Nerf bars, side tubes and running boards are sure to provide a boost to tired legs and your vehicle's looks, too. Nerf bars and running boards look cool, and they do give a welcome step to tired legs. Nerf bars attach to the underside of the vehicle by frame bolts or by using the body bolts, and provide you with a more accessible step than the rocker panel of your Silverado. A basic tool set is all you need to make this installation go smoothly.
Remove the old step rails if there are any on the truck. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the old steps if there were any on the truck. If the truck had no steps installed, simply make sure that the frame and installation holes are clean of debris.
Spray penetrating lube on the body bolts of the truck. The body bolts that will need to be removed are located directly behind the front tire in the frame rail. They should have a rubber disk and washer on the bolt. These are called body mount bushings.
Remove the body bolt with the ratchet and 5/8-inch socket. Depending on the year of the truck, the bolt size may vary. Once the bolt is out, attach the Nerf bar bracket to the bolt by sliding the bolt through the bracket hole.
Reattach the body bolt with the new mounting hardware back to the frame of the Silverado and tighten the 5/8-inch bolt down with the ratchet. Do not tighten it down all the way. Be sure that the mounting hardware is aligned properly and not twisted against the frame.
Install the Nerf bar to the front frame mount first. Use the supplied 9/16-inch bolts and nuts to secure it to the frame bracket. Some kits will use two bolts while others might only use one. Hand-tighten these bolts.
Install the rear of the Nerf bar to the frame. Applications will vary, but most will use a bolt going through the frame rail and into the tube. Hand-tighten these bolts down as well.
Attach the center mount if applicable. Some Nerf bar manufacturers include a center mount for the Nerf bars that attaches from the frame and goes to the bottom of the rail for support.
Check the alignment of the Nerf bars. They should be straight with the bottom of the truck and level as well. Tighten all the bolts down with the ratchet and a 5/8-inch socket.
