Thanks to all for the suggestions regarding the step problems I was
experiencing.

I just found my problem today.  It turns out that the cotter pin for the
cable attach point on the step was hanging up on the recess cavity that the
step fits into when retracted.  Apparently, there's enough of an aerodynamic
side load on the step mechanism to cause the cotter pin to hang up.  When
airspeed drops then the side load is gone and the step extends.
Unfortunately, this occurred after the gear leg was down.

A little bit of filing on the fiberglass recess solved the problem.  I've
had two extensions with no problems today.  Flaps were always extended
first, then the gear.  (I don't know how I could slow this baby down without
10° of flaps).

Best regards,

Hal Woodruff   23.7 hrs. - almost there!!!