Hardware for 2022-2026 GM running boards?

Atlas · March 9

Found a set of new take-off GM accessory boards/steps for my crew cab ( 85534568 rocker protectors plus 85554009 (4) removable assist steps). List price from GM is $2845 and I got it all for $100. Everything but the hardware to attach them.

The common consensus seems to be the factory thread insert in the rockers requires an M8x1.25x25mm hex bolt with washer for any/all GM boards/steps of this era. I need 8 per side for my crew cab. Double cabs may need fewer.

GM sells the bolt as singles, part 11519388 MSRP $10.71 each.

They also sell them as packs of 8 with nutsert -not needed for our trucks--, part 22876958, MSRP $65.

The GM hardware is zinc/galvanized. Grade 8.8.

I can find grade 9.8 black phosphate -finish automotive body bolts, hex head with washer in M8x1.25x30mm (5 mm longer) commonly, for cheap. I'm not sure about black phosphate holding up very well over time in an undercarriage, direct spray from the wheels, environment. I can also piece together stainless hex bolts with fender washers from the hardware store, but these aren't technically body bolts, they're just machine bolts.

The closest hardware I can find to the factory bolt, without paying a fortune, at an almost reasonable price is Auveco 22908, which is a M8x1.25x30mm 8.8 hex bolt with washer, zinc coated, dog point. It's actually for a Chrysler application as Auveco doesn't appear to sell the 25mm version in bulk, at least not in retail applications, which would be an exact match for the GM hardware. Probably so GM can try to get $10/bolt.

So,

Black phosphate

Zinc,

or

Stainless?

and does the actual style of bolt really matter, and does anyone actually care for any reason if the bolt is 5mm longer (all reading I've done says they will fit just fine).

Edited March 9 by Atlas

OS RR · March 9

I'd say just go with the black phosphate and dab some grease, or fluid film, or anti seize... something... on them before you run them in.

BuysLumber · March 9

Check boltdepot.com.

BuysLumber · March 9

Boltdepot.com

Atlas · March 16

I ended up going with the Auveco 22908 bolts. They come 5 bolts to a box so ordered 4 boxes from Autozone, delivered to my door. It's a near-perfect factory match as far as I can tell at less than half the price.

When removing the factory plugs from the rockers, I noticed the factory didn't install plugs on the vertical surface on the right side. Nice job, GM. So I used the extras I removed to plug up the holes that the rocker guards won't be using.