Has anyone installed AMP XL power retractable steps on their Raptor?

[IamNomad]

I sure like the cleaner look of the retractables compared to the stock Raptor steps.

Did your ground clearance suffer at all?

Have you had it off road and if so did you experience any problems?

 

[New recaros]

Has anyone used factory Ford power steps?

 

[Hokiesean24]

I sure like the cleaner look of the retractables compared to the stock Raptor steps.

Did your ground clearance suffer at all?

Have you had it off road and if so did you experience any problems?

I have not had it off road, but ground clearance shouldn't be an issue as they sit higher than the stocks. IF you were to do something to hit them it may be less forgiving.

I don't love that they are connected to the OBD Port or the purplish color of the LEDs at night. SO, I might look for some work-arounds there.

 

[New recaros]

I saw somewhere that they tapped into the door switch and ran that to a trigger they installed. The trigger sent the signal to the steps.
I bet one of these grump car stereo guys could figure it out.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

I saw somewhere that they tapped into the door switch and ran that to a trigger they installed. The trigger sent the signal to the steps.
I bet one of these grump car stereo guys could figure it out.

maybe. but im too grumpy to respond

 

[hyrepower]

Not to mention the OBD port is not designed to have anything plugged into it all the time; it’s only intended for diagnostics. Meaning pin fitment/fretting concerns can occur over time from vibration, and there is always the possibility of the aftermarket component interfering with or pulling down network communication. The AMP systems are also horrible with EMI/RFI, I’ve personally seen them pull down PCM inputs and cause the vehicle to enter failure/limp mode.

I think that is a bit out there for a concern, I’ve had AMP steps on my trucks for years and never a problem
With the OBD port. Pulling a plug in and out is more wear than a plug just sitting there, but even then it’s a virtual non issue.

And no, you will not get any limp mode or warning signs on the dash, lol. They are virtually plug n play.

 

[hyrepower]

Thanks, they are certainly not what most here like, but they work for me. Velgen VFT9 wheels, 22x10 with +6mm offset. Tires are Nitto Ridge Grapplers, 37x12.5. The front is raised 1.5" to level it and I had to ever so slightly trim the carpet in the wheel well. They 'touch' at about 85% turned ever so slightly. You can't even come close to feeling it in the steering wheel, but I can see if it I watch as someone turns the wheel the whole way.

They make the truck look way cleaner and also provide a good 1-2” more clearance than the OEM steps.

They will bend or get damaged if they contact a big rock, but you do get more clearance than the OEM steps which aren’t designed to be solders anyhow since they bolt to the can and not the frame. I’d rather bend an amp step than the cab to my truck.

 

[GordoJay]

If you off-road around rocks you are likely to break you AMP steps. That is why the Raptor comes with fixed ones, essentially baby “rock sliders” so that your cab does not get damaged.

If you bang the front of the stock steps down hard on something, it pushes against the bottom of the fender and pops it out where it meets the door. Ask me how I know.

 

[FordTechOne]

I think that is a bit out there for a concern, I’ve had AMP steps on my trucks for years and never a problem
With the OBD port. Pulling a plug in and out is more wear than a plug just sitting there, but even then it’s a virtual non issue.

The diagnostic port is for exactly that, diagnostics. I’ve seen widespread issues from junk aftermarket plugs being used in OBD2 ports, terminal fretting and spread pins being most common. You wouldn’t know, because it becomes tends to show up as an issue when you connect a VCM 2 and the network goes down because of a poor connection, especially on Pins 4 and 5.

And no, you will not get any limp mode or warning signs on the dash, lol. They are virtually plug n play.

And this is based on what, your 20+ years of experience the automotive service industry? “LOL”? The AMP module emits a ridiculous amount of EMI. So depending on where it’s mounted and how worn/bad the particular unit is determines the chance of it interfering with sensor inputs to the PCM and causing erratic and skewed sensor readings. Never mind when it fails and pulls down the vehicle network, but I’m sure your extensive experience in owning 3 sets is conclusive enough to assure everyone that they can’t possibly cause a problem

 

[IamNomad]

So the AMP steps mount to the frame and all though they could be damaged by impact, the fenders or other body sheet metal won't be damaged by the impact. Correct?