2007 Toyota Tundra Installation Report by WileETundra

2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7L V8 Limited
Pyrite Mica, Standard Bed, 20" Alloy Wheels

Owner: WileETundra

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Installation Report: Brushed Stainless Step Boards

Project Description
The 2007 Tundra sits pretty high off the ground from the factory. Most people have a to climb up to get in to the truck and then slide down the side of the seat or jump to get down. In addition to being inconvenient this can also be unsafe especially in the rain, mud, or snow, or if you are wearing slick dress shoes, or if your wife has on her fancy high heels, or if you have elderly passengers, etc. I was going to live with it but the wife and some friends complained often enough and I also noticed that all the sliding would wear out my leather seats in short order so I decided to get the steps. I have owned all types of tube steps, step boards, partial steps, and running boards but I decided on the Toyota factory accessory for this truck because they looked the best, were wide and flat with a generous non-skid traction area, and they were 100% stainless material.

Photos
(click on any photo to see a larger version)

Parts & Cost

Toyota part # PT212-3407C for the Double Cab model. This kit includes everything you need. I paid $407 plus shipping from Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL, 33543, 813-407-5973, ebaysales@wesleychapeltoyota.com.

Tools
(just the major items, not a complete list)

Socket wrench
Torque wrench
Metric sockets
Box wrenches
Mechanic's creeper

Install Process

Work on a level flat surface like a shop floor or paved driveway.
Unpack the step boards and lay out all the parts on each side.
Slide under the truck and remove the bolts which were pre-installed at the factory.
Mount the brackets to the frame with the bolts that you removed from the truck. If you are missing any then use the ones supplied in the kit. Leave the bolts slightly loose.
Attach the mounting tabs to the bottom of the steps.
Mount the steps to the brackets. Leave the bolts slightly loose.
Align the steps so they are level from front to back and parallel to the bottom edge of the doors and frame.
Carefully tighten the mounting bracket bolts and step bolts by alternating back and forth and checking the alignment as you go.

Total Time: ~3 hours including prep and cleanup

Comments

Bolts: The bolts removed from the truck were the same thread size as the bracket bolts supplied with the kit but the truck bolts had a slightly larger head and were just a tiny bit longer so to play it safe I used the truck bolts to mount the brackets. The odd thing is that 8 bolts were required to mount all 4 brackets on each side, however the truck only came with 7 bolts pre-installed on each side. Rather than use one smaller bolt from the kit on each side, I went to Lowes and purchased 2 new bolts to match the truck bolts so all the bracket bolts would be the same size and strength. Call me a perfectionist or call me paranoid but I felt it was worth doing right.
Strength: These steps are very solid even after months of heavy and frequent use. I weigh 250 lbs. and have placed my full weight on the boards while loading cargo and washing the truck. They don't even bend or move one bit and they make it much easier to get in or out of the truck without sliding, jumping, or wearing out the seat leather.
Protection: In addition to being convenient and safer these steps will also protect the side of the truck from road debris, stones, snow and ice, etc.
Value: All in all this was one of the best accessories available in terms of practicality and overall value for the money. It will probably be much cheaper to get the truck without the steps and add them yourself later since most dealers don't give big discounts on the accessories. Shipping is high due to the length and weight of the kit but if you order from out of state then you can probably avoid tax so it may still be a better deal.

Disclaimer: this information has been shared for entertainment purposes only. The ideas, methods, parts, and products represented may not be compatible or safe for your vehicle or driving circumstances. The author is not responsible for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, misuse, etc. No guarantees, warranties, or support are provided or implied. Use this information at your own risk.