How to Install Side Steps on a Ram 1500 Truck

You can install ram side steps on your truck without stress. Many people finish in about 30 minutes, sometimes with a friend’s help.

• People often ask about the best brands and tips for installation.
  With clear steps, you will feel confident and ready to upgrade your ride.

Key Takeaways

• Get all the tools you need before you start. You will need a socket wrench set, torque wrench, and safety gear. Having everything ready helps you work better.

• Pick the right side steps for your truck. Think about choices like premium tubular steps or running boards. Choose what fits your needs and budget. This makes sure the steps fit well and work right.

• Be safe when you install the side steps. Always wear gloves and safety glasses. Make sure all bolts and brackets are tight. This keeps the steps safe and strong.

Tools and Parts

Tools Needed

Before you start, gather your tools. You want everything ready so you can focus on the job. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Socket wrench set

• Torque wrench (helps you tighten bolts just right)

• Special riv-nut installation tool (sometimes needed for OEM steps)

• Screwdrivers

• Safety glasses and gloves

Some kits might not include every bolt or bracket, so double-check your hardware before you begin.

Tip: The average price for running boards and side steps ranges from $185.99 to $757.99. Most people spend around $483.42 for a full kit.

Parts List

You have lots of choices when picking side steps for your truck. Here’s a quick look at some popular options:

You’ll also find trusted brands like Amp Research, Go Rhino, Westin, and N-Fab.

Safety Prep

Safety comes first. Always wear gloves and safety glasses. Some running boards have built-in safety features, like anti-pinch protection and sensors that stop the step from retracting if it senses weight. Make sure your brackets are secure before you step on the new side steps.

Note: Never rush. Take your time to check each bolt and bracket for a safe and sturdy install.

Install Ram Side Steps

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Prep the Truck

You want to start with a clean and ready truck. First, find the mounting points under your Ram 1500. Look for the nuts or bolts at the front, middle, and rear. Use your socket wrench to loosen and remove these nuts or bolts. Take a moment to check the rocker panels and frame rails. Make sure there is no dirt or rust where you will work.

Cleaning the OEM studs helps a lot. Here’s what other truck owners say works best:

Most people use a wire brush or thread die. This makes it easier to tighten the nuts later. If your truck is new, you might not need to clean much. If you see paint or rust, give the studs a quick scrub.

Install Brackets

Now you can start with the brackets. Use the bolt plate and slide it into the factory holes. This step means you do not need to drill anything. Next, attach front brackets with the hardware from your kit. Keep them finger-tight so you can adjust them later. Repeat this for the center and rear brackets. Make sure the threaded part faces down.

If your kit comes with riv-nuts, you will need a special rivnut setting tool. This tool helps you set the riv-nuts in place. You might also use a 9/16-inch or 13mm wrench to secure the bolts. These tools make the job easier and help you get a tight fit.

Tip: Keep all brackets loose for now. This lets you move them a bit when you line up the side steps.

Attach Side Steps

With the brackets in place, you can put the ram side steps on your truck. Line up the bolts on the steps with the slots on the brackets. Feed the bolts through each slot. Use the hardware from your kit to attach the steps. Keep everything finger-tight. This way, you can adjust the steps for a perfect fit.

Many people find it easier to have a friend help hold the steps while they line up the bolts. If you work alone, take your time and check that each bolt lines up with the bracket slot.

Tighten Bolts

Once you like how the ram side steps look, you can tighten everything. Start with the bracket bolts. Use your torque wrench to get them snug, but do not over-tighten. Move on to the bolts that hold the steps to the brackets. Tighten these as well.

Note: Always check the instructions in your kit for the right torque specs. Tighten the bolts in small steps. This helps keep the steps straight and secure.

After you finish one side, repeat the installation process on the other side of your truck. Use the same steps for both sides. When you finish, check every bolt and bracket. Make sure nothing is loose.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things do not go as planned. Here are some tips if you run into trouble:

• Make sure you have the right kit for your Ram 1500. There are different kits for extra cab, extended cab, crew cab, and mega cab.

• Check that the hardware for the right side matches the left side. Sometimes the holes in the bar tubes are different.

• If your truck has body skirts, you might need to remove them or get side step panels that fit.

• If you cannot find a nerf bar that fits your model, you may need to modify the panels or look for a custom solution.

Tip: After you finish, check all bolts again after a few days of driving. Sometimes bolts settle and need a quick re-tighten.

You just finished installing ram side steps on your truck. Now you can enjoy the new look and easier access!

How to Install Running Boards

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You might wonder if you can install running boards on your Ram 1500 just like you did with side steps. Good news! The process feels very similar. You still use basic tools and work with the factory holes under your truck. The main difference comes down to the fitment and how the boards attach to your frame.

Fitment Tips

Before you start, check that your new running boards fit your truck’s cab size and year. Always look for certified fitment. This means the boards match your Ram 1500 and use the correct mounting points. Most running boards run the full length of your cab, giving you and your passengers more room to step.

Here’s a quick table to help you see the differences between running boards and side steps:

You will find two main mounting styles:

• Frame-mount: Attaches to the truck’s frame. This gives you a strong, sturdy step but takes a bit more work.

• Rocker-mount: Attaches to the rocker panels. This style is easier to install but may not last as long.

Tip: Always use the factory holes when you install running boards. If you see rust or small bolt plugs, clean them out first. Sometimes, you might need to patch or drill new holes if the old ones are too damaged.

Common Mistakes

Many people run into the same problems when installing running boards. You can avoid these with a little care:

• Misaligned holes. Sometimes, the holes in your truck and the boards do not line up. You might need to adjust the brackets or use a tool to help.

• Not checking the fit. Make sure the boards sit flat and use the right hardware. Loose boards can be unsafe.

• Ignoring rust or damage. If the factory holes look rusty or too small, fix them before you bolt on the boards.

Double-check every bolt and bracket before you finish. A secure fit keeps you safe and makes your new running boards last longer.

You just made your Ram 1500 look great and work better. Side steps last a long time because they use heavy-duty, weather-resistant materials:

• Custom-fit bars handle tough conditions.

• Function-first designs stay strong.

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FAQ

How long does it take to install side steps on a Ram 1500?

Most people finish both sides in about an hour. If you have a friend help, you might finish even faster.

Do I need to drill holes in my truck?

No, you usually use the factory holes. Most kits fit right into place. You just bolt everything on.

Can I install side steps by myself?

Yes, you can do it alone. A friend makes it easier, but you can line up the steps and tighten bolts by yourself.