iBoard Running Board Installation Instructions ⎻ Comprehensive Plan
This comprehensive guide details the installation of iBoard running boards, specifically for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab models with a 6․5 ft bed․
Carefully follow each step, utilizing the provided hardware (M6, M8 bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts) and ensuring proper alignment for a secure fit․
iBoard running boards, manufactured by APS, are designed to enhance vehicle accessibility and aesthetics․ These 6-inch aluminum boards provide a durable and stylish side step solution, particularly beneficial for the 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 6․5 ft bed models․
Installation involves securing mounting brackets to the vehicle’s pinch weld using M8 and M6 hardware․ Proper alignment and tightening are crucial for stability․ This guide offers detailed instructions, addressing potential challenges like spiral bolt perpendicularity, ensuring a safe and reliable upgrade for your truck․
Tools and Materials Required
For a successful iBoard running board installation, gather the following: a socket wrench set, specifically for M6 and M8 bolts, a torque wrench (recommended), and potentially a drill for minor adjustments․
Essential materials include the iBoard running boards themselves, the provided mounting brackets, M8x1․25-25mm Hex bolts, M6x1-20mm Square Head bolts, M6 large flat washers, M8 lock washers, and M6 nylon lock nuts․ Ensure all components are present before beginning the installation process․
Essential Tools
A robust socket wrench set is paramount, encompassing sizes suitable for both M6 and M8 fasteners․ A torque wrench is highly recommended to ensure proper tightening, preventing damage or loosening over time․
Consider a drill with appropriate bits for potential minor adjustments during bracket alignment․ Additionally, a marker for precise location marking, and safety glasses are crucial․ A level will aid in ensuring a perfectly horizontal installation․
Hardware Components (Bolts, Washers, Nuts)
The iBoard kit includes specific fasteners for a secure installation․ You’ll find M6X1-20mm square head bolts, alongside M6 large flat washers and M6 nylon lock nuts for board attachment․
For bracket mounting, M8X1․25-25mm hex bolts and M8 lock washers are essential․ Verify all components are present before starting․ Using the correct hardware is critical for structural integrity and preventing issues during and after installation․
Vehicle Preparation
Before beginning, park your 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab on a level surface․ Ensure the vehicle is turned off and the parking brake is firmly engaged․ Locate the pinch weld along the truck’s undercarriage – this is where the mounting brackets will attach․
Clean the pinch weld area to remove any dirt or debris․ Inspect for any existing damage that might affect bracket installation․ Gather all tools and hardware for efficient workflow․
Safety Precautions
Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris during installation․ Gloves are recommended to prevent hand injuries․ Use jack stands if lifting the vehicle for better access – never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack․
Be mindful of pinch points and sharp edges on the vehicle’s undercarriage․ Ensure all bolts are properly tightened to prevent loosening during vehicle operation․ If unsure, consult a professional․
Identifying Mounting Locations
Begin by locating the pinch weld along the vehicle’s rocker panels․ Carefully position the support brackets above the pinch weld’s bottom edge․ Mark the three driver-side locations, ensuring sufficient spacing and avoiding the pinch weld’s edge․
Repeat this process for the passenger side, mirroring the driver’s side bracket placement․ Refer to Figures 5 & 6 for precise bracket positioning․ Accurate marking is crucial for a secure and level installation․
Driver Side Front Mounting Bracket Installation
Attach the Driver Side Front Mounting Bracket (DFM) using two M8X1․25-25mm Hex Bolts and two M8 Lock Washers․ Ensure the bracket aligns precisely with the previously marked location on the pinch weld․
Begin with the front bracket, as it establishes the foundation for subsequent installations․ Securely fasten the hardware, but avoid full tightening at this stage to allow for adjustments during the alignment process․
Attaching the Front Bracket (M8 Bolts, Lock Washers)
Utilize two M8X1․25-25mm Hex Bolts paired with two M8 Lock Washers to firmly attach the front mounting bracket․ Position the bracket carefully, aligning it with the pre-marked spots on the vehicle’s pinch weld․
Hand-tighten the bolts initially, ensuring proper alignment before proceeding․ Avoid over-tightening at this stage, as adjustments may be needed during the overall installation process to achieve a perfect fit․
Aligning with Pinch Weld
Precisely align the installed front bracket with the vehicle’s pinch weld’s bottom edge․ Carefully position the bracket, ensuring it sits flush against the pinch weld for optimal support․ Double-check the alignment before fully tightening the M8 bolts and lock washers․
Accurate alignment is crucial for a secure and stable installation․ Avoid marking too close to the pinch weld’s edge during bracket location marking, ensuring structural integrity․
Driver Side Center Mounting Bracket Installation
Begin by carefully marking the desired location for the center mounting bracket on the driver’s side pinch weld․ Ensure proper spacing between the front and center brackets for even weight distribution and optimal support․ Refer to diagrams (Fig 5) for accurate placement․
