How to Install Bully Truck Steps

Getting in and out of a tall truck or SUV is not an easy task, especially if you have to do this many times a day. For those who don’t want to dramatically change their vehicle’s original look by installing running boards and looking for less eye-catching yet equally functional options, Bully offers a complete line of truck steps. Bully steps installation is not difficult for an average DIYer, you’ll need just simple tools (such as Philips screwdriver, ratchets, sockets, open-end wrenches) and a power drill.

FEATURED SIDE STEPS

Truck Black Powder Coated Side Step Set

5" Stainless Steel Oval Curve 2-Piece Side Step Bar Set

Polished Stainless Steel Universal Fit Adjustable Side Step Set of 2 [for trucks and SUVs]

Polished Aluminum Universal Fit Side Step Set of 2 [for Trucks and SUVs]

Stainless Steel Step Bar [Set of 2 Steps]

Keep in mind that installation methods of truck steps vary from model to model and depend on the body type of your vehicle, so use the info below as a guide only. For detailed information and step-to-step guidelines on how to install Bully truck steps on your vehicle, refer to the installation instructions that come with your purchase.

However, there are some general warnings for all kinds of installation methods regardless of the type of a step and rocker panel it will be mounted to (most truck steps on the market attach to the rocker panels as they provide secure mounting points):

• Do not attach truck steps if the vehicle’s sheet metal has signs of damage or is rusted.

• Before drilling, make sure there are no brake lines, fuel lines, electrical harnesses, etc. near the area you’ll need to drill. Drill carefully to avoid damage to the paint job.

• Do not modify steps or install hardware.

• Check the application chart in the installation instructions to determine the group your vehicle’s body type refers to (group A to E, from the flat wall all the way up to the wall with a channel).

The following instructions refer to Bully sidestep installation (part number AS-500) on a vehicle with an A-type rocker panel (flat wall).

• Figure out the center of the step. Keep in mind that for an optimal mounting position, it should be in line with the front edge of your seat’s frame.

• Mark a line that goes vertically along the step’s center onto the pinch weld flange. Note that this flange of the rocker panel may need to be bent down on some vehicles.

• On each of two outside lines where you will be drilling holes, you need to put a mark at the vertical center of the flange. Now that you have the points marked, drill a 3/8″ hole in each location. For better results, you may first put small holes using a 1/8 inch bit.

• Now you need to drill holes in the mounting brackets themselves. Hold them up into place, so the bottom of the pinch weld flange is even with the bottom of the mounting surface of the brackets, and put a mark on each of the brackets through two 3/8″ holes you’ve just drilled. Now drill two more 3/8″ holes on the points you’ve marked.

• Use the 5/16″ bolts, nuts, and washers to mount the brackets firmly to your vehicle.

• Now that the brackets are attached, you need to drill 2 more holes in your vehicle’s body. Using two top holes already drilled in each of the mounting brackets as a guide, drill small 1/8″ holes through the sheet metal of your vehicle. Use 1″ sheet metal screws to tighten down to the underside of the body.

• Put the rotation arm braces against the mounting bracket’s cog gears and rotate the arm until the desired height is achieved. Secure with retention caps, bolts, and nuts. Put the tube step in place and attach together with the rotation arm braces to the cog gears.

• Rotate the step pad until the correct position is achieved and level up before tightening down using set screws on the braces’ ends.

After you repeat the same for the passenger’s side, Bully side step installation process is finally complete. Refer to detailed installation instructions that come with each product to find out how to install Bully truck steps of other types on vehicles with other body style groups.

About Andrew Demaree

Andrew Demaree is Bully's resident technical writer and automotive expert. Being SAE certified mechanic, Andrew knows how your vehicle works and how to make it run even smoother. He is also passionate about truck customization and off-roading, so when it comes to adding some style and functionality to your truck, you can rely on Andrew's knowledge.