Done.

 

Good work!

l think you'll agree that there's no need to fit the small bolts in the side of the brackets.

Unless you plan to use the side steps as rock sliders lol

 

Definitely agree. That step is gonna give out way before those brackets/bolts do. I have no qualms about skipping all that trim removal.

 

I'm leaning this way also to get steps for my D90, is it justified to get the genuine LR parts vs what is sold on amazon etc ? Just don't want to get something that will rust etc in a couple of years

 

I just had the Amazon sidesteps put on our 110SE. They look exactly like stock. I am a big fan of doing things correctly, so I had my shop remove the trims pieces and install as recommended...Parts and labor less than half the factory option....

 

Only time will tell how these hold up but, even if I had to replace them every 3 years, I'd come out ahead still after 10 years.

I got mine from Lucky8 because I wanted all black and the OEM ones have that silver trim. Maybe they also have an all black option somewhere but they are four times the price as well (without labor).

 

To be honest the aftermarket side steps were fine, the step was made from plastic rather than aluminium but it was very strong, tubes and brackets appeared the same as OE.

Top picture aftermarket bottom picture OE

 

Which one from amazon? There's a few I was looking at there.

 

if you have a link to the amazon one you bought that would be great

 

No need to pull all the trim off. The side bolts are not needed.
Just means more hassle if you ever need to change the side steps or remove the brackets.