On my 01 there is not a oh crap handle on the driver side like the passenger side. I was wondering has anyone added one or is there a easier way to get in and out of the truck? I'm 6'1'' and it has a 5 inch lift so any options would be helpful

 

My friend ahs a Ford Explorer Sport that we lifted a total of 11", then threw on a set of 37's. I thought about pulling the crap handle from a JY and bolting it in, but I hardly drove it, and there was a handle on the passenger side. Pop off the pillar, and see what it would take to get into the metal of the frame. Maybe use some self tapping screws.

 

use the steering wheel ??

 

I am currently using the steering wheel but I am afraid I might end up breaking something after awhile.

 

nah, its made to take it
mine ain't broke

 

you don't need anything more than the steering wheel for a 2wd

 

Lol well I guess that solves that problem then haha.

 

Im glad you took it as a joke because thats all I intended that to be. I'd find another passenger side one in a junkyard and see what you can make work in the drivers side. Maybe remove the driver pannel that you have and drill holes in it to add the handle. If you want it, make it happen. Wish ya luck.

 

Take one from the jy from the pass. side and set it on your pillar where you want it then mark around the mounting locations with a fine point sharpie then remove the pillar cover and use a dremel to remove the material so it can sit against the metal of the pillar. Reinstall the pillar cover and insert the handle. Then mark the hole locations and remove the handle and predrill for the mounting bolts. Reinsert handle and screw in mounting bolts and install covers. Job complete.

 

My grandfather had a 2nd generation Dodge Ram 1500 for a while, 1998 I believe.

He must weigh around 350 lbs, 6' tall. Very heavy guy. He is in his late 70s, and can't raise his legs or arms worth a crap. Thats how he gets into pickups, he grabs the steering wheel and literally pulls all his weight up into the seat. I swore sometimes I could see the steering column bending slightly, but he never broke it.

When I had my Dakota and visited him more often, I thought he'd brake my O.S. handles all the time. He does the same thing to them (passenger side) that he does to his truck when he drives. I honestly expected to, one day when he tried to climb in next to me, hear a loud "SNAP" followed by a loud "UUMPH" as he hit the ground, O.S. handle still in his hand.