Accurate marking prevents misalignment during installation․ Confirm the bracket’s position before proceeding to secure it, guaranteeing a stable connection point for the running board․
Marking Bracket Location
Position the center mounting bracket above the pinch weld, aligning it with the pre-determined location․ Utilize a marker to carefully trace the bracket’s mounting holes onto the pinch weld․ Important: avoid marking too close to the edge of the pinch weld to maintain structural integrity․
Double-check the markings for accuracy before drilling․ Precise marking ensures proper bracket alignment and a secure attachment point for the running board, contributing to overall stability․
Ensuring Proper Spacing
Verify consistent spacing between all three mounting brackets – front, center, and rear – on both the driver and passenger sides․ Equal distribution of support is crucial for even weight distribution and prevents stress points․ Measure the distance between each bracket to confirm uniformity․
Proper spacing enhances the running board’s stability and longevity․ Adjust bracket positions as needed before final tightening to guarantee a level and secure installation, maximizing safety and usability․
Driver Side Rear Mounting Bracket Installation
Position the rear mounting bracket according to Figure 5, carefully aligning it with the pinch weld on the driver’s side․ Ensure the bracket sits flush against the vehicle’s frame for optimal support․ Mark the bolt hole locations accurately, avoiding proximity to the pinch weld’s edge․
Secure the bracket using appropriate M8 hardware – bolts, lock washers, and nuts – tightening them initially by hand․ Confirm proper alignment before proceeding to the next step, ensuring a stable foundation for the running board․
Bracket Placement (Fig 5)
Refer to Figure 5 for precise rear passenger side bracket positioning․ Align the bracket with the pinch weld, ensuring it’s parallel and maintains consistent spacing․ Carefully mark the designated bolt hole locations on the vehicle’s frame․
Double-check measurements to avoid marking too close to the pinch weld’s edge, which could compromise structural integrity․ Proper bracket placement is crucial for a secure and level running board installation, maximizing safety and aesthetics․
Securing the Rear Bracket
Utilize M8X1․25-25mm Hex Bolts, paired with M8 Lock Washers, to firmly attach the rear bracket to the vehicle’s frame․ Ensure each bolt is started by hand to prevent cross-threading․ Progressively tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern, achieving even pressure․
Avoid over-tightening initially; a final tightening will occur after running board alignment․ Confirm the bracket remains flush against the pinch weld throughout the securing process, guaranteeing a stable foundation․
Running Board Attachment to Driver Side Brackets
Carefully align the running board with the previously installed driver-side mounting brackets, ensuring the bottom channels are positioned correctly․ Insert M6X1-20mm Square Head Bolts, accompanied by M6 Large Flat Washers, into these channels (Figures 7 & 8)․
Secure each bolt with an M6 Nylon Lock Nut, hand-tightening initially․ Confirm proper alignment before proceeding to the next bolt, maintaining a consistent gap between the board and vehicle․
Aligning Running Board with Brackets
Position the running board above the installed driver-side brackets, carefully lining up the mounting points․ Ensure the running board sits flush against the brackets, checking for any gaps or misalignment․ Proper alignment is crucial for secure attachment and optimal weight distribution․
Double-check that the running board’s length corresponds with the bracket spacing, and that it’s centered along the vehicle’s side․ Adjust as needed before initiating the bolting process․
Using M6X1-20mm Square Head Bolts & Washers (Fig 7, 8)
Insert the M6X1-20mm square head bolts into the bottom channels of the running board, referencing Figures 7 and 8 for correct placement․ Add a large flat washer onto each bolt before securing it through the mounting bracket․ Utilize two bolts and two washers per bracket connection․
Hand-tighten initially to ensure proper alignment before proceeding to full tightening․ Confirm the bolts are seated correctly and engaging the bracket threads․
Passenger Side Front Mounting Bracket Installation
Begin on the passenger side front of the vehicle, mirroring the driver’s side installation process․ Attach the Passenger Front Mounting Bracket (PFM) using two M8X1․25-25mm Hex Bolts, accompanied by two M8 Lock Washers․ Ensure the bracket aligns correctly with the pinch weld, similar to the driver’s side․
Hand-tighten the hardware initially, verifying proper bracket positioning before proceeding to full tightening․ Repeat the steps used for the driver’s side front bracket installation for consistency․
Attaching the Passenger Front Mounting Bracket (PFM) ⸺ M8 Hardware
Secure the Passenger Front Mounting Bracket (PFM) utilizing two M8X1․25-25mm Hex Bolts, ensuring a firm connection to the vehicle’s frame․ Include two M8 Lock Washers with each bolt to prevent loosening during vehicle operation․ Confirm the bracket is flush against the pinch weld before tightening․
Progressively tighten the M8 hardware, alternating between bolts to distribute pressure evenly․ Avoid over-tightening, which could potentially damage the mounting points or strip the threads․
Repeating Driver Side Front Installation Steps
