I was considering this particular set of steps/bars because they look good on the truck and they will give enough protection to the rocker panels from bouncing rocks and scraping on dirt and small rocks on the trail. I like that they tuck up high and snug to the truck. Most steps hang low and screw up ground clearance. After reading all the reviews on these Body Armor side steps (especially the installation comments) I bought and installed them. It took a bit over an hour for the two of them. Like the previous reviews I suggest ignoring the instructions and put the brackets on the bars first then install them on the truck. There simply isn't the room to tighten/adjust once mounted to the truck.
What I did was this, (Step 1) I mounted the brackets to the bar in the center of the adjustment slots. Using blue locktite I fully tightened the bolts to the bars. (step 2) I supported the bars with buckets and blocks of wood until they were within an inch of the mounting holes. (Step 3) Starting with the front (only one bolt on 2012 and newer trucks) I mounted the bar onto the truck with the bolt very snug but not tight again using blue Locktite. Moving to the second on I checked to alignment of the slots with the mounting holes. It'll either be right on or just off slightly if you were carefull in Step 1. If they are off a bit, take a rubber mallet or a hammer and a block of wood and hit the bracket into alignment. Insert and snug up the bolts and repeat for the last bracket. (Step 4) Tighten all the bolts and repeat on the otherside. Enjoy!
While the steps are strong as a slider, they are not true rock sliders because they don't attach to the frame and shouldn't be use as such. I'm very happy with the results and would recommend them.
Edit: I've since had these steps modified and welded to the frame of the truck to become true rock sliders. They work well for the those "oh crap" moments
