AR Drop Step Running Board Install on Chevy Silverado 1500

Quick answer

Install Armordillo AR Drop Step running boards on your 2007-2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 Extended Cab by bolting the brackets to existing rocker panel mounting points, then attaching the step. No drilling or trimming required.

Installation steps

1. Prepare your truck and tools: Park on level ground, chock the rear wheels, and gather a 13mm socket, 15mm socket, ratchet, torque wrench, and thread locker (Loctite blue recommended). Remove any factory side steps or rocker trim if present. Common mistake: skipping thread locker leads to bolts loosening over time. Apply a drop to each bracket bolt.
2. Locate and clean the mounting points: Under the rocker panel, you'll find four pre-drilled holes per side (two per bracket). Use a wire brush or rag to remove dirt and undercoating from the threads so the bolts seat fully. Checkpoint: if a hole is blocked by undercoating, use a tap (M8x1.25) to clean the threads — don't force the bolt in.
3. Attach the front bracket: Position the front bracket against the rocker panel so the slotted holes align with the two forward mounting points. Insert the supplied bolts and tighten to 18 ft-lbs. Do not fully torque yet — leave them snug so the bracket can shift slightly. Common mistake: over-tightening before alignment can strip the threads. Snug only.
4. Attach the rear bracket: Repeat the same process for the rear bracket using the two rear mounting holes. Ensure both brackets are parallel to each other and level with the ground before tightening fully to 18 ft-lbs. Checkpoint: use a level on the bracket face — if it's tilted, the step will sit crooked.
5. Mount the drop step to the brackets: With help from a friend, lift the AR Drop Step onto the brackets. Align the step's mounting tabs with the bracket slots. Insert the supplied bolts and washers, then tighten to 18 ft-lbs. Double-check that the step sits flush against the rocker panel. Common mistake: aligning the step alone can pinch fingers. Have a second person hold the step while you start the bolts.
6. Torque and final inspection: Torque all bracket-to-body bolts and step-to-bracket bolts to 18 ft-lbs. Cycle the doors to ensure they open fully without hitting the step. Test the step by standing on it — it should feel rock-solid with no wobble. Checkpoint: re-torque after 100 miles of driving. Bolts can settle as the brackets seat against the body.

Product fact

• ARMORDILLO® AR DROP STEP 2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab Side Steps Running Board - Matte Black: Engineered with an aggressive angular structure that mounts close to the rocker panel for a tight, factory-refined appearance. This means no unsightly gaps or protruding brackets — the step looks like it came from the factory, even on a lifted truck.