Mirror the successful driver side front installation process precisely on the passenger side․ Begin by positioning the Passenger Front Mounting Bracket (PFM) above the pinch weld, aligning it carefully․ Utilize the same M8 hardware – two M8X1․25-25mm Hex Bolts and two M8 Lock Washers – for a secure attachment․
Ensure the bracket sits flush before tightening, alternating between bolts for even pressure․ Maintain consistent torque to avoid damage, replicating the driver side’s secure fit․
Passenger Side Center and Rear Mounting Bracket Installation
Mirroring the driver side procedure, install the passenger side center and rear mounting brackets․ Reference Figures 5 and 6 for precise location marking on the pinch weld․ Ensure proper spacing and avoid marking too close to the pinch weld’s edge․
Secure each bracket using appropriate hardware, maintaining perpendicularity as noted in troubleshooting․ Repeat steps previously used for the driver side, guaranteeing consistent and reliable mounting across the vehicle․
Mirroring Driver Side Installation (Steps 2-10)
Transitioning to the passenger side, meticulously replicate the installation process completed on the driver’s side․ Begin by removing the protective tape covering the designated front, center, and rear mounting locations․ Follow steps 2 through 10 precisely, ensuring consistent bracket placement and hardware usage․
Pay close attention to alignment and spacing, mirroring the driver side’s configuration for a symmetrical and secure installation․ Maintain perpendicularity during bracket attachment, addressing challenges as previously outlined․
Removing Protective Tape
Before commencing passenger side bracket installation, carefully peel away the protective tape covering the pre-marked mounting locations․ This tape safeguards the vehicle’s paint during the marking process and preparation․ Ensure a clean surface for optimal bracket adhesion and accurate alignment․
Slowly and deliberately remove the tape to avoid any potential paint damage․ Inspect the areas for any residue and clean if necessary, preparing a pristine surface for the subsequent installation steps․
Running Board Attachment to Passenger Side Brackets
Carefully align the running board with the newly installed passenger side mounting brackets, ensuring a flush and even fit․ Utilize M6X1-20mm bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts (Figures 12, 13, and 16) to secure the board to the brackets․
Begin by loosely threading the bolts, allowing for adjustments․ Confirm proper alignment before fully tightening, ensuring the running board sits securely and evenly across all brackets․
Aligning and Securing the Passenger Side Board
Precisely align the passenger side running board with the installed brackets, mirroring the driver’s side process․ Employ M6X1-20mm bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts for a robust connection (refer to Figures 12, 13, and 16)․
Initially, loosely fasten the hardware, permitting adjustments for optimal positioning․ Verify levelness and secure fit before proceeding to fully tighten all fasteners, guaranteeing a stable and reliable installation․
Utilizing M6X1-20mm Bolts, Washers, and Nylon Lock Nuts (Fig 12, 13, 16)
Securely attach the running board to the passenger side brackets using M6X1-20mm square head bolts, coupled with larger flat washers and M6 nylon lock nuts, as illustrated in Figures 12, 13, and 16․
Ensure proper seating of the washers and tighten the nuts gradually in a crisscross pattern․ This method promotes even pressure distribution and prevents potential warping or misalignment during the final tightening stage․
Leveling and Tightening Hardware
Prior to fully tightening, meticulously level the running board, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the vehicle’s body lines․ Check for any gaps or unevenness along the entire length of the board․
Once satisfied with the alignment, progressively tighten all M6 and M8 bolts and nylon lock nuts․ Employ a torque wrench to achieve the manufacturer’s specified torque settings, preventing over-tightening and potential damage․
Ensuring Level Installation
Achieving a level installation is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality․ Utilize a level along the top surface of the running board, checking both lengthwise and widthwise․ Adjust bracket positions slightly if necessary, loosening bolts to make minor corrections․
Confirm the running board’s height is consistent along the vehicle’s undercarriage․ Proper leveling prevents wobbling and ensures a safe, comfortable step for passengers․ Re-check alignment after initial tightening․
Fully Tightening All Bolts and Nuts
Once level and properly aligned, systematically tighten all M6 and M8 bolts and nylon lock nuts․ Employ a torque wrench, referencing vehicle specifications for appropriate torque values to avoid over-tightening․ Begin with the mounting brackets, then proceed to the running board attachment points․
Double-check each fastener, ensuring a secure connection․ This final step guarantees stability and prevents loosening during vehicle operation․ Regularly inspect hardware after installation․
Addressing Installation Challenges
Spiral bolts can present difficulty achieving perpendicularity to the brackets; patience and careful maneuvering are crucial․ If brackets aren’t aligning, slightly loosen previously tightened bolts to allow for adjustment․ Ensure the running board sits flush against the vehicle’s pinch weld․
