- Loosely install the rear  support bracket
onto the cross sill studs using the 2 nuts and 1 screw  through  the
rear pillar assembly.
 
- Loosely install the forward bracket onto the pickup box cross  sill studs
using the 2 nuts.
 
- Position the step panel  over the brackets
using the following steps:
 
| 3.1.  | Slide the rear inboard tab around the rear pillar assembly. | 
 
| 3.2.  | Slide the step panel under the side outer panel. | 
 
- Install the rear step panel to the side outer panel using the  4 push-pin
fasteners.
 
- Loosely install the 1 screw  through
the forward bracket into the step panel.
 
- Loosely install the 3 screws through the top of the step  into
the rear support bracket.
 
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Tighten the following  fasteners in the specified order while pushing the forward
and rear support  brackets upward.
 
Tighten
- Tighten the rear pillar to rear support bracket screw to 9.0 N·m
 (6.6 lb ft).
 
- Tighten the forward support bracket to step panel screw to 9.0 N·m
 (6.6 lb ft).
 
- Tighten the forward and rear support bracket stud nuts to 25 N·m
 (18.4 lb ft).
 
- Install the 1 screw  in order to
secure the step panel inboard tab to the pickup box rear inner  pillar.
 
Tighten
Tighten the inboard tab screw to 1.5 N·m (13.3 lb in).
- Install the forward brace  to the forward
support bracket using the 1 screw.
 
Tighten
Tighten the forward brace to forward support bracket screw to 9.0 N·m
 (6.6 lb ft).
- Install the forward brace to the step panel using the 1 screw.
 
Tighten
Tighten the screw to 9.0 N·m (80 lb in).
- Install the filler plate  using the 2 push-pin
fasteners.
 
- Secure the splash shield  to the rear step
panel using the 3 push-pin fasteners.
 
- Tighten the 3 step panel to rear bracket screws from Step 6.
 
Tighten
Tighten the screws to 9.0 N·m (6.6 lb ft).
- Install the step pad to  the step panel
using the following steps:
 
| 14.1.  | Insert the locator pin on the pad into the hole in the panel. | 
 
| 14.2.  | Press the retainer tabs on the pad into the holes in the panel. | 
 
- Install the rear brace  to the rear bumper
bracket and step panel using the 2 screws.
 
Tighten
Tighten the rear brace screws to 9.0 N·m (6.6 lb ft).