for short women and kids, or guys with big feet. There is not enough room to put your foot solidly on them. By dropping them 3" and moving them out 1", they become actually useful, but now you can see the frame.


The stock bars attach to the rubber-mounted body holddown bolts. This allows them to flex under load. By lengthening them, they flex more. I'm going to try something tomorrow to get the flex out of the system. I had 500lbs of people jump up and down on the bar while I watched. The stock bar flexed a little, the extension not at all, but the rubber mount was 90% of the movement.


I was just going to use alum bar stock, except for some problems. 50% more $$$, would need 3" longer metric bolts ($$$), It would be hard to move the bar outboard, and I don't have a lathe, just a mill. I might still make a set using alum, but first I need to find out if my method for stopping flex will work. Stainless seemed like a better method for ease of mfr and price. Didn't want mild steel (cheap) because I hate rust.


But in the long run, they work excellent. Even with wet boots, I can get in and out much easier, and the kids think they are great. Just wish I could hide the frame like the stock bar did.

McRat,


I was one of the first (I think) to ask about these and I'm still interested. What about only lowering them 1 1/2" to 2"? Would that help hide the frame rail better. Also, they look a little too low in the picture, like they're hangin' out there. But I'll leave that all up to you. Very interested in your final outcome!

Yes, 3" is probably too much for stock height trucks.


They work REALLY well, but look odd. I based the drop on the lowest part of the frame, which is the crossbar. I didn't want to reduce clearance.


I think I will make a 2" set also with no offset. The 1" offset brings the bar in line with the stock tires, and makes it easier to step up with slippery shoes.


The 3" drop, 1" offset stainless set (painted black or unfinished) will be available for $70. Includes stainless hardware.


I'll make 2" drop, 0" offset within the next week or two. Probably aluminum, and I hope for the same price. I still need to find a cheaper place for the raw parts. Biggest problem will be finding extra long metric bolts that are high-strength.

Yeah, the 3" would probably be best for a "lifted" vehicle.


I forgot to ask, what are you doing for the middle extension bracket?

Same thing for all 6 mounts. Essentially all I do is extend the original mount points with a rigid extension platform.


First I started to extend by putting a plate between the existing mounting braces and the bar. But it looked odd, and reduced the strength. The way I did it does not reduce the strength at all.

Cool........I look forward to the final product!!

Yes, 3" is probably too much for stock height trucks.
They work REALLY well, but look odd. I based the drop on the lowest part of the frame, which is the crossbar. I didn't want to reduce clearance.
I think I will make a 2" set also with no offset. The 1" offset brings the bar in line with the stock tires, and makes it easier to step up with slippery shoes.
The 3" drop, 1" offset stainless set (painted black or unfinished) will be available for $70. Includes stainless hardware.
I'll make 2" drop, 0" offset within the next week or two. Probably aluminum, and I hope for the same price. I still need to find a cheaper place for the raw parts. Biggest problem will be finding extra long metric bolts that are high-strength.

I have a stock height 2500HD Crewcab. I would
be VERY interested in a 1-2" drop with maybe
a 1" offset.

Are you still making the brakets out of Stainless
or is it aluminum only?

thanks!

T.

McRat,


Did you try Los Angeles Steel, they are one of the largest on the west coast. I forgot there number but I remember when I was looking for a big sheet of diamond plate they were about 15-20% cheaper than the smaller distributors. Hope it helps.


LA DMAX

McRat,


Still here waiting to see what your final outcome is on these.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

McRat,
Still here waiting to see what your final outcome is on these.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

PING....

Yep! Same here.

thanks,

T.