47-55.1 Easier access on lifted AD's

[vintovka]

Was getting into mine and got a comment on how its set up so here it is. Sorry if a repeat but recently saw an older fellow fall and injure his leg climbing into his lifted 53.

Mine is a 54 on a 84 GMC with a 4" factory lift. Factory running boards are 18" of the deck. Easy for 18 olds - not so much for us pushing 80. I added AMP power boards suspended under the factory boards and they work well. Spec'd for a cj-5 jeep they fit with just shortening the boards. Even then it was not enough and age and balance were issues. I added grab handles both outside and in as shown. Kinda a jungle jim set up. The outside one Allows me to easily pull myself up on the AMP boards and then step up to the factory ones. The inside one allows me to comfortably swing into the cab without pulling on the steering wheel. Yanking on the wheel is not good for original GM tilts and can damage them fast.

Getting out is easy and safe. Grabbing the outside with the left hand lets me step down both boards onto the ground without losing my balance. The outer grab is also the anchor for the 3 points,

Both handles seem unobtrusive as shown and not sure i could get in and out without them. Do remind my of my flying days climbing in an out of aircraft cockpits. Hope idea helps others.