Updated with install pics - Will drilling into pinch weld void warranty?

Question for the group. I prefer the look of hoop steps to nerf bars or running boards so I ordered some to install onto my truck so my wife and kids can climb into it better.

$130 Carr 104501 Hoop II XP3 Black Powder Coat Pair

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DME528/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In order to properly install them I will need to drill one small hole for each one into the frame of the truck. I am somewhat concerned this could void the warranty based on some research I've done. Does anyone have experience with this? I called the service department of the dealer that I purchased the vehicle from and all they would tell me is that it probably wouldn't but it "could". I got the sense this was somewhat of a subjective decision.

My questions for the group:
-Any experience with drilling holes into frame and whether it can or will void the warranty?
-Is anyone aware of hoop steps that do not require drilling? Or is the location of the preexisting bolt holes prohibitive to any hoop step being able to use them?
-Any service department managers happen to be on this forum and can provide advice?

My truck is a week old so it would be pretty damn stupid to risk voiding the warranty.

Thank you!

 

The only thing that can be voided is the altered part itself (the frame), or if they can prove the altered part affected whatever part is in for warranty work at the time.

For example, your AC goes out, your diff leaks or your CPS fails. Your work has nothing to do with any of those.

And no, they cannot void the entire vehicle warranty. See the magnuson-moss warranty act.

I'd say you have no risk at all.

 

Ever drill a hole into a frame? That is just too much work for a step. They make steps that go into the prefabed holes. I would go that route if I were you. Completely unneccessary drilling into the frame considering the market is seemingly flooded with nerf bars, tube steps, running boards etc. where no drilling is required.

 

+1

 

According to the installation instructions for those steps, they install on the rocker, not the frame.

 

They can do what they want when it comes to denying warranty claims.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ffs-lets-all-stop-referencing-the-magnussen-moss-act.609911/

 

I have a buddy who runs a shop who can do it at his home shop.

I seriously cannot find a single hoop step that uses the prefabed holes. Link?

@TailHook - you can do both is my understanding but I guess the same question would apply to the rocker.

 

I had a buddy who had sliders welded onto his frame, and then toyota replaced his entire frame under the rust recall. If that's the route you wanna go with that step, you'll be fine.

 

I have drilled holes in my frame to install a rear anti-sway bar.
Things that will help:
- A corded drill. Battery drills will get the job done if it's all you have though.
- Oil as you drill. Even if WD-40 is all you have, spray that on the hole and drill bit as you go. A buddie is useful for this.
- Drill bits ment for metal. Dont use wood drill bits cause you will just burn then up.
- Drill a pilot hole first. Use a smaller than you need bit size to get the center of the hole where you want it. Its eaiser to control a smaller bit when you first start. Then you can go up in size and not worry about the bit walking around on you.

 

Would I be correct in thinking something like this -

https://www.extremeterrain.com/carr...Fo6n0VNgc1CXlMrlOicaAt5rEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

...would not be any kind of potential warranty violation because they are much wider and therefore can use prefabed holes?

 

I do not recommend those at all. I had them and evetually they got pushed back a bit and would rub my frame. They left some little cuts on it. I had to re spray over those areas.

 

Thanks @Wixo ! Anyone else had this experience?

 

If you're still set on em Ill sell you mine

 

Get some Bolt On rock sliders....

 

Pretty sure the dealer lost on that one, showing the Magnussen Moss Warranty Act does indeed work.

 

I was going to post that same thread haha

 

The owner spent spent $3500 (not including the value of the free legal representation(~12k)) and had their car impounded. In the end they were awarded a $200 part. I think the owner lost worse.

 

It shows the Act works. I waved the printed Act to my dealer, threatening to retain an attorney after they declined my warranty for modifications. The dealer changed their mind and installed a $2,500 new transmission under warranty. Granted the other guy had a tough go of it, but it is an overstatement to say the Act has no teeth.

 

It is your truck. Drill baby drill. Your warranty will run out before it rusts through anyway so it’s a mute point. If you are actually on the frame bar that’s pretty unlikely.

Welcome to TW. In a year you’ll have so much stuff bolted to your truck you won’t have any part not drilled.

 

Look at all the holes the factory drills in the frame .