GMC Sierra Tube Steps & Box Protector - Tech Install

2010 Gmc Sierra Denali Tube Steps Box Protector Lead Photo

In today's world, new vehicles boast of an extensive list of standard equipment and most options are available only in a package that includes costly others. This modern approach not only streamlines assembly plant production, it also makes the vehicle purchasing experience much easier for the average buyer. Some equipment is still available on an individual basis, and for General Motors' fullsize pickup trucks, Oval Tubular Assist Steps are among those options.

For the new Sierra, GMC offers a three-foot variation that's dealer installed while the chrome plated six-foot units are factory-installed. Though "running boards," as they're most often called, can be an obstacle that long-legged passenger must hurdle when entering or exiting a pickup truck, they're a virtual necessity for most women and children. Since we planned to use our Sierra Denali as a family hauler, we deemed Assist Steps as a must-have option, but that added nearly $700 to the price tag of the truck and if bought in a package, the total came to more than an additional $2,100. That seemed excessive to say the least.

Immediately after taking delivery of our 2010 Sierra Denali, we logged onto the GM Accessories Zone website (gmaccessorieszone.com) and found among the many available accessories the same chrome-plated Oval Tubular Assist Steps that come factory-installed on GM's fullsize pickups. Retailing for $600, the complete kit included all necessary hardware for installation. We also found that they are also available in durable black powdercoated finish, which we felt better complemented our truck's exterior finish.

Also, our Sierra Denali wasn't equipped with factory-installed bedrail protectors, and that's something we wanted to add to finish the bed. We found the factory-installed Bed Rail Protectors that match the standard tailgate protector at GM Accessory Zone for $109. A quick call to our local dealership and we had both sets available for pickup the next day. Both kits included detailed instructions and installed very easily. The entire project was complete within an hour after starting and we were rewarded with the factory-installed appearance that we were after.

The kits from GM Accessory Zone include durable components that are compatible with existing factory pieces and install with minimal effort. For an investment of $710 dollars and an hour of install time, the interior of our particular Sierra Denali is much more accessible and the bed gained a finished look. And when it comes to installing parts at home, it couldn't get much easier!

General Motors offers factory-installed oval tubular assist steps as an extra-cost option for its fullsize pickups. Various assist step kits with chrome-plated or black powder-coat finishes are available from GM Accessory Zone. Kit No. 20919890 (shown here) specifically fits Crew Cab trucks and retails for $600. It includes detailed instructions and all necessary hardware for an easy installation.
General Motors offers factory-installed oval tubular assist steps as an extra-cost option
Installation of GM's oval tubular assist steps requires no drilling. All of the necessary holes are predrilled in the underbody. The Crew Cab assist step kit contains 16 M8 x 30 bolts and 12 U-nuts, which simply thread into or clip onto the existing holes. A ratchet with a short extension and 13 mm socket are the only required tools. Having a torque wrench available is suggested.
Installation of GM's oval tubular assist steps requires no drilling. All of the necessary
The supplied instructions explain how to determine the left-side Assist Step from the right. Once orientated, we crawled under the truck and located the eight holes that are used to mount the Assist Step on each side. We found that several have threaded nuts welded to the back side, which simplifies installation.
The supplied instructions explain how to determine the left-side Assist Step from the righ

A few access holes were covered by soft plastic body plugs. We removed them by hand and discarded them. In a couple of instances where the plugs were stubborn, we used a small flat-blade screwdriver to start the removal process. Once a rubber body plug was removed from the access holes, we inserted a U-nut through and clipped it into the corresponding bolthole.
A few access holes were covered by soft plastic body plugs. We removed them by hand and di
A U-nut was installed onto the pinch flange of the inner rocker panel in some instances. This was performed until each of the eight bolts securing the Assist Step had a corresponding nut to thread into.
A U-nut was installed onto the pinch flange of the inner rocker panel in some instances. T
With the assistance of a helper, the assist step was raised to the point that the bolts securing the top brackets were aligned enough they could be threaded into the nuts by hand. They were left somewhat loose while the bottom bracket bolts were installed in a similar manner. To ensure proper alignment during installation, the bottom bracket bolts were tightened first using a 13mm socket. The top bracket bolts followed. The final step was tightening each bolt to the suggested torque setting of 18 ft-lb using a torque wrench. The exact procedure was replicated on the opposite side and the Assist Steps were completely installed within 30 minutes.
With the assistance of a helper, the assist step was raised to the point that the bolts se

The GM oval tubular assist steps look great, fit well, and are quite sturdy. It's this combination that most vehicle owners look for when searching for aftermarket equipment. At $600, a the kit is an excellent option for any owner looking to improve the accessibility of his fullsize pickup.
The GM oval tubular assist steps look great, fit well, and are quite sturdy. It's this com
We planned to coat our Sierra Denali's bed with a composite liner. Instead of spraying the composite material over the bedrails, we felt plastic covers were a more attractive option. Past experience with low-end aftermarket offerings has proven that the bed rail protector kits from GM generally fit best and install easiest. While shopping for Assist Steps at GM Accessories Zone, we found that our Sierra Denali's factory-installed bed rail protectors (No. 17802473) are available for $109.
We planned to coat our Sierra Denali's bed with a composite liner. Instead of spraying the
The first step of installing the GM bed rail protector kit was testing each side to ensure a proper fit. We then simply wiped the bed rail area that the protectors would cover using a 50/50 mixture of water and rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth. This removed any surface contaminants that could affect the tape's ability to adhere to the body surface. Addressing one side at a time, we simply pulled back the protective layer covering the double-sided tape strips from the Bed Rail Protector.
The first step of installing the GM bed rail protector kit was testing each side to ensure

Working from rear to front and pulling outward throughout the entire process, we aligned the rear portion of the bedrail protector with the inboard box rail and let the tape gently contact the body surface. We slowly worked toward the front until it was in place. We then firmly pressed on the Protector to ensure the tape had a firm grip on the body.
Working from rear to front and pulling outward throughout the entire process, we aligned t
After performing the same procedure on the opposite side and both bed rail protectors were securely in place, we slipped the supplied stake pocket covers into place, which completed the task.
After performing the same procedure on the opposite side and both bed rail protectors were
GM's bed rail protector kit was easily installed and fit exceptionally well. The process took less than 30 minutes to complete. When combined with a spray-on bedliner, it gave our Sierra Denali a finished appearance that protects well and is quite functional.
GM's bed rail protector kit was easily installed and fit exceptionally well. The process t