AMP Research Installation Question

[2500Ram]

I should be attacking the AMP power step installation as soon as I get my truck soon. I see in the instructions I need to do some drilling and install nut inserts. Now the truck I have already has steps from RAM. The factory mounting points won't work for the AMP steps? Do I have to remove the factory hardware too?

 

[Crusty old shellback]

You use the same mounting points. Just with the AMP steps, there is a backing plate that goes inside the body for reinforcement.
Lots of pictures of my install in my build thread.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Download the install manual from their website and take some time reading thru it.
RAM is involved, but not over complicated.
I will say it was the hardest to do. My '01 F250 was the easiest. My '04 Silverado was in the middle.

 

[2500Ram]

Thank you just took a look at your install and what I was trying to avoid looks to be required...removing the factory rivnuts. I was also going to install the lights without drilling. If the factory steps don't need the backing plate I wonder if I can get away with installing the AMP steps at the factory rivnuts and then to the pinch weld.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

They need the backing plate.

 

[Power247]

Thank you just took a look at your install and what I was trying to avoid looks to be required...removing the factory rivnuts. I was also going to install the lights without drilling. If the factory steps don't need the backing plate I wonder if I can get away with installing the AMP steps at the factory rivnuts and then to the pinch weld.

I installed amp steps on my 2012 2500 using just the factory hardware and after 4 years, never had an issue. I figured if a factory rivnut pulled out I would install the backing plate as a repair.

Greg
2019 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | 6.4 HEMI
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

 

[2500Ram]

I am going to see if on a 2022 the AMP brackets will line up and bolt properly to factory rivnuts. I have pretty much endless fabrication abilities in my shop but that doesn't mean I want to be on my back drilling out perfectly good rivnuts. In my head I picture the steps pushing back up toward the rivnut holes not pulling on them. The pinch weld is holding the static weight anyways. I'll give it a go and see how I feel with it going to factory holes without plates.

 

[G Mcpherson]

You can use them if you like. I went through all of them and checked them with the set bolt that comes with the kit.

 

[2500Ram]

You can use them if you like. I went through all of them and checked them with the set bolt that comes with the kit.

You mean you checked them for pitch and thread right? Did you end up installing directly to the factory points or did you drill them out and reinstall the amp nuts and backing plate?

 

[G Mcpherson]

I used the existing ones. This was on my 18 Ram. No different than my 22. Same Thread pitch. I've installed mine on 3 different trucks and installed the backing plate on the last 2.

 

[2500Ram]

I used the existing ones. This was on my 18 Ram. No different than my 22. Same Thread pitch. I've installed mine on 3 different trucks and installed the backing plate on the last 2.

Gotcha thank you. Can the backing plate do anything with the stock rivnuts? I assume the backing plates require the crush of the new rivnuts to hold the plate in place and actually have them firm thing up? Thanks for the input.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Yep, crush of the Rivnuts holds the plate in place. The plate then stiffens up the mount by being sandwiched to the body.