06-08 OEM Running Board Installation

[Puppetmaster]

Just thought I'd share some pictures and my install experience of the running board installation on my 2006. I'm not doing a true DIY write up because the instructions are good enough and available online, not to mention, they'll come with the parts.

http://www.handa-accessories.com/pil...nningboard.pdf

It is a pretty straightforward procedure and the instructions that come with the running boards are very clear, it is just tedious because of all the bolts you have to secure. My pictures are mainly to supplement the instructions, for those who may need a visual.


Parts came well packaged and organized:




Just a tip before you start, when you park the car, turn the wheels full lock in either direction so that you can access the screws that hold the front splash guard in place.

Unscrew the 5 screws that hold the splash guard in place and remove the guard.

Assemble the front bracket assembly but only loosely, with the bolts and nuts supplied. Front bracket assembly:




Pop the 6 clips covering the bolt holes off the car. You can just use a flat head to poke the middle of the clip to pop it in, and then pry it out. They all came out really easily for me.

Attach the mounting brackets. Here's a picture of the driver side mounting brackets loosely installed on the frame (attaching everything loosely first allows you to better line everything up later):



Attach brackets to the running boards.
Driver side running board brackets on the board itself ready to be attached to the car:





Everything else after this is on the passenger side, but it's the same idea.

[Puppetmaster]

The instructions say to attach the splash guard side first, which is fine, but it is a pain, especially if you're alone, to get fit the piece in while wrestling with the rest of the running board. I just used the two boxes that the brackets and hardware came in to prop the length of the board up to make it easier.








Once the splash guard side is screwed in, you just have to bolt up each bracket to the bracket on the board. Using those boxes to prop up the board made things much easier instead of struggling to hold the thing up, trying to line all the brackets up.

Of course, you could always get help from a friend, significant other, or strong child.

[Puppetmaster]

Now you just have to line up all the brackets and bolt them up. Be sure to follow the order listed in the instructions, which is to tighten brackets on the frame first, then the bolts that hold the running board to the brackets. Everything should be torqued to 20 ft lbs.

Another tip - if you have a Gear Wrench or any kind of ratcheting wrench, it makes it much easier to run through all the bolts and tighten everything because it does get tight for a ratchet.





Done:

[Puppetmaster]

I forget to mention earlier that I purchased the running boards from Handa Accessories. They are having a special on these for $292.50 + shipping.

http://www.handa-accessories.com/pilext06.html



Btw, here's what the car looked like before:



The running boards, to me at least, seem to make a big difference in the way it looks. Looks much more complete now.




Gratuitous shots with 4300K HIDs:








Yes, it needs to be washed and waxed badly.