How To Install OEM Ford Running Boards On a Ford F-150
January 06, 2021
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
How Often: Once
Tools Necessary for Install:
- OEM Ford Running Board
- Ratchet
- Screwdriver
- Sockets
- Gloves
- Jack
- Jack Stands
A running board, or sometimes called a footboard, is a narrow step fitted under the side door of a vehicle. Running boards help you enter and get out of a vehicle by providing an extra step.
Running boards were first used on carriages as early as the 17th century. In the early 20th century, most automobiles came fitted with running boards. This was because these vehicles came with a narrow, high body that was bolted to the chassis. Also, roads at those times were unpaved and uneven and often required larger wheels to properly navigate the primitive roadways. In such cases, running boards were vital and served as a step to get into the vehicle. As time went on, car manufacturers started designing vehicles with more sleek and aerodynamic design, which resulted in them removing the running boards from vehicles.
Another benefit of a running board is that it protects the vehicle from various road debris. When driving on uneven roads or rocky terrains, the vehicle wheels can kick up debris from the road. Such debris can ricochet and damage or scratch the doors and side panels of your vehicle.
Ford’s OEM running boards are simply, the best fit for your Ford vehicle. Not only are they made using the highest quality material, but they are also genuine products that come in the perfect size and fit for your vehicle. Ford OEM parts also come under Ford’s warranty.
You can install running boards on your own. It just requires some basic mechanical skills and some free time to do it.
1. First Things First
Before you begin installing your OEM Ford running board, ensure you take the following precautions:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands and safety glasses to protect your eyes and face from dust and debris when you go beneath the vehicle.
- Be sure to engage the vehicle’s parking brake so that the vehicle does not move when you are on the job.
- Place wheel chocks on the front and rear wheels for extra protection.
- Clean the areas near your wheels as well as underneath your vehicle so that any dirt or debris accumulated, is removed and does not obstruct the installation process.
- Look through the vehicle’s owner’s manual carefully for any additional safety instructions. In case of any other doubts, contact your local auto mechanic for assistance.
2. Securing the vehicle
Park your vehicle on a flat surface and ensure the parking brake is engaged. You can access the underside of your vehicle by sliding underneath your vehicle or you can use a jack to lift the vehicle up for easy access to the undercarriage of your Ford F-150.
If you are using a jack to lift your vehicle, then based on which side of the vehicle you start, jack up that side of the vehicle. Place a jack stand next to the jacking point and lower the vehicle onto the jack stand. Repeat this procedure for the other sides as well.
3. Mounting your Support Brackets
Before you start with the installation, check for the exact location where each support bracket is to be mounted. The installation kit or package comes with a total of six support brackets, three for each side of the truck. Check the support bracket for proper fitment. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
Once you get underneath the vehicle, you can see the bolts sticking out where the support brackets are to be mounted. Line up the support bracket against the holes and fit them over the holes. Then, fasten the washer, lock washer, and nut, until they are held in place. Ensure you do not overtighten the bolts at this time – just fasten them enough to ensure they are sturdy and stay in place.
Repeat the same procedure to mount all the support brackets in place on both sides of the vehicle.
4. Running Board Placement
After you have mounted all support brackets, it is time to line up your running boards. Place the running boards on the floor. If you find the running boards already have screws, a locker, a wash locker, and nuts on them. Remove the screws and all other parts from the running board. Then, place the running board on top of the support bracket.
5. Installing the running boards
Once you have placed the running board on top of the support bracket, line them up to match the holes. Tighten the running board to the bracket. Just like the bracket, do not overtighten the board for now.
Check the running board to ensure they are placed in the proper position on top of the holes. Then, go underneath the truck and tighten all the bolts you have put in. After ensuring all bolts are tightened, step on to the running board to check if the boards are properly secured to the brackets. Trust me, there's nothing more embarrassing than taking a step to get into your F-150, only to have your running boards completely collapse underneath you.
With Ford’s OEM running boards, you can be assured of an excellent off-the-shelf product catered to fit your truck exactly. Ford’s OEM running boards are strong and sturdy and have plenty of room to help you enter your F-150 with ease.
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