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.

[mr48chev]

We carry one of these in the OT truck for my wife use to get up in the truck. After she was in the hospital a few months ago I built a second step out of wood so she could use it to get up on the stool.

I was at Walmart in Yakima one night and a lady in a 4x4 close to my rig opened the door and pulled out her stool that had a length of cord tied to it, set it on the ground, got in the truck and pulled the stool in after herself and folded it up. A not spendy, not crazy idea.

[vintovka]

Seen the stool and rope trick before. It works and fun to watch. Because mine is a real daily driver I really needed something automatic and for compensating my worsening balance issues. Someone could possibly save big bucks by recycling power steps off a wrecked car or truck. Steps also help getting into bed to grab stuff or when washing roof. The exterior grab handles came in handy recently when friends wanted to ride the boards in a slow parade.

[mr48chev]

This isn't inexpensive but might work with the rails you have under the cab. https://www.amazon.com/Homeon-Wheels...0C1YDWHL5&th=1

I think you might be on to something with hunting down a pair of power steps for a late model. Maybe a pair that are scuffed up a bit but can be cut down to size and still have some nice steps.

[vintovka]

Might work well if mounted correctly and had a switch that deployed steps on door opening and closing. You a correct that the rails are key and grabbing them becomes instinctive after just a couple uses.

[vintovka]

I looked at your link and would probable have to use them if i needed them right now.
My AMP power steps have doubled in price since just 3 years ago and will be near $1000 per side soon due to democrats.

[mr48chev]

I was shocked at the asking prices for what my son calls "grandpa steps". He took them off his Silverado when he bought it and they are probably stashed in their barn.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I was shocked at the asking prices for what my son calls "grandpa steps". He took them off his Silverado when he bought it and they are probably stashed in their barn.

There are few prices on things that don't shock me nowadays. Makes you rethink projects and abandon many before you begin. So time ago i may have mentioned a young guy who asked about the cost restoring a AD like mine. That was a very uncomfortable conversation.

[mr48chev]

The cost of building a project is going to be higher than we older guys remember doing it for but a person can still build a pretty nice ride even AD or TF if you do your homework and spend wisely.

Case in point, I have over 1000 tied up in aluminum pieces and cast headers for my 292. Simply because I WANTED them and not because I needed any of them to have the truck run and drive. Sometimes we get carried away with the "I want's" a lot more than absolutely needs.

[mr48chev]

54 GMC short box west of Eugene Oregon that might be worth the asking just for parts to put your truck together.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...type=top_picks

Sa my old Aussie Harley used to say it is a bit ruff but workable.