Running Boards/Step suggestions Please!

[Daisy428]

New to me 2020 JL Wrangler Unlimited Sport. Went to add running boards and mechanic says threaded inserts are rusted and bolts won’t go in.

Need suggestions on Steps that attach to the body mount bolts and pinch weld only! Any ideas out there?

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[Blues Fan 30]

If I'm understanding correctly, don't. There's got to be a way to clean the rust out so you can properly mount the steps. I'm no expert there so maybe someone else has dealt with this issue before.

Also, words of encouragement, don't pay a mechanic to install running boards. You can do it!

 

[Daisy428]

Thank you! If anyone has suggestions on how to clean the rust out of the threaded inserts I’m all ears!

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Thank you! If anyone has suggestions on how to clean the rust out of the threaded inserts I’m all ears!

Did some research and i think a good bet would be to spray the holes with some pb blaster rust remover spray and let it sit for a bit. Then hit it again and use what's called a thread chaser to clean the threads out. Just match the thread chaser to the thread of the hole. https://www.amazon.com/easchwork-Me...1&psc=1&mcid=c42d3e45805232229cc75e049e680298

 

[Tokenwasp]

New to me 2020 JL Wrangler Unlimited Sport. Went to add running boards and mechanic says threaded inserts are rusted and bolts won’t go in.

Need suggestions on Steps that attach to the body mount bolts and pinch weld only! Any ideas out there?

I went with the Westin Triple Tube Rock Rail Step:
https://a.co/d/dIS1bA2

Frame mount, great full-length textured step, and rock slider.

 

[Daisy428]

Did some research and i think a good bet would be to spray the holes with some pb blaster rust remover spray and let it sit for a bit. Then hit it again and use what's called a thread chaser to clean the threads out. Just match the thread chaser to the thread of the hole. https://www.amazon.com/easchwork-Me...1&psc=1&mcid=c42d3e45805232229cc75e049e680298

Thank you! I was hesitant to go with the mechanics suggestion too. I didn’t want to leave the rust unchecked! I just ordered this curbside. I’ll order the thread chaser.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Thank you! I was hesitant to go with the mechanics suggestion too. I didn’t want to leave the rust unchecked! I just ordered this curbside. I’ll order the thread chaser.

I honestly forget what size thread it is but if you've got the running boards already it should tell you then you could just order that size and save some money vs buying a full thread chaser kit (assuming they sell individual sizes somewhere). Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Daisy428]

I do, in a red rock box in the entryway! I’ll do it that way. Thanks so much! I’ll keep y’all posted! (I also ordered safety goggles - I still want to see my Jeep when I’m done!)

 

[Ratbert]

No issues with engine heat?

 

[Daisy428]

Honestly I haven’t driven it since last night - work from home - but I’ll definite watching it. (Install was last night) It’s perforated, and the reviews are good. It replaced the OEM grill insert.

 

[Fatfreewilly]

Dealt with these all the time doing hitch insalls at uhaul back in the day. Get yourself a set of cheap steel brushes like in the link below, some pb blaster, and a drill. Safety goggles or squints recommended too.

Put metal wire brush into drill (you may have to trim the brush handle down.depending how long it is), spray holes with PB blaster, then take brush-drill and just clean the shit out of the holes. Brush will die after a hole or two so just swap it out for a fresh one and keep going.

Hit the holes with one more round of PB to rinse the threads out, and you now have pristine rust free holes.

Brushes like these here:
https://www.harborfreight.com/engin...Y1CIu-GT2UdzjCAvA4sR_6mqK4ayfPcBoCHFIQAvD_BwE

Could do it by hand i suppose too with these:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-2...Erkl_tJUEJmuvmEIvzBoCzbsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

But one in a drill makes short work of the rusty holes.

 

[au176]

Dealt with these all the time doing hitch insalls at uhaul back in the day. Get yourself a set of cheap steel brushes like in the link below, some pb blaster, and a drill. Safety goggles or squints recommended too.

Put metal wire brush into drill (you may have to trim the brush handle down.depending how long it is), spray holes with PB blaster, then take brush-drill and just clean the shit out of the holes. Brush will die after a hole or two so just swap it out for a fresh one and keep going.

Hit the holes with one more round of PB to rinse the threads out, and you now have pristine rust free holes.

Brushes like these here:
https://www.harborfreight.com/engin...Y1CIu-GT2UdzjCAvA4sR_6mqK4ayfPcBoCHFIQAvD_BwE

Could do it by hand i suppose too with these:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-2...Erkl_tJUEJmuvmEIvzBoCzbsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

But one in a drill makes short work of the rusty holes.

This, or the aforementioned thread chaser (or tap).

A couple notes: PB Blaster is REALLY stinky, but works. Use this stuff outdoors, IMHO! Put down cardboard to avoid staining your driveway. Also, safety glasses are a must here. They have the necessary coverage to keep things from falling, flying, or dripping into your eyes. That being said, this is a relatively easy job to do, even for beginners!

Stay away from that "mechanic". He couldn't clean the threaded inserts?!? Unless the threads are so rusted that the peaks are gone, he should've been able to clean them up. I wouldn't trust him to change a wiper blade.

 

[Daisy428]

Dealt with these all the time doing hitch insalls at uhaul back in the day. Get yourself a set of cheap steel brushes like in the link below, some pb blaster, and a drill. Safety goggles or squints recommended too.

Put metal wire brush into drill (you may have to trim the brush handle down.depending how long it is), spray holes with PB blaster, then take brush-drill and just clean the shit out of the holes. Brush will die after a hole or two so just swap it out for a fresh one and keep going.

Hit the holes with one more round of PB to rinse the threads out, and you now have pristine rust free holes.

Brushes like these here:
https://www.harborfreight.com/engin...Y1CIu-GT2UdzjCAvA4sR_6mqK4ayfPcBoCHFIQAvD_BwE

Could do it by hand i suppose too with these:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-2...Erkl_tJUEJmuvmEIvzBoCzbsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

But one in a drill makes short work of the rusty holes.

Thank you! They’re in stock locally so I’ll try these brushes!

 

[Daisy428]

No issues with engine heat?

So I’ve driven up and down the roads and highways. I’m in Texas so it’s hot out and the highways are 65mph - 80mph. No problem with Engine heat. It’s all good!

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