How to Install Steel Craft STX400 Aluminum Step Boards - Polished Stainless - Rocker Panel Mount on your Sierra

REMOVE CONTENTS FROM BOX. VERIFY ALL PARTS ARE PRESENT. READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION. ASSISTANCE IS RECOMMENDED. ON MODELS WITH DEF TANK, SELECT A FLAT, LEVEL AREA FOR INSTALLATION.

1. Start the installation under the driver side of the vehicle. Locate the 4 tabs along the bottom edge of the body, (pinch weld), (Figure 1). Mounting Brackets will bolt to the 1st, 2nd, (just in front of center of cab), and 4th mounting tabs. Directly above each tab is a top mounting location on the side of the body panel. Hold a Bracket in place to help determine the correct mounting holes to use along the body.

2. Determine the correct procedure for your model year and each Bracket location.

Bottom mounting location on the edge of the pinch weld.
Flat tab on pinch weld with factory installed weld nut:

Thread hex bolt into weld nut from the backside-down to clean threads, (Figure 2).

Flat tab on pinch weld with hole:

Select (1) 8mm Clip Nut. Slide the Clip Nut over the tab with the nut facing up behind the tab, (Figures 3—5). Line up threaded nut with hole in tab. Repeat for each mounting location.

Top mounting location on the side of the body panel.
Models with factory installed threaded insert in body panel:

Thread 8mm Hex Bolt into threaded insert to clear paint as required, (Figures 2 & 3).

Large and small hole in side of body panel:

Remove the rubber plug from the larger hole, (Figure 4). Select (1) 8mm Clip Nut. Slide the Clip Nut into the larger hole. Line up the threaded nut with the smaller hole, (Figure 5).

3. Select (1) Mounting Bracket. NOTE: (5) Brackets are universal and will fit left or right side. Bolt the Mounting Bracket to the Clip Nuts and/or the factory threaded holes with (2) 8mm Hex Bolts, (2) 8mm Lock Washers and (2) 8mm Flat Washers, (Figures 6 & 7). Snug but do not fully tighten the hardware.

4. Repeat Steps 1—3 to install the center and rear Mounting Brackets, (Figure 7).

5. Select the driver/left sidebar. Locate the opening in the end of the channels in the bottom of the Sidebar. Slide (3) 8mm T-Bolts into each channel, (Figure 8). Carefully position the Driver Sidebar onto the (3) Mounting Brackets. Lift the Sidebar up and slide the T-Bolts along the sidebar to match up with the Brackets. IMPORTANT: Do not slide, (front to back or rotate), the Sidebar on the Brackets or damage to the finish on the Sidebar may result.

6. Line up the front of the Sidebar approximately 3” back, (or locate as desired), from the front wheel opening. Attach the Sidebar to the Mounting Brackets with (6) 8mm Flat Washers, (6) 8mm Lock Washers and (6) 8mm Hex Nuts, (Figures 9 & 10). Do not tighten hardware at this time.

7. Level and adjust the Sidebar and tighten all hardware.

8. Move to the passenger side of the vehicle. On the passenger side front of the vehicle, determine if the vehicle is equipped with a plastic diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank.

Models without DEF tank, skip to Step 9.

Models with DEF tank: The tank sits close to the side of the body. With specialized tools, the passenger front upper and lower Bracket can be installed but room is limited. It may be easier to drop the tank down to access the inner side of the body panel for upper bracket installation. Tank will not need to be removed, only dropped down for access to mounting location. IMPORTANT: If tank is full, it will be very heavy and assistance is highly recommended to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle or the tank. It is recommended that installation is performed when the DEF tank is low on fluid before dropping the tank.

a. On models with plastic lower tray under the tank, remove the (3) hex bolts attaching the tray to the frame, (Figure 11).

b. Release the tank filler hose. Release the plug for the sending unit on the top of the tank.

c. Support the tank with a floor jack. Place a smooth flat surface, (wooden block for example), between the floor jack and the tank to avoid damaging the plastic tank. Do not push up on the tank; only support the weight of the tank with the jack.

d. Remove the (2) bolts securing the tank straps to the vehicle, (Figure 12). Tilt the straps to release from the brackets. Slowly lower the tank until the top of the tank is almost visible. Use blocks or stands to support the tank while installing the front Upper and Lower Brackets.

e. Proceed to Step 9.

9. Locate the first tab on the edge of the pinch weld, (Figures 2—4, 12). Select the Upper Bracket, (Figure 13). Repeat Step 2 to attach the passenger front Upper Bracket to the side of the body panel, (Figure 14). Do not tighten hardware at this time.

10. Line up the hole in the bottom of the Upper Bracket with the hole in the tab on the pinch weld.

a. Models with a weld-nut: Slide the Bracket over the weld-nut, (Figure 14). Attach the Lower Bracket to bottom of the body and weld-nut with (1) 8mm x 25mm Hex Bolt, (1) 8mm Lock Washer and (1) 8mm Flat Washer, (Figure 18). Leave loose at this time.

b. Models with flat tab and hole: Insert the 8mm Bolt Plate down through the hole in the Upper Bracket and mounting tab, (Figures 15 & 16). Attach the Lower Bracket to the bottom of the body and Bolt Plate with (1) 8mm Flat Washer and (1) 8mm Nylon Lock Nut, (Figures 17 & 18). Leave loose at this time.

11. Line up the side tab on the Lower Bracket with the threaded hole in the Upper Bracket. Attach the Lower Bracket to the side of the Upper Bracket with (1) 8mm x 25mm Hex Bolt, (1) 8mm Lock Washer and (1) 8mm Flat Washer, (Figure 18). Leave loose at this time.

12. Repeat Steps 1—3 for passenger center and rear Bracket installation. NOTE: Cradles on Brackets installed on passenger side will face forward.

13. Repeat Steps 5—7 to install the passenger Sidebar.

14. Once the Sidebars are fully installed and all hardware fully tightened, reinstall the DEF tank and cover, if equipped, as described in Step 8.

15. Do periodic inspections to the installation to make sure that all hardware is secure and tight.

To protect your investment, wax this product after installing. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer over the finish. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives that could damage the finish. For stainless steel: Aluminum polish may be used to polish small scratches and scuffs on the finish. Mild soap may be used also to clean the Sidebar.

For gloss black finishes: Mild soap may be used to clean the Sidebar.