Running Board Mount Kit

What a mount kit includes

A running board mount kit contains the brackets and hardware that connect the step to the vehicle. Depending on the design, that means stamped or formed brackets, bolts, nuts, washers, and sometimes spacers or brackets for different cab styles. The board itself is usually sold separately, so confirm exactly what you are buying.

Why it matters

Side steps carry a person's full weight, often while stepping in with force. The brackets take that load into the frame or body, so a poor fit or the wrong hardware can lead to loosening, noise or damage. Mounting kits are matched to board designs, such as Westin's Sure-Grip and step board lines, so mixing brands is risky.

Matching the kit

• Board series: the kit must be designed for your specific running board or step board.
• Vehicle: check year, make, model, cab style and bed length. Mounting points differ even within a generation.
• Board length: some kits support different lengths by changing bracket positions.
• Attachment method: no-drill kits use factory holes, while others need drilling.

Installation notes

• Mount boards loosely first, then align and tighten, working from the center out.
• Use the supplied hardware and torque bolts according to the instructions.
• Check clearance from exhaust, fuel lines, the body mount and any aftermarket parts.
• Apply touch-up paint or rust inhibitor to any drilled or scraped metal.
• Recheck fasteners after a few hundred miles.

Having a second person hold the board while you tighten saves time. Vehicles with air suspension or sensors may need extra care, so read the notes in the listing.

Replacement and upgrades

If you already have boards and a bracket has bent or rusted, a replacement kit can restore the original fit. Use the part number of your boards to find the right bracket. Before ordering, compare the number on the kit to the manufacturer's fitment guide for your vehicle.

Inspection and common mistakes

Look at the brackets each season for cracks near welds, bent arms and rust at the mounting points. Salt and mud collect where the bracket meets the body, so rinse the area and add rust protection to scratched spots. Squeaks usually come from loose fasteners or a bracket rubbing the board, and a quick tightening often solves them.

• Do not mix bolts from different kits. Length and thread pitch can differ.
• Do not tighten one end fully before the other is positioned, because the board can bind.
• Do not overlook factory sensors, wiring or plastic panels that sit near the mounting points.
• Do not stand on boards that are still loose to test them.

Measure your existing hole spacing and compare it with the bracket count in the listing. A board of a given length usually needs a certain number of brackets, and fewer brackets can mean a weaker step. If you carry heavy passengers, choose a design with more mounting points and confirm the weight rating stated by the maker.

Keep the old hardware until the new kit is installed, in case a bolt or washer is needed for comparison.