Anytime someone gets into a van or truck, they are most likely using a running board for Silverado. Every time a person drives a truck, he is most likely using a running board.
Here in the following article, we will learn how to install running boards on Chevy Silverado?
The running board is one of the most common and useful features in van and truck design, and it’s also one of the most subtle – something people use every day without even knowing it.
Location and map: the running board is located at the bottom of the vehicle on each side and is commonly found at the foot of a door. A running board can be prepared with many materials.
However, it may be prepared of sheet metal, diamond steel, rubber, fiberglass, or plastic, or also a tube-shaped frame that extends around the perimeter of the vehicle (It is a well-known feature on Jeeps.)
If we talk about the benefits of running boards, aside from making the vehicle more protective and ergonomic from minor damage.
However, the running boards can also keep the vehicle’s interior clean by serving like a doormat that passengers can easily wipe their feet on before entering.
Table of Contents
How to Install Running Boards on Chevy Silverado: the Steps
Chevy Silverado vehicles are robust, reliable, and have great style. The GMC Sierra is the brother of the GM Silverado. They could be twins if the GMC truck didn’t have a certain style of its own.
There are different styles to select from, but the installation is similar in all cases.
Measure the distance from the front edge of the rear wheel of the truck well to the front of the rocker panel where the running board will end at the front of the vehicle.
Match your actual running board measurement to make sure you have the correct length to install GMC running boards on your truck.
Step 1: Locate the Mounting
Locate the three mounting points where the running board mounting brackets of a GMC truck are anchored to the vehicle.
They are the rubber body mounts – each has a center bolt that runs through a donut shape and into the body of the rubber shock truck. Install GMC running table mounts using the mounting body as the anchor.
Take the front running board mounting bracket and attach it to the truck on the front body mount. Remove the center bolt from the mounting body and replace it after including the front mounting bracket as an added bracket.
Repeat the process for the front, middle, and rear of the body mounts, adding a mounting bracket.
Step 2: Slide One Head
Slide one head of the bolt down each slot in the bottom of the running dash for each mounting bracket coming out from under the truck.
With the bolts in their slots, the front of the stirrup can be fastened together with the front adjusting guard with the screws that hold it to the stirrup.
Bring the running board onto the vehicle and fix the running board on top of the mounting brackets that extend below the truck.
Step 3: Slide the Bolts
Moreover, slide the bolts into the bottom of the bracket so that they are lined up with the holes of the mounting brackets.
Slide one bolt through each hole and tighten a nut over each bolt to secure the bracket to the mounting brackets. Use any ratchet and open-end wrench to tighten these nuts and bolts securely.
Step 4: Build the Rear of the Stirrup
Tape the open end of the stirrup with the rear trim on the mud flap.
Screw through the mud flap and body so that the screw penetrates through both the mud flap and the wheel well, into the footboard base to create a rigid installation.
Why Running Board is Essential?
The running board has two main functions. The first is to serve as a step to make it easier for passengers to step into the vehicle.
Vans and trucks are high off the ground, and without a step between the ground and the vehicle, an entry can be difficult.
Especially for passengers who have trouble walking. The second function is to protect the vehicle from road debris.
When a van or truck is moving, the wheels lift rocks, dirt, and other items. To run table blocks those games of dents and scratches on the vehicle side.
Because a running board serves as a small stepladder, it must be kept clean and dry. Some parts are manufactured with a gripping surface to improve traction.
These surfaces wear out over time, but they go and truck owners can keep their footboard traction easy and inexpensive by applying the platen, an accessory commonly used by skaters.
Different Types of Running Boards
Running boards provide you one of the best stepping surfaces. If you do not have any idea about its different types, let us check it out.
Molded Steps
Molded steps allow your program to reach higher, giving your vehicle more style and functionality. They adapt to the style, strength, and durability you need to align your step or stirrup program with your brand goals.
It can offer a variety of style and finish options when manufactured from extruded aluminum or blow-molded composite material.
Lighted Running Boards
Lighted running boards bring a discreet design, which blends easily with any vehicle. It is highly resistant to weight and exposure to time, injected tips, modern finish.
This stirrup makes your vehicle look sporty, in addition to ensuring comfort and safety when boarding and disembarking.
Also, the materials chosen for the manufacture of this stirrup provide the necessary lightness, strength, and safety. Aluminum makes up the part for the most part, while carbon steel is present in the fixing brackets and tips.
There is the non-slip finish, which is molded in the piece itself, ensures the smooth operation of this function for much longer.
Also, this accessory gives a more beautiful look to the truck or SUV. If you want, it can have neutral color or a vehicle color. Also, the side running boards are very safe, as most models are non-slip.
That is, even if it is wet or dirty, you can go up or down without worrying about slipping.
However, the first tip to choose this type of running board is to take into account the model of your car. You can also choose types that fit vehicles of various brands, but these usually have a simpler look.
Retracting Running Boards
If you have a high-profile truck, you know very well that your life would be easier using a step up in your SUV, crew cab, or truck. These models are firmly bolted to the body and some are also available in an automatic version.
Retracting running boards are available that extend using sensor technology, connect to the ignition, or are operated with the push of a button.
How to Install Running Boards on Cars, Jeep & Truck
While the car, jeep, truck, etc. is offered ex-factory with running boards, which are not standard on all models. Mounting holes are included in the frame of all vehicles, but if yours did not come with the steps, you will have to purchase and install them.
They are easy to put in and require only a few tools. If you have a car, jeep, or truck with no steps and you want to add them, follow the steps to complete the job.
Explanation
Locate the holes in the car’s frame where the bolts come together to secure the steps.
