1500 vs 2500 OEM steps

[Rozz522]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me why some of the OEM steps available for the 2500 share a part number with the 1500 part and utilize four brackets, while others have different part numbers and utilize a different number of brackets. For example the "Sport Step Assist Steps" are the same P/N for both 1500/2500 and four brackets which I believe are welded. On the other hand the the "6-Inch Rectangular Assist Steps " have different P/Ns for the 1500 vs the 2500 with the 1500 having four welded brackets and 2500 having three. Further more, the installation instructions for the second example show the following picture.

The only reason I ask this is that I've been looking for a pair of take-off sport steps locally and passed on some this week that came off an AT4 1500 because I saw the 4 brackets and knew that there was a difference on these other steps. I'm having trouble following GMs logic on this one so is there any reason why something shouldn't me bolted to this "Location 3" in the drawing above? You would think that if they could standardize this, they would.  Can those of you with the sport steps confirm that you in fact have 4 mounting points?

[newdude]

First off, of the mount brackets are not welded to the boards, they are all bolted on. 

 

The difference between the 1500 and HD boards is how low they hang from the body.  HD boards hang about 2 inches lower due to the added height of the trucks.   

 

As to why the # of brackets is different, no idea.  They all bolt up in the end no matter what.   

 

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by newdude

[Rozz522]

Thanks newdude. I was basing the assumption that they were welded on the installation instructions for the  6 inch rectangular model. The instructions say the HD comes with 12 M8 bolts while the 1500 comes with 16 or 2 bolts per bracket. After looking at an exploded view for replacement end caps and treads and such, I can see you are correct and they show the brackets bolted. That makes it easy enough to remove the 4th bracket if need be but I'm still curious why GM doesn't utilize that location on the 2500. Thanks for your help.

[redwngr]

Prior to the T1's the issue was the def tank for diesels which was under the passenger.