Griffmaster
Member Since: 24 Jun 2006
Location: Different Planet
Posts: 206
  
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Just finished fitting a pair of the OEM style steps from Direct 4x4.
I had fitted a pair of the LR OEM's to my previous D3 and transferred them to my previous D4 so being 9 years old thought a new set for my new D4 to do it justice.
At circa 1/3 of the LR cost thought these worth a go.
No instructions in the box just a YouTube fitting video or the LR instructions available on this forum.
The LR OEM's fitted perfectly straight from the box, the bracket and step geometry being perfect.
On the other hand, the Direct 4x4 versions, out of the box fitted very poorly.
This was largely due to inaccuracies in the 6 brackets brought about by poor control and distortion in the welding process causing out of squareness and hole/slot positions to be pulled out of alignment.
One step when put on a flat bench had a 1/2" twist in it over its length and I thought that the protruding screws might not pass far enough through the slots in the bracket arms when fitted.
I decided rather than reject the delivery, as I had a 'blacksmiths' background I would set to and reform the offending parts.
For assembly, all parts were lightly fitted together and with the help of a big hammer and block of wood I hammered away until the steps fell into place and I was happy with the overall look, then it was a case of finally locking up all bolts and nuts.
When finally fitted the steps look very good, just a pity about the need for all of the tweaking necessary due to poor weld procedures.
Would I buy them again....yes, but that is due tho the fact that the LR's are circa 3 times the cost and the extra time spent messing around is more than worth it. 2015 D4 HSE in Corris Grey
All below gone but still with happy memories
2010 D4 XS in Stornaway Grey
2006 D3 S in Zermatt Silver
2001 Td5 Oslo Blue
1993 300Tdi Arken Grey
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 13th Aug 2015 9:56 am |
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