Side Steps installation, add pressure washers or blue loctite

[rolo95]

Hello Again Guys,
i just got a pair of running bards for a 17 Silverado WT Regular Cab.

the hardware do not have pressure washers, and the instructions ask for 15lbs of torque
is that too little ? , so i need to add pressure washers or blue loctite

how do you guys do regarding the bolts and nuts on side steps and running boards
Thanks

 

[Mooseman]

e hardware do not have pressure washers, and the instructions ask for 15lbs of torque
is that too little ? , so i need to add pressure washers or blue loctite

What do you call "pressure washers"? Do you mean lock washers? They're rarely used in automotive. These things usually come with bolts with wide heads or captured flat washers. If not using the original bolts, I'd used regular bolts with washers with a bit of blue or orange Loctite. When I installed mine, I didn't use a torque wrench, I just snugged them up to "good 'n tight".

 

[rolo95]

yeah ! you are right Mooseman, it was lock washer hahaha, im just tightening playing by ear, i have not got to the point that you feel when there is no more easy torque unless you use a breaker bar or something but since it is an ebay budget set i do not know if the provided nuts and bolt can take some good hand torque with a regular ratchet.

i have experienced a couple of times the awful sensation when you stripped out the thread on a nut by "overcooking" the torque force. it really suxxx as sometimes it is hard to remove a bolt that is stripped out.

so you advice to just snugg em up to "good 'n tight"

 

[rolo95]

this is the running boards i got

For 07-19 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra Regular Cab 6.75" Step Bar Running Boards | eBay

Combining the stylish appearance and rugged looks, these inventive running boards are the ideal way to upgrade your truck or SUV. They are built tough and are highly corrosion resistant. Getting in and out of your vehicle is easy with the large non-skid molded pads that ensure secure footing.

www.ebay.com

i just installed them yesterday found that lying under the truck to maneuver the parts and tools is just matter of time your neck muscles start to hurt as you need to maintain your head in the air, what i did is put an old jacket as "pillow" so i rest my head on it without making neck muscle stress.

WHAT a relief!!! lol
i guess I'm not used to do that kind of acrobatics lol , or I'm just an old fart hahaha

the brackets are flimsy ( well what you expect from a 110 bucks) a pair running board, i have to bent 2 brackets ( the screw close to the front of the truck ) on the middle part so to sneak in in place, but i was able to with a large adjustable wrench and a large screwdriver inserted on the wrench hanging hole to have leverage

the boards itself are fine, just the brackets were kind of thin and flimsy and when i step on them i can see some flex than goes back to normal when i remove my foot over them

i guess if i solder(well take to machine shop lol ) a piece of square 1/2" by 1/2" metal beam like on the pic it will reinforce the
bracket a bit or maybe like in the second pic, reinforce the 3 parts that can bend
i did not take a pic of the actual bracket, the below i googled it but is like it

 

[Mooseman]

Those look typical of the brackets with most running boards. The OEM ones for the TB are similar as well as those on my Sierra. I used to weigh 340lbs and was able to stand on the TB's boards and even jump on them. My Sierra's tubular steps are also solid. I don't think you need to reinforce them unless they are really thin.

 

[rolo95]

This how it looks
No more stress for me and passengers
I am Danny De Vito size so I need steps
Or die when getting off the truck

I will open other thread about the rusted rims and cargo area.