As a "Truck Warming Gift," my wife bought me a set of running board step plates for my 55 My question is the proper location; should they be pushed back against the bottom of the cab, or should the edge of the step plate be close to the edge of the running board. The problem I see if they go back is how to get holes drilled unless I measure and work from the bottom. For those that have installed these are there any potential problems. As you can tell, drilling makes me a bit uneasy. Thanks.

 

That's an interesting question - I never really thought of it before, and I have a set on my truck I put on.

I put mine as far out from the cab as I could get them and set the outside edge on top of the first high strip on the running board. I did this mainly to protect the running board from folks stepping up to get in the cab. And folks naturally tend to put their foot right on the running board edge.

Let em see if I can find a picture, that was a LONG time ago:

 

When I mounted mine on the Dennis Carpenter running boards, they rocked back and forth because the raised ribs were all at different heights. I used thin nylon washers underneath to make them mount without rocking every time I stepped on them.

 

You can put them wherever you want tho I'm sure there is a diagram somewhere with measurements. I would try to avoid the strengthening bars on the underside of the running boards or you'll make life more difficult than it needs be. Heres where I put mine.

 

for puting these steps on I thought about useing double face emblem tape and siliconeing them down will this work? I dont want to have to drill down through my running boards.

 

IMHO, clean holes are easily repaired if ever needed. If you don't drill the running boards, you'll have empty mounting holes in the plate.
The step plates were not a factory option, rather a dealer installed accessory, so location was (and is) a personal choice. My recommendation would be to set the plate in place and get in and out of your truck several times and see where it makes sense and is visually pleasing.

 

well there is always a way to fix the empty polt hole in the plate. Just cut the head off and silicone them down also. What part of Durham are you from? I only live about 25 to 30 miles from Durham.

 

I'm in NE Durham near 70 and 98. Where are you?

 

Snow Camp. down near Burlington and Graham.

 

PM me your email addy and we can take this offline.

 

Don't "Silicone" anything on your truck. What a mess that makes.

Drill the holes and use stainless pan head phillips sheet metal screws if you are on top of the strengthening bar, or stainless pan head machine screws with bolts if you aren't.

 

why would that make a mess on my truck? If you don't over do the silicone it will not come out the side or anything, and with the double face emblem tape I was taken about it should hold real good and look good. With the silicone you would only run small amount where the raised edges are. If you put screws in you have holes in your running boards and if you ever wanted to take them out you have to weld up the holes, grand the welds down, primer, and then repaint.

 

If you ever want to paint the running boards again, Silicone is a serious enemy of paint and close to impossible to completely remove. I'd much rather weld up holes than try to remove silicone sealer.

 

I mounted the step plates today and am very pleased how they look. Thanks to all for the feedback. I think I am going to like this site!