Running boards/steps and installation (merged threads)

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Mar 7, 2018 | 09:17 PM

#181

lilboi

Pit Crew

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 193

Likes: 9

From: California

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalRX

My wife is 5' 4" tall and she likes and uses them. The Lexus version of the running boards were installed on our RX when we purchased it. I personally dislike them because of their narrow width. They are not wide enough for my taste and instead of trying to use them I step over them getting out and it's a PITA, so I find them cosmetic, other than standing on them to aid in cleaning the front windshield. There might be aftermarket retractable boards, but I've not run across them.

I'm not sure of the quality of these but they do have some on ebay. Like: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-RX-RX...kAAOSwnFZXUi5r

Mar 7, 2018 | 10:00 PM

#182

mspearl95

Racer

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 1,354

Likes: 162

From: or

Quote:

Originally Posted by guxu

It is really depending on people's height. We got the factory running boards installed because my wife is not tall. But, it is still awkward to use the running boards to get in the vehicle. And in winter, the running boards became the most slippery thing I ever touched.

Then, with the running boards in the way, when I enter the vehicle I can only reach the bolster. Sitting on that tall place, I have to bend and keep my head down to avoid hitting the door frame.

I'm 6'1", and regularly use the running boards for stepping in and out of the vehicle. It doesn't feel awkward now that I'm used to it. It really helps get over the bolster of the f-sport seat, instead of squishing it every time I slide in. My only real complaint is how much dirt the running boards collect in the rainy PNW.

Mar 8, 2018 | 08:43 AM

#183

SoCalRX

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Joined: Dec 2017

Posts: 418

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From: Southern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilboi

I'm not sure of the quality of these but they do have some on ebay. Like: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-RX-RX...kAAOSwnFZXUi5r

Interesting. I do like the position and height to which they extend; there are no photographs with it retracted. The later model Ford and Chevrolet power running boards are great and it would be nice if a power OEM running board was available from Lexus for the RX.

Mar 8, 2018 | 10:11 AM

#184

Jiggz858

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Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 190

Likes: 55

From: WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalRX

Ditto on this one. I would have preferred the boards to be at least an inch or two wider which you can easily find with third party products. Had it not for the rivnut installation I would have just bought wider non-OEM boards, do a self installation and probably even saved some $$$.

Apr 3, 2018 | 01:45 PM

#185

My450H

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Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 48

Likes: 9

From: CALIFORNIA

sorry if this has been addressed in this long post, but

Has anyone done (diy) for the 2018 rx450h year model? Or has asked a dealer for price of a complete installation (part + labor)?

If I could save at least $500 with diy, I'll avoid the dealer.

My wife is growing miserable climbing in and out of this vehicle!

Thanks.

Apr 3, 2018 | 04:24 PM

#186

DaytonaV

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Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 93

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From: CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by My450H

my dealer quoted me $500 for labor only. so i opted to install it myself ~ 2hrs. it was an easy install. the hardest part was installing the riv nuts. i purchased a riv nut gun and riv nuts on amazon. so before installation, i practiced with some other metals before attempting on my car. if the riv nuts are not installed correctly, it will just spin when installing the screws. other then that, it was a walk in the park.

Apr 3, 2018 | 06:12 PM

#187

My450H

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Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 48

Likes: 9

From: CALIFORNIA

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaytonaV

May I ask where you bought your running boards?

Is there only one official Lexus model?
I hope choosing one isn't confusing.

Apr 3, 2018 | 06:24 PM

#188

DaytonaV

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Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 93

Likes: 10

From: CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by My450H

May I ask where you bought your running boards?

Is there only one official Lexus model?
I hope choosing one isn't confusing.

i got the oem lexus rx350/rx450h running boards from the dealer. they matched the ebay prices.

Lexus
http://www.lexus.com/models/RX/accessories?genuine=true

Ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-RX350-RX450H-2016-2018-OEM-Genuine-RUNNING-BOARDS-STEPS-PT938-48171/282885850622?_trkparms=aid%3D444000%26algo%3DSOI.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D50999%26meid%3D4d9ec2626c624d67a50266e1b381519d%26pid%3D100752%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D282885850622%26itm%3D282885850622&_trksid=p2047675.c100752.m1982

Apr 4, 2018 | 09:25 AM

#189

My450H

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Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 48

Likes: 9

From: CALIFORNIA

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaytonaV

Awesome! I will try the same route.

Question, to practice rivnut on other surface, you have to get extra rivnuts because once installed they're dead locked and cannot be removed, reused, correct?
(Sorry, car tinkering is very new to me.)

Apr 4, 2018 | 02:51 PM

#190

DaytonaV

Rookie

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 93

Likes: 10

From: CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by My450H

Awesome! I will try the same route.

yes. here is the kit i purchased from amazon. it included extra rivnuts which i used to practice with. keep in mind it comes with 6 different size nose pieces. one of them is already attached to the gun. when mine arrived, i thought i had one missing

6 interchangeable mandrel/nosepiece sets and 10pc rivet nuts in Metric M5, M6, & M8 and in SAE 10-24, 1/4-20, & 5/16-18

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Apr 12, 2018 | 05:47 PM

#191

My450H

Rookie

Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 48

Likes: 9

From: CALIFORNIA

I've been looking out for this product and today I see this:

Only $395.28. Question is ...it's one board or one pair!

https://parts.lexusofqueens.com/p/Le...waAtZ4EALw_wcB

Apr 12, 2018 | 05:57 PM

#192

DaytonaV

Rookie

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 93

Likes: 10

From: CA

the orig price was $549 and that's for a pair. so my guess would be $395.28 is also for the pair.

Quote:

Originally Posted by My450H

I've been looking out for this product and today I see this:

Only $395.28. Question is ...it's one board or one pair!

https://parts.lexusofqueens.com/p/Le...waAtZ4EALw_wcB

Apr 13, 2018 | 08:46 AM

#193

Elation

Driver

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 128

Likes: 16

From: ON

Quote:

Originally Posted by My450H

I've been looking out for this product and today I see this:

Only $395.28. Question is ...it's one board or one pair!

https://parts.lexusofqueens.com/p/Lexus__RX-450h/Running-Boards/70291163/PT93848171.html?partner=googlebase_adwords_accessories_color_make_model&kwd=&origin=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh7zWBRCiARIsAId9b4pHXUIQoZb7U8DIIvhAcc8R37dsR9Lm3IIK0AXXpaWzjL6eq4U9mnwaAtZ4EALw_wcB

Running Boards, plural

Do you know how much they want for shipping?
Are you getting them installed there?

edit

1 products , 1 items:
$395.28

Shipping & Handling to NY, USA:
$26.95

Tax:
$37.47

Total

:
$459.70

Last edited by Elation; Apr 13, 2018 at 09:31 AM.

Apr 14, 2018 | 10:27 PM

#194

lilboi

Pit Crew

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 193

Likes: 9

From: California

I just ordered the running boards and plan to install it myself next weekend. I see that many used the Astro tool, one person used the basic rivnut tool. Ideally, I don't want to spend $66 on the tool that I'll only use once (I don't see myself ever using it again). Anyone else have any experiences with either tools?

Apr 14, 2018 | 11:19 PM

#195

DaytonaV

Rookie

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 93

Likes: 10

From: CA

You don’t need to buy same brand or exact rivnut tool. I’m sure a lesser tool will still work but won’t be as easy to install.