Running boards make getting in and out of a large truck or SUV safer and more manageable. The size of today’s trucks makes it difficult for people to get inside their cars if they don’t have running boards.
The best thing you can do for your Ford is to get a running board if you want more ease when getting into and out of it. There will often be instructions included with aftermarket running boards, nerf bars, or side steps.
For Ford vehicles, factory-drilled mounting points in the frame make it easy to mount running boards. Just install the boards and attach the hardware provided.
This step-by-step guide will help you install this aftermarket accessory properly on your heavy-duty pickup if you want to upgrade it.
Is It Possible To Install Running Boards On Trucks?
Aftermarket running boards can already be bolted to many trucks and larger vehicles’ frames. Thus, you should not be required to modify your car to attach them.
Although you may want a friend to assist you, installing running boards is usually simple.
However, running boards can be hefty, so having a second set of hands can be extremely helpful. You will find instructions for installing most side steps, nerf bars, and running boards aftermarket.
An Easy Step By Step Guide To Installing Ford OEM Running Boards
IMPORTANT: The guidelines in this section are general and should not be considered a replacement for the instructions for your vehicle. You should consult your owner’s manual or repair guide before performing any repairs.
Depending on your truck design, you will need to install Ford OEM running boards differently.
It would help if you referred to the installation manual to install your newly bought running boards. Wear safety gloves and keep your workplace clean.
In case you didn’t know, they make it possible to clean and secure the interior part. Furthermore, when entering Ford trucks, users can wipe dirt off their feet using the OEM running boards.
Ford OEM running boards are easy to install with some skill and patience. The mounting hardware and kits for Ford running boards will be with you. Here are the steps we need to take.
These are what you will need:
- A Jack Stand
- Pliers with needle noses
- Bolts for boards, one pack
- For Brackets: 1 bolt pack
- Mounting Straps: 8
- Rear Brackets: 6
- A pair of front brackets
- Running Board: 2
- Eyeglasses for safety
- An all-purpose wrench
- An 12.7-millimeter Ratchet Wrench
With the right tools and automotive knowledge, bolt-on running boards can be installed relatively easily. Here are the basic steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Measure The Mounting Hole
For each outline, Ford trucks have a different arrangement. The mounting hole underneath must therefore be measured. Be sure to engage the parking brake and park your vehicle on a flat surface.
Ford F-150 owners can access the underside of their vehicle by sliding underneath them or using a jack to raise their vehicle for easy access to their vehicle’s undercarriage.
Slip the Ford truck under a jack stand. Usually, if you see 8mm factory holes, the truck is a regular Ford. A 5/16 U-nut is needed for larger holes. A 5/16″ S-Tap inside the unthreaded factory hole will also be necessary.
Step 2: Aligning The Brackets
To check whether the bracket matches correctly, place it on the holes. You should put the brackets so that the nuts can be seen attached to the holes on the brackets.
Step 3: Attach The Brackets To The Mounting Holes
Wear safety gloves and safety glasses to keep your hands secure. After the bolts have been placed inside the hole, take needle nose pliers, and use them to tighten the bolts. Using your hands, attach the bracket, washer, and nut.
Step 4: Install The Running Board Nuts
Then tighten up the nut with a ratchet wrench. Our next step was to align the running board. Due to its attachment difficulty, this step may be a bit challenging.
If the kits are attached to the running board, remove them all. Once this is done, you must attach the running board brackets, lockers, and washers to the holes. Then, use a ratchet wrench to tighten them.
Step 5: Repeat The Process On The Passenger’s Side
As a final step, we performed the same procedure on the passenger side. Repeat the process of inserting the brackets.
Ensure you attach the washer before using the ratchet wrench to tighten the nut. The remaining two brackets and washers must then be inserted.
Once the nuts are inserted, use your hand to tighten them. Those are the steps to installing the OEM running boards on a Ford truck.
Running Boards: What are They Made Of?
Stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum are the most common materials used for step bars. We didn’t find any carbon fiber running boards from major manufacturers, only off-brand ones. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of them.
There is no doubt that stainless steel side steps are the best on the market. The maximum weight rating is usually 500 pounds.
Materials defects are usually covered for a lifetime. In addition, they are easier to install due to their high strength, which allows them to be thinner and lighter.
In steel terms, mild steel means that it has not been hardened. As a result, mounting brackets made from it have more flex and are less likely to crack than those made from hardened steel.
Even though aluminum step bars do not rust, they will corrode over time. In the same way, stainless steel is difficult to weld.
On the other hand, aluminum is often made into simple extruded and bent shapes such as ovals, tubes, and rectangles.
What Is The Maximum Weight That Running Boards Can Support?
Weight ratings are not always listed but range from 300 to 500 pounds. Two or three brackets can be used on some side steps to stiffen them up if they’re sagging. No manufacturer tests every model, and there is no standard for weights.
Running Boards: What Types Are There?
Running boards, nerf bars, and side steps are all types of aftermarket steps for vehicles. Under the doors of a truck or SUV, a running board attaches to the side as a completely flat step.
Meanwhile, nerf bars mount under the doors of trucks or SUVs and feature cutouts for passengers’ feet. In the same way as a running board, the side steps are narrow and single.
Under the passenger doors on a truck or SUV or behind the rear axle of a truck, these can make it easier for the user to access the bed.
OEM Running Boards: Where Do I Put Them?
Ford trucks are usually equipped with OEM running boards underneath. Therefore, all hardware and brackets are needed to mount the Ford truck frame.
Locate the nuts below to understand where OEM running boards should be placed. OEM running boards must be placed lower to side doors to provide grip or support when entering the truck.
Can Ford OEM Running Boards Be Installed In A Short Amount Of Time?
It does not take more than one hour for an expert to install OEM running boards. If you’re a beginner, you might have some trouble. The process may require only 1-2 hours if you learn what materials and tools are needed.
In most cases, it would take less than two hours to set up OEM running boards. Despite this, the process isn’t complicated or requires much work. For a faster installation, just follow the given steps.
Can Ford OEM Running Boards Be Installed For A Reasonable Price?
A running board requires a fairly large investment when installed by professionals. However, there are no more than $100 to $300 costs for OEM running boards.
However, if OEM boards need traction or are heavier, the cost may be higher. As a result, there would be a cost increase of up to $500.
Hiring someone to install it will cost you between 50 and 100 dollars. In addition, if your OEM running boards are electrically attached to the Ford truck, it can be more expensive.
Author’s Note:
If your vehicle doesn’t already have drilled, you’ll need to drill the holes yourself. However, as you don’t want to compromise your vehicle’s frame, we recommend having a professional install them if the holes aren’t pre-drilled.
In Summary
You can mount running boards on both sides of your vehicle to create a durable step. Shorter drivers and passengers may have difficulty climbing into the cab of tall trucks, such as the Ford F-150 or F-250.
This accessory is designed specifically for the model year and trim of your F-250, providing a boost and improving accessibility. Your Ford running boards can also be professionally installed if you aren’t confident about your ability to do it yourself.