Installing nerf bar side steps

I was trying to install a set of nerf bars for my 2001 Tacoma double cab prerunner when I found that the rear surface mount on the truck is at a slight angle and is not straight like the fronts. So the mounting bracket for the nerf bars are not straight in the rears so the nerf step bars will not sit flush on the bracket so I can screw them in. Not sure if I got the wrong mounting brackets for the rear.

 

Are you sure you ordered for a double cab

 

Yes, Instructions provided are for 01 to 04 double cab tacomas, however the picture in the instructions show the rear mounting surface that the brackets sit like the fronts, straight.

Is it normal for the 01 Tacoma mounting surface on the truck to be at a slight angle?

 

pictures of the actual bars and mounts for reference?

i put on some cheapo flat bars as more of a door protector

 

I've got Nerf bars on my 04 TRD extended cab and the mounts do not require any drilling or welding; they clamp right onto the frame. The first set I had a few years ago were Westin Nerf bars, and the set I have right now are a different brand but I don't recall which

 

This is the rear bracket that I am having issues with.

 

The fronts actually look ok.

 

Hard to tell what I'm looking at, I'll post a photo of mine in a bit

 

you're blocking the rear where it attaches to the frame or truck, show that too. seems it's just twisted a bit

mine also don't attach that way. the front bolts through the Trans x-member and the rear have something that goes over the entire frame to tighten down.

 

Here is the front pix of the mount on the truck. It bolts on fine, but the side profile looks off causing the nerf bar holder to be crooked.

 

hmm, body weld mounting. it may be that the section it's bolted to is slightly bent causing the whole bracket to lean. is it flexible that you can pull the bracket forward?

 

Just wondering if this was something Toyota fixed in the 02 to 04 models. Come to think of it, I contacted Smittybilt around Feb to ask about their nerf bars and they said that they didnt make one for 01 double cabs. They only had ones for 02 to 04, and referred me to 4wheelparts or Westin.

I wasnt sure if this is how Toyota welded the mounting section on the 01 double cabs, or if my truck had a defect, or I got the wrong mounting bracket for the nerf bars. Anyone with an 01 double cab have this issue as well?

 

I would think 01-04 would be the same, that's very odd and hopefully someone can take a pic or chime in

 

Thats not the only mounting point we need to look at, it utilizes the cab bolts as well.

 

any update ?