These are located directly under the doors on the side of the frame rail and are accompanied by slots for the mounting tabs of the steps to participate.
Align the mounting holes in the step with the mounting holes in the rack and note the location of the mounting tab slots. Align the slots with the tabs.
Insert the tabs into the tab mounting slots on the frame. Make sure every tab is engaged fully in the slots so that the mounting steps are flat and correct.
Insert the eight mounting bolts through the holes in the steps and into the mounting holes in the rack. Tight the nuts and bolts using a socket or wrench and ratchet until snug.
Tighten the bolts to 15 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. If you don’t have a torque wrench, then you also can rent it from your local auto parts stores in most areas.
Shift it to the jeep’s opposite side and repeat the same process. Enjoy your new jeep side steps.
Here is the Detailed Guide
Find the Holes
Hole location in the Jeep frame where the bolts come together to secure the steps. These are located just below the doors on the rail side of the frame and are accompanied by slots for the mounting tabs for the steps to engage.
Align the Mounting
Therefore, align the mounting holes in the pitch with the mounting holes in the frame and note the location of the fixing tab slots. Align the grooves of the tabs.
Insert the Tabs
Insert the tabs into the mounting slots tab on the rack. Make sure all the tiles engage fully in the slots so that the assembly steps are flat and correct.
Insert the Setscrews
Insert the eight setscrews through the holes in the ladders and into the mounting holes in the frame. More importantly, tighten the bolts with a wrench or socket and ratchet until snug.
Tighten the Bolts
tighten the bolts to 15 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. If you don’t have a torque wrench, then you can rent one at your local auto parts store in most areas.
Place on the opposite side of the Jeep and repeat the process. Enjoy your new jeep side steps.
How to Install Running Boards on Ford F150
The original Ford Ranger was more than just a tuning package for the Ford F-150 pickup. In 1983, Ford gave the Ranger a whole new line of little pickups in America’s new-age fuel-conscious economy.
The 2007 Ranger has a few improvements that stand out from the preceding year’s models. However, Ford offered the Ranger with factory running boards to offer more exterior design variations.
While not all 2007 Rangers had running boards factory installed, they all have table mounting holes that run into the frame, making aftermarket running boards installation much easier.
Things you will need:
- 2-wheel chocks
- The floor takes on Jack 4 represents
- Socket set
Step-by-Step Guide
Brace the Right Front Wheel
Brace the right front wheel with two-wheel chocks. Raise the left side of the ranger with the floor jack.
Pace Extended Jack Stands
Place two fully extended jack stands under the left side-rail, between the footboard mounting holes. Lower the Ranger into the jack stands with the floor jack.
Attach Two-jack Stands
Attach two jack stands to the left side of the Ranger, spaced apart so you can use them to support the left running board while you bolt onto the truck. Raise the left side of the footboard on the jack stands.
Line up the bracket mounting holes using the rack rising holes.
Slide the Bracket Mounting
Slide the bracket mounting screws through the bracket and then through the left side rail. Attach the lock washers and nuts to the bolts’ ends. Tight the nuts with the tube set.
Raise the Vehicle
Life up the Ranger from the jack stands with the help of the floor jack. Move the four jack stands out of the Ranger. Lower the Ranger to the ground.
Repeat all these steps on the opposite side of the Ranger to install the right footboard.
How to Install Running Boards on Dodge Ram 1500?
Running boards make it get on the vehicle and get out from your dodge 1500. Ram owners have a wide choice to select the best running boards.
It usually comes in black or chrome powder coated. Installation of running boards on dodge ram 1500 is very easy. Here we present you a complete step-by-step guide.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Collect the Materials
Collection all the necessary material which you will need to install the running board on your dodge ram 1500. You will need nuts, brackets, side steps, plastic covers, and an instruction guide.
Identify the Holes
You need to start by going underneath the vehicle and identify the holes for the installation. The holes are typically covered with tape and it is an inch wide.
Remove the Tape
Now remove the tapes from the hole and keep the nut and bolt from your installation kit in the hole you have just discovered. Tight the retainer to the bolt plate until it is tight perfectly.
Do it through 2 holes in the driver’s front side.
Attach the Mounting Bracket
Now in this step, attach the mounting bracket with the stud plates you have just installed with the hardware with an installation kit. Do not tight the hardware down.
Align the Foot
Align the foot from the front of the vehicle with the hole in the rocker panel and the mounting slot of the bracket. Then insert the washer, bolt, and lock washer, but remember, do not tight this down tight.
Remove the Mounting
Detach the mount bolt body and then attach a mounting bracket between the mounting body and the bolt mounting body.
The body mounting bolt is situated just overhead if you are going beneath your truck looking at the 2 stud plates you had installed earlier.
Attach the Rear Mounting Bracket
Now attach the rear side of the mounting bracket and one more time, align the hole bottom bracket using the bolt plates and secure it.
Now at the end, tight all the nuts and bolts according to the specifications mentioned on the instruction sheet.
Conclusion
We are sure now you have learned how to install running boards on Chevy Silverado. The running boards in vehicles are currently an essential task for all those who want to walk with their reforms made by car tracks.
A vehicle with running boards in old cars is a step between the wheels to help you climb. In off-road vehicles, a generally metallic piece for the same purpose, and also to protect the bodywork in that area.
On the other hand, in racing cars, a skirt is made to limit the air passage on the side. In normal passenger cars, a decorative element on the lower side, between the wheels.
The main purpose to install a running board in the crew cab or truck is to enter or exit from the cabin. It was first used in horse carriages and then adapted to automobiles.
As you have read in the above article, there are different types of running boards are available so buy according to your needs and budget.