118 Trailer hitch, step bumper: Revisited/Modified

A couple of weeks ago a power pole jumped out and hit my step bumper.
I've rounded up the parts and started today. It is raining so I decided to come in and post some pictures.
You can see the modification I did to the old step.
The new step is different. It is designed for parking sensors.
Interesting is that the attachment arms are shorter. Short enough that I may not need to cut. However, the slight move inward section is there and may be in the way.

Re: Trailer hitch and step bumper: Revisited

Looks like the original step bumper did its 'backup' job sparing you a significant body shop wallet flush. Looking forward to viewing the final result.

Re: Trailer hitch and step bumper: Revisited

I got back to it.
The bends in the arms narrowed the width too much. They had to be cut off.

The end result looked nice, but...

The sharp point was right at the trailer wiring harness. So I cut it even shorter.
I have a 118. The design of this new step would never have fit my 118 at all. I revisited the parts pdf and there are only two step bumpers, with and without the backup sensors. I don't get how they could be so different.
Anyway, I ended my artwork and it looked like this.

Mounted and attached.

Re: Trailer hitch and step bumper: Revisited

I had also purchased the bottom door plate. Taking that off, I found a bit of rust.

I had lots of primer so I made sure both the hitch and door frame was well covered.
All done. No body damage. Worst part is that the bumper corners are old compared to the new bumper.

Re: Trailer hitch and step bumper: Revisited

I found a problem with my install. If you notice in the picture, the lack of support below the bolts attaching the step to the hitch.

I looked at the old step and attachments. I noticed that the hitch had dropped about 1/4" due to there being that much room to drop in the old setup. This new setup with nothing below the bolts would allow the hitch drop to the ground.

So I used the part that I cut off and had it welded on to the step to allow for total support. notice in this picture.

I also marked where to put in a third bolt, but that will have to wait for another day. I broke the drill bit on a different project.
The metal shavings are there because I drilled the holes while the paint was still wet.

Nice work.

It's interesting that the bracket on the replacement had that kick in it. Was the difference your 118 WB vs 140 or other WB?

I hear you about power poles. I know from experience that light standards in parking lots can't be trusted either.

vic

Those rascally power pole, they jump out when you least expect it.

Aqua Puttana said:

Nice work.

It's interesting that the bracket on the replacement had that kick in it. Was the difference your 118 WB vs 140 or other WB?

I hear you about power poles. I know from experience that light standards in parking lots can't be trusted either.

vic

Click to expand...

The trailing arm on the two steps were quite different. Both did have the kick, I had cut it off the original as well. Different lengths, different turn angle.
I looked at the parts manual. They only call for two different steps was with or without holes for backup sensors.
My first step was used off of another 118. The second was off the net. I can't find data to backup my thinking but I say that the 118 steps are different than for the other vans.

Original Part Numbers for step:
05120040AA Standard
05120044AA w/ backup sensor holes

Stuff they sell on the net these days
05129552AA
5104135AA
5129550AA
5120038AA

So I don't know what various parts they use.

ECU said:

...

So I don't know what various parts they use.

Click to expand...

I plan to take some pictures of the 2004 with step bumper and trailer hitch. It may help provide some additional information for your thread. I don't recall any "kick" in the 2004 step bumper bracket, but it very well may have one.

vic

As mentioned, here's a poor picture of my poor rusted 2004 140WB step bumper bracket. USA passenger (right) side. The bracket definitely has a kick in it. The step bracket is on the inside of the frame, the Hidden Hitch is on the outside of the frame.



I was dodging rain when I snapped the pictures. None of them were great.

vic

Added:
I was at first puzzled by the hole in the frame with a circle of white paint showing. It came to me that it is probably from the fasteners for a handicap lift that I removed around 8 years ago. It is surprising to me that it has remained relatively clean in that area.