OEM steps question

I'm just going to use some cheap stainless m8-1.25 bolts and washers to fill the empty holes after I remove the steps this weekend.

Anyone know if a 20mm bolt will be long enough?

 

The bolts that fill the holes on my 2021 that delivered without steps or running boards are size M8 - 1.25 x 24mm. They have a fully threaded shank, and are installed with one washer.



https://www.4runners.com/threads/oem-steps-question.28428/#post-397341

 

Thanks. I ordered some that are 20mm long. I'm guessing they will be long enough to grab enough threads. SInce they are just fillers, I am pretty confident they will work.

 

If they are just filler bolts, just need a bolt, washer (if not a flanged bolt) , neverseize and tighten to 10 ft lbs.

 

Not that it matters in this application, but it's a good opportunity to remind folks that if you use antisieze on a bolt that requires specific torque, you should reduce that torque by 25%-30%.

 

Agree!

 

I can confirm the above part number works. Purchased at dealer for $2.50 each and plugged holes from where I removed the Predator Steps.

 

Is the washer loose or integrated into the bolt (flanged bolt)?

 

The bolt and washer pictured in post #32 is the actual bolt and washer that I removed from my 2021.

 

Just following up.

I used m8-1.25 x 20mm stainless bolts and washers to plug the holes after removing my predator steps. $13 total with plenty left over.

Worked great. The holes are pretty deep. 15mm, 20mm, or 25mm long would be fine.

 

Hey folks, am grateful for all the good info in this thread.

I bought an aftermarket set of nerf bars and I'm having an issue getting the included bolts to thread on my 4runner. It came with the bolts removed so I assume it had them before but the holes were left empty by the previous owners. The kit I got had 8-1.25mm x 25mm bolts (12) but for the life of me I cannot get any of the bolts or holes to thread no matter how I try. I got some extra bolts at Lowes that were a little shorter. Same deal. The bolts do not have the skinnier nose on the front like OP posted here below.

Should I see if I can get OEM bolts like those or are my holes stripped? Contacting the manufacturer just has them asking for more pics like the one I provided below:

 

You put the bolts back in those holes.

 

Looks like the factory holes were left exposed. I'm guessing there were steps installed at one point in time. Best practice is to reinstall the bolts in the empty holes so they don't end up looking like this.

My advice would be to get a tap and re-cut them, essentially removing the rust. Use some mineral oil to lubricate the tap and go slowly, backing it out frequently to get the junk out of the holes.

Once you're done, use some antiseize on the new bolts so you can remove them in the future. Just remember to reduce the torque a little when using anti-seize.

 

Thanks @TrueTexas I agree, thats what it looks like. Ordered a tap and will give it a shot and report back, thanks.