For tight spaces, utilize a flexible extension for your ratchet․ Don’t force components; re-evaluate alignment if resistance is encountered․ Consult the iBoardauto․com support if issues persist․
Dealing with Spiral Bolts
Spiral bolts, encountered during bracket installation, often require extra attention to ensure they are somewhat perpendicular to the brackets․ This can be challenging due to limited space and access․ Applying steady, controlled pressure while threading is key; avoid cross-threading․
If resistance is met, slightly back out the bolt and re-align before proceeding․ Remember to check for proper alignment frequently throughout the process, referencing installation figures for guidance․
Maintaining Perpendicularity of Brackets
Ensuring the mounting brackets remain perpendicular to the vehicle’s frame is crucial for optimal running board stability and weight distribution․ Regularly check the angle of each bracket during installation, using a square or level as a guide․
Slight adjustments may be needed as you tighten the bolts; avoid over-tightening initially․ Maintaining this perpendicularity prevents stress on the hardware and ensures a secure, long-lasting installation․
Specific Vehicle Compatibility (2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 6․5 ft Bed)
These iBoard running boards are specifically designed for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab models equipped with a 6․5-foot bed․ Confirming vehicle compatibility is essential before beginning the installation process․
Variations in frame designs for different Ram 1500 configurations may exist; therefore, using these boards on incompatible models is not recommended․ Proper fitment ensures optimal safety and functionality․
Post-Installation Check
After completing the installation, a thorough post-installation check is crucial for safety and longevity․ Perform a stability test by applying downward pressure to various points along the running board․
Conduct a visual inspection, verifying all bolts and nuts are fully tightened and that the boards are level and securely mounted․ Address any discrepancies immediately to ensure a reliable and safe step․
Stability Test
To ensure a secure installation, perform a rigorous stability test․ Apply firm, downward pressure at multiple points along the length of each running board․ Check for any wobbling, flexing, or movement of the brackets․
Confirm the boards remain firmly attached to the vehicle’s frame, exhibiting no signs of loosening․ This test validates the integrity of the mounting and hardware, guaranteeing safe usage․
Visual Inspection
Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the entire installation․ Verify all bolts and nuts are present and properly tightened, with no gaps visible around the mounting brackets․ Examine the running boards for any scratches or damage incurred during installation․
Ensure the boards are level and aligned symmetrically on both sides of the vehicle․ Confirm the protective tape has been completely removed, leaving a clean and professional finish․
Customer Support Information (infoiboardauto․com)
For any questions or concerns regarding the installation process, or if you encounter missing or damaged parts, please do not hesitate to contact iBoard customer support․ Visit our website at infoiboardauto․com for frequently asked questions, detailed guides, and direct access to our support team․
We are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction with your iBoard running boards․ Reach out – we’re here to help!
Revision History (Rev․ 20210901, Rev; 20211001)
This document reflects the latest updates to the iBoard running board installation instructions as of Revision 20211001․ Previous revisions include Rev․ 20210901, which contained initial installation guidelines․ Updates in this version address clarifications regarding bracket alignment and hardware specifications․
We continually strive to improve our documentation for a smoother installation experience․ Please ensure you are using the most current revision for optimal results;
iBoard by APS ⎻ Product Overview
iBoard running boards by APS are designed to provide easy access to your truck while enhancing its appearance․ These 6-inch aluminum boards offer a durable and stylish solution for entry and exit․ Featuring a sleek design and robust construction, iBoard ensures long-lasting performance․
The boards are specifically engineered for a secure fit on 2009-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab models, offering a seamless integration with your vehicle․
Aluminum Running Board Specifications (6 inch)
iBoard running boards boast a 6-inch width, providing ample stepping space for comfortable entry and exit․ Constructed from high-grade aluminum, these boards offer exceptional strength and corrosion resistance; The design supports substantial weight, ensuring durability for years of use․
These boards are meticulously crafted to withstand various weather conditions, maintaining their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal․ They are a perfect blend of functionality and style for your Dodge Ram 1500․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Spiral bolts can present challenges during bracket installation; ensure they are as perpendicular as possible to the brackets for a secure hold․ If brackets aren’t aligning, double-check mounting locations and spacing, avoiding the pinch weld’s edge․
Confirm all hardware is fully tightened after leveling, and address any gaps or misalignment promptly․ For assistance, consult infoiboardauto․com or review installation steps to rectify issues efficiently․