Fitting sidesteps... problem

[kingbeau-laptops]

I bought used sidesteps today for my 97 Rav4 and they came with all the brackets, bolts etc.
The guy told me it just bolts into pre-existing holes in the underside of the car.

I found the holes which were covered with rubber plugs, these match up with the brackets on the steps but the only problem is that the holes don't seem to be threaded? Do I have to tap them or am I doing something wrong?
It's going into the hollow section of the sill so there's no way of getting a nut on the back of the bolt.

Any ideas?
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[elliotf]

He should have given you 4 L shaped bars with bolts welded on that go in the oval holes in the frame rail. Also there are 2 carriage bolts that go into a oblong washer, that are needed for the front inside (toward middle of car) mounting bracket.

[kingbeau-laptops]

He did give me all the brackets as far as I can see, but these don't reach over to the frame rail, but rather just the inside of the sill.
The holes the brackets match up to on the sill aren't oblong either and the bolts don't quite fit into the holes

I should point out that these aren't actually steps - I'm not sure what they'd be called - but they're black and curved and run along the side of the vehicle under the doors. Not wide enough to step on.
He referred to them as "running boards"?
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I plan to live forever!!!
(so far so good)

[BROX]

I dont think you are using the correct holes.......are you trying to use the holes on the outer sill with the rubber gromets.......for side steps the threaded holes are on the inner sill,usually covered with tape and underseal......these are threaded......look on the side face of the inner sill .I would put plenty grease in and around the holes before fitting to stop rust.



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1998 Rav4 Freesport AWD 3 door
2003 Ford Mondeo 2.5 V6 "Zetec S"
1995 Ford Probe 16v

[kingbeau-laptops]

Hi Brox and thanks for your input.
The brackets seem to be lining up with the holes that had the grommets in though??
This is on the vertical panel underneath the car, runs upwards from the bottom seam of the sill and is at 90 degree angle from the underside of the floorpan.
There's 3 brackets and they all match up with the grommets

Each end of the step kinda cups the bottom of the wheel arch so there's no question of the position being wrong.
It's an official Toyota part as well (or so I was told).

I'm gonna take it to a mechanic friend and have him check it out.
We'll be able to see better while it's up on the ramps rather than me lieing on the ground.
_________________
I plan to live forever!!!
(so far so good)

[BROX]

Hi......the holes should be on the inner sill right underneath the car....there will be squares of heavy tape undersealed over......this needs scraped away


Found some pics...

Link
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1998 Rav4 Freesport AWD 3 door
2003 Ford Mondeo 2.5 V6 "Zetec S"
1995 Ford Probe 16v