Side Steps(Nerf Bars)For my 2011 Silverado

[MrHowell]

Hello everyone I am the proud new owner of a 2011 Silverado 1500 ext cab after over 25 years of driving Nissans and cant say enough about this new baby. I have added several things to it to make it my own. But the one thing It didn't have on was side steps and I decided to wait as I really wasn't sure I would need them well after 2 months of bow hunting and climbing into the truck out of corn and soybean fields from every angle I have decided I will get them because I need them!!! Have picked the 5 inch oval style either from Raptor or Steelcraft and have the knowledge to do it but I am a little hesitant because it means removing the body bolts in 3 places on each side of the truck and I have read that the body bolts on the 2011s have been changed in that GM put some kind of thread locking fluid on them and that they can been quite difficult to get off especially the middle bolt between the doors. I was hoping someone here has done this themselves and could give me some advice as to whether I should do it myself or because of the problem with the bolts I should just bite the bullet and have a shop do it. Any advice would be appreciated.

[RyanbabZ71]

They are simple to put on. I did my gm bars in like 30 minutes. The dealer was going to do them but I would have had to drop the truck off and I didnt want to do that. It took longer to unpack and cleanup than it did to put em on. If you have the proper tools (sockets, etc) I would do it yourself and save some $$$

[MrHowell]

Thx for the input but still does not answer my question of the warnings I have read in some of the instructions for installing the steps about the the 2011s being more difficult because of the thread locking compound. Would love to save the money as several online places have the steps on sale but would hate to snap off a body bolt.

[teej750]

Harder getting off than putting on......took mine off 2 weeks ago to get powder coated. They were the OEM factory rails and it's a crew cab but imagine it will b the same for you!

[markw8]

You said in your post that was closed that you didn't want the factory steps because you wanted stainless steel. The oem steps on my 08 CC are stainless. The thread locker will make the bolts hard to remove, but they should come out without breaking.

 

Mark

[RyanbabZ71]

Why would GM sell an accessory then make it impossible to install? You will be fine, there are tons of people with 2011+ trucks that have installed side steps with no issues.