How to Install Running Steps

If you own a truck, you know how important running steps are for your rig, especially if you have a tall, lifted truck, and frequently transport heavy cargo or have family, friends or colleagues in and out of your truck often. Fortunately, installing Ranch Hand powder coated running steps can make it much easier to get in and out of your truck, while also improving the overall look of your rig, giving it a bold, rugged and sporty style.

At Ranch Hand, we know how important it is to prepare your truck for any type of task or job. Our running steps are uniquely designed to perform on the jobsite and protect from road debris, helping you to get work done while also helping passengers to enter and exit your vehicle. In this step-by-step installation guide, we'll guide you through the process of installing Ranch Hand running steps on your truck. Before we get started, there are a few things you should know.

The first step in installing running steps on your truck is to gather all the necessary materials. This will include the running boards themselves and the provided hardware bag, which will include the nuts, bolts, washers, and brackets that are required to get your running boards installed on your specific truck model.

You will also need a socket wrench — that can be air-powered, battery-powered, or standard. If a socket wrench is not available, a standard box-end wrench or ratchet wrench may suffice.

An electric drill with a set of appropriate drill bits may also be needed, as well as a floor creeper for ease of installation when under the truck and on your back.

A torque wrench may also be beneficial for ensuring the bolts holding your running steps in place are torqued down to the proper spec. It is also a good idea to have a friend or family member available to help you during the installation process

Tools & Materials Needed:

• Running steps
• Hardware bag (provided)
• Socket wrench (or box-end wrench)
• Socket set
• Torque wrench
• Floor creeper
• Pry bar
• Spray lubricant or catalyst (for old, rusted bolts)
• Extra person for help

Before you install your Ranch Hand running steps, you will first need to prep your truck. If your rig has factory running boards or nerf bars installed, they must be removed from the sides of your vehicle first.

Locate the mounting points, inspect nuts or bolts and determine the correct size

Running boards typically have three mounting points: front, rear and middle. Find the location of these mounting points. In these three locations, there are typically 2 or 3 nuts (or bolts). Use your socket set or wrench set to determine the correct size of the nuts (or bolts) and inspect for rust or corrosion. If rust or corrosion is present, you may want to spray a penetrating oil or catalyst prior to loosening to penetrate rust and prevent stripping.

Loosen and remove the front and rear nuts or bolts

Some trucks will have the running boards or nerf bars secured to the rocker panel, while others may be frame mounted. Depending on the model, the truck may use nuts with bolt studs or bolts with frame-mounted rivet nuts. Start by loosening the front and rear nuts (or bolts) slowly and carefully to ensure you don't strip or damage them.

Remove the nuts or bolts from the middle mounting brackets

Before removing the nuts (or bolts) from the middle mounting brackets, be sure to have the running board held securely by either jack stands or another person. This prevents the running board from falling as the bolts are loosened. Carefully loosen the 2 or 3 nuts or bolts from the middle bracket, while maintaining a secure hold on the running board itself. For older trucks, a pry bar may be handy to loosen up rusted fittings. Once removed, carefully place the running board on the ground.

Inspect and prep

Inspect the rocker panels or frame rails and undercarriage for any damage, stripped bolt studs or rivet nuts and remove any dirt or debris.

Now you're ready to install your Ranch Hand running steps.

Now that you've got your rig prepped, it's game time. Your truck is prepared and you can now begin installing your Ranch Hand running steps. One thing to note, the installation process may vary depending on truck make and model. It is important to reference the installation instructions provided.

Removing the protective wrapping

Start by removing the protective wrapping from your running steps.

Stage each running step on the correct side of the truck

Place each running step on the side of the truck that it belongs to. If you are installing the 6-step option, pace the rear step go towards the rear wheel of the truck.

Align the mounting brackets to the bolt studs or frame holes

Starting with the middle bracket, carefully lift the running step into place and align the bracket holes with the bolt studs on the rocker panels (or the bracket holes with the frame nuts). Hang the running steps on the bolt studs (or align the holes on the frame) starting with the middle bracket first. Fasten down the nuts (or bolts) snugly using your socket wrench or box wrench. Once the middle bracket nuts (or bolts) are snug, move to the front and repeat the process.

Torque down to spec

Now that your running steps are installed, torque the nuts (or bolts) down to spec. Ensure the nuts (or bolts) are tight but are not over-tightened to prevent stripping. Start with tightening the middle bracket nuts (or bolts) first and then, move to the front and rear brackets.

Test the running step

Place weight on the running step to ensure that it's mounted correctly to the truck, without movement or rattling. The running board should be firm and stable and should provide a sturdy step for entering and exiting the truck. Make sure the running step is level and is at the correct height.

Repeat the process

Repeat this process for the other side of the truck.