I just got a new 2004 Sierra Crew Cab and although the SLT model came with just about everything, it didn't come with side steps -- and now I want to add them.


I called two GMC dealers and got two completely different prices and stories about installation of the same GM "Chrome" SS tubular side steps.


Dealer "A" said he had them in stock for my crew cab truck and they were $530. This sounded right to me. Then I talked to this same dealer's service dept. and that guy said it's a tough installation job, takes 2-3 hours, will cost me $210 AND he only has one technician who can do it.


Dealer "B" didn't have them in stock and said they're $700!!! But he said installation is really simple as there are only three bolts involved. When I told him about the other dealer's price he agreed to match it -- FAT CHANCE!


Have any of you installed your own GM side steps, and if so what's involved?

You could go with an aftermarket bar like westin for about $400 and install them yourself in about 20 minutes. Just a thought.

I second Westin Platinum Series


Tom http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Pig.gif

The Westins are a breeze at about 20 minutes a side (w/o any extra curricular beverages) I have done one set on my old truck and will install the new W2W's when they arrive.

What's Westin's website address so I can see them and hopefully find a local dealer?


Thanks

you could also try summit racing

What's Westin's website address so I can see them and hopefully find a local dealer?


Thanks





http://www.westinautomotive.com





Best prices I have found on the net (so far) are here:


http://www.truckxpressions.com/accessorygateways/nerfbars.htm


and here:


http://www.gogrilleguards.com/GoNerfBars.aspEdited by: 2Blue

Thanks for the opinions, advice, and links. My Westin Chrome Platinum steps should arrive tomorrow.


Their installation instructions do indeed look quick and simple. I'll bet the GM steps are just as simple to install, but the dealers don't want us to know that -- so they can charge an additional $210 for labor.

Installed my GM bars with ease. Took about 45 min. I suspect all are easy bolt-on installs.

Get GM bars...they are chrome over stainless! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Have full-length step pads! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif On E-Bay, I paid $222 shipped for new take-offs! Install in an hour start to finish. Crews have center support.

Ditto on the gm bars from e-bay. Looked for two weeks got extcab chrome bars for 175.00 to my door. Just wish they were about 2" farther away from the truck. really like the way it hides that frame drop, makes the truck look much better.

Installed GM step tubes on mine without a problem. It does help to have someone holding the tube up while you get the bolts lined up and screw it in. Be sure to have some thread-lock on hands as instruction said so. Edited by: wxmn6

Thanks for the tips, but since the first responses strongly recommended the Westin Platinum bars, and they appear to be at least the same quality or higher (they have a lifetime warranty), and since they're cheaper -- I went with a pair of Westin Platinum chrome steps.


I installed them this morning. Westin doesn't say anything about using thread-lock, but it seemed like a good idea, so I used some -- blue.


I only ran into three minor problems:


1) Their instructions have the rear mount reversed on one side.


2) They don't mark the tubes left and right, but they're not the same. The center hole didn't line up the first time, but when I switched tubes, it did.


3) The self-taping screws intended for the center holes wouldn't self-tap. So I had to go buy a tap and thread them myself.


They're beautiful and work great.

Yep, I used the blue thread-lock too.


Glad to hear your install went good.