Member Since: 08 Nov 2023
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 10
Lucky 8: Side Steps & Rear Ladder Installed
I finally installed the Lucky 8 side steps & rear ladder I ordered in December. I actually installed them separately a few weeks apart with the help of my son. I kept procrastinating on the ladder because I knew the rear bumper cover would be difficult to remove and it was. Getting all of the plastic push clips, cables, bolts and screws (both phillips and torx) off wasn't that difficult but required many types of ratchets and screwdrivers because of limited access without a ramp. I would estimate that it took 5 to 6 hours a piece to do both, but that split over 2 days for each as well. The toughest part of the side steps was pulling the trim pieces off and trimming the fabric liner underneath to fit the brackets. The toughest part for the ladder was accessibility to the bolts and screws (a 4 post ramp would have been ideal) and actually separating the bumper shell from the vehicle. Basically dirt gets between the bumper shell and the rest of the car and acts as a glue. I had toe eye brackets installed which made it more difficult because you could use those holes to pull. Make sure and use something like a quick detail spray on the edge ahead of time and it will make it a lot easier. Also if you want to install anything that would require removing the bumper (toe eye hooks, etc...) make sure and do that now. I promised I would never remove that bumper shell again!
As far as tools used, here is a quick list:
Makita cordless ratchet (for the easy to reach bolts and screws)
Manual ratchet and socket set (make sure have 19MM down to 8MM and socket extensions)
Dremel rotary tool or compact saw (both the side steps and ladder will require modifying the trim pieces)
19MM box wrench (for the final tightening of the top ladder bracket)
Sturdy box cutter knife (for trimming the fabric liner to install side step brackets)
Stubby screwdriver and ratchet for hard to reach screws (see picture below)
Very strong pair of hands!
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Here are few result pictures. The ladder may look a bit off center but its just the angle of the picture. It lines up nicely.
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There are plenty of Youtube videos showing the process of doing both. Let me know if you have any questions.22 Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE
17 RRS V-8 Supercharged Dynamic / Loire Blue / (Espresso/Almond/Ivory) / Zebrano
11 RRS HSE Lux / Galway Green / Almond / Anigre
08 RRS SC / Zermatt Silver / Ebony / Zebrano |
01 RR / Holland & Holland / Tintern Green
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