Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Installation Procedure
- Loosely install the rear support bracket onto the cross sill studs using the 2 nuts and 1 screw through the rear pillar assembly.
- Loosely install the forward bracket onto the pickup box cross sill studs using the 2 nuts.
- Position the step panel over the brackets using the following steps:
- Slide the rear inboard tab around the rear pillar assembly.
- Slide the step panel under the side outer panel.
- Install the rear step panel to the side outer panel using the 4 push-pin fasteners.
- Loosely install the 1 screw through the forward bracket into the step panel.
- Loosely install the 3 screws through the top of the step into the rear support bracket.NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
- Tighten the following fasteners in the specified order while pushing the forward and rear support brackets upward.
Tighten
- Tighten the rear pillar to rear support bracket screw to 9.0 N.m (6.6 lb ft).
- Tighten the forward support bracket to step panel screw to 9.0 N.m (6.6 lb ft).
- Tighten the forward and rear support bracket stud nuts to 25 N.m (18.4 lb ft).
- Install the 1 screw in order to secure the step panel inboard tab to the pickup box rear inner pillar.
Tighten
Tighten the inboard tab screw to 1.5 N.m (13.3 lb in).
- Install the forward brace to the forward support bracket using the 1 screw.
Tighten
Tighten the forward brace to forward support bracket screw to 9.0 N.m (6.6 lb ft).
- Install the forward brace to the step panel using the 1 screw.
Tighten
Tighten the screw to 9.0 N.m (80 lb in).
- Install the filler plate using the 2 push-pin fasteners.
- Secure the splash shield to the rear step panel using the 3 push-pin fasteners.
- Tighten the 3 step panel to rear bracket screws from Step 6.
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 9.0 N.m (6.6 lb ft).
- Install the step pad to the step panel using the following steps:
- Insert the locator pin on the pad into the hole in the panel.
- Press the retainer tabs on the pad into the holes in the panel.
- Install the rear brace to the rear bumper bracket and step panel using the 2 screws.
Tighten
Tighten the rear brace screws to 9.0 N.m (6.6 lb ft).
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.