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Home >> GMC >> 2003 >> Safari Van Cargo, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers >> Frame & Underbody >> Repair Instructions >> Assist Step Replacement >> Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the assist step retainer to the rocker panel.

    The right side is a one piece retainer, the left side is a two piece retainer.

    1. 1.1. Clean the rocker panel with isopropyl cleaner or equivalent to remove all of the old double backing tape.
    2. 1.2. Remove the strip from the double back tape if replacing retainer.
    3. 1.3. Align the assist step retainer to the holes in the rocker panel and press in place.
      NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
  2. Install the screws to the assist step retainer.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the screws to the assist step retainer to 2 N.m (18lb in).

    Fig 1: Installing Assist Step Retainer Screw
    G03385976Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Install the nuts and bolts to the rear anchor that attaches to the inner pinchweld flange and to the inner rocker panel.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the nuts and bolts to the rear anchor that attaches to the inner pinchweld flange and to the inner rocker panel to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

    Fig 2: Installing Rear Anchor Bolt
    G03385977Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Install the rear assist step support bracket.
  5. Install the nuts and bolts to the rear assist step support bracket.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the nuts and bolts to rear assist step support bracket to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

    Fig 3: Installing Rear Assist Step Support Bracket Nuts And Bolts
    G03385978Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Lay out the assist step support brackets in the order in which they were removed (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
    Fig 4: Identifying Assist Step Support Brackets Removing Order
    G03385979Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Install the assist step support brackets and bolts (2) to the underbody.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the assist step support bracket and bolts (2) to the underbody to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

  8. Install the bolt from the inside of the pinchweld flange.
  9. Install the assist step support brace bolt (1) to the pinchweld flange.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the assist step support brace bolt (1) to the pinchweld flange to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

    Fig 5: Installing Assist Step Support Brackets Bolts
    G03385980Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the nuts that attach the assist step plate to the support bracket.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the nuts that attach the assist step plate to the support bracket to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

    Fig 6: Installing Nuts Connecting Assist Step Plate To Support Bracket
    G03385981Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. When installing the assist step, check the height and the alignment to rocker panel, cladding and to the body.
  12. Install the rear section of the assist step extension.

    Align the rear edge of assist step extension with the rear edge of the retainer and pushing downward until fully seated.

    Fig 7: Installing Assist Step
    G03385982Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Install the screws to the rear outer edge of the assist step extension. If the vehicle is equipped with running boards, the cladding will be shorter on the left side only.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the screws to the rear outer edge of the assist step extension to 2 N.m (18 lb in).

    Fig 8: Installing Screws To Rear Outer Edge Of Assist Step Extension
    G03385983Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Install the screws to the right rear inner and outer wheel well. Open the sliding door to expose the inner screw.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the screws to the right rear inner and outer wheel well to 2 N.m (18 lb in).

    Fig 9: Installing Screws To Right Rear Inner And Outer Wheel Well
    G03385984Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: Use the following steps when installing the assist step extensions to the retainer:
    • Check to ensure that the front assist step extension fits over the center of the rear extension.
    • Check for a suitable fit to the step well and the door opening.
    • Check the height and the alignment to the rocker panel and to the door opening.
    • Check the alignment to the cladding and to the body.
    • Check the alignment gaps between the wheel well molding and body.
    • Check the lower edge of the assist step extensions to ensure an even gap along the lower edge of the body.
      Fig 10: Installing Assist Step Extensions To Retainer
      G03385985Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Install the assist step extensions to the retainer.
  16. Install the nut to the front lower corner of the assist step extension.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the nut to the front lower corner of the assist step extension to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

  17. Lower the vehicle to a suitable height.
  18. Install the screws to the front assist step extension. Open the door to expose the inner screw.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the front assist step extension screws to 2 N.m (181b in).

  19. Install the push clips to the front edge of the assist step extension.
    Fig 11: Installing Push Clips To Front Edge Of Assist Step Extension
    G03385986Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  20. Install the screws to the front edge of the assist step extension.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the screws to the front edge of the assist step extension to 7 N.m (62 lb in).

    Fig 12: Installing Screws To Front Edge Of Assist Step Extension
    G03385987Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Install the assist step pad.
  22. Align the assist step pad to the assist step plate and press downward firmly until fully seated. The nuts are to be hand torqued.
  23. Install the assist step pad nuts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the assist step pad nuts to 2 N.m (18lb in).

  24. Lower the vehicle.
    Fig 13: Installing Assist Step Pad
    G03385988Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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