05+ Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Running Boards
Installed on an Access Cab

Vehicle Information: 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Access Cab
These are basic instructions on how to install Double Cab Toyota OEM Running Boards on an Access Cab on 05+ model years.
Use this information AT YOUR OWN RISK! Because I am not familiar with ALL the styles of running boards and not familiar with all the year trucks - I can only comment about how I installed these on my 2007.

The Skinny: To make a long story short, I don't like the round tube steps or nerf bars, & rock sliders are expensive. In a nutshell, I wanted a *wheel-to-wheel* step. I really wanted a step back by the bed so I could reach into the bed and wash the cab windows (I'm short) and having protection against door dings is a bonus. I really liked the Toyota OEM running boards for how they looked and how they tucked up against the body. So - I started researching on how (or if) I could put a set of Double Cab running boards on my Access cab. Research was slow and there wasn't much information out there. I didn't find anyone who actually tried this. I almost bailed on the idea because I didn't want to spend $300+ on a set of Toyota running boards only to discover I couldn't make them work and I was stuck trying to re-sell a set of running boards. My luck changed when I found a used set of running boards and I jumped on chance and got the install done almost immediately and are happy with the results.

Tidbits: Whether you buy new or used running boards - make note - you will be taking the entire black plastic piece off the top, removing one mounting bracket, reusing all hardware, and drilling holes into the running board framework. It's a pretty easy modification - it might seem intimidating.

Special Notes: Because I have installed Double Cab running boards on my Access cab, this changes the overall effectiveness of the support structure especially after the last mounting bracket. Please be advised, stepping on the running board after the last mounting bracket can result in damage to the running boards. Use at your own risk!!!

Tools Needed: 10mm nut driver or socket/ratchet, needle nose pliers (makes it easier), 11mm socket/ratchet, Safety glasses, Drill & 1/4" drill bit.

 

Need some extra room:
You'll need a good amount of space and a clean work area. You need to save & reuse all hardware & clips. I worked on one side at a time and I didn't mix the hardware/clips from side to side.

Step 1:
Flip the running boards over so you can see the underside/framework.

Step 2:
There are two clips at each end that hold the plastic & metal together at the corners. Remove this clip by pushing it back through the hole (see yellow arrow). SAVE THESE CLIPS.

 

 

Step 3:
Remove these small nuts from the plastic pegs using 10mm nut driver or socket. There are 7 of them. Please be careful when removing these. They come off very easily and you don't want to break or rip the plastic peg. SAVE THESE NUTS.

 

 

 

Step 4:
Remove these small round plastic clips. There are 5 of them. I used a set of needle nose pliers to get underneath each side lip and pulled upward. SAVE THESE CLIPS.

Step 5:
Carefully remove the plastic covering from the metal framework. It should pop out and away fairly easily.

 

 

 

Step 6:
There are three mounting brackets on the framework. The front mounting leg has two solid holes that attach to the cab and look different from the others. The center & last mounting brackets both have the top slotted mounting hole and they both look the same. You want to remove the last mounting bracket (with slotted hole - as seen in picture) using 11mm socket. SAVE THESE NUTS

 

 

 


 

 

 

Step 7:
Flip the framework over. As seen in the picture, the two bolts for the mounting bracket. Gently tap these out of the holes. SAVE THESE BOLTS

 

Step 8:
There are 6 mounting holes on your truck that are located on the inside of the rocker (so to speak). They are threaded holes and probably have plastic plugs in them. Remove these plastic plugs (they have slots on the top). These will not be reused.

Install the mounting bracket in the last set of mounting holes (as seen in the picture). Do not tighten them - only snug.

NOTE: I bought used running boards and I did not have hardware. I used 8mmx1.25 bolt with lock & flat washers. The length of the bolt is approximately 1.5" or about 38mm. If you have NEW running boards, then refer to the supplied instruction manual and hardware.

 

Step 9:
Now, install the remaining framework onto the truck. The front two mounting brackets should line up and mount easily. The mounting brackets are slotted and can be 'bumped' from side to side to ensure proper alignment with the holes in the cab.

 

Step 10:
You'll notice, the last mounting bracket has some side-to-side play in it. Find the 'central' point. Take a magic marker and mark the holes through the bracket onto the frame work.

 

 

 

Step 11:
Remove the framework and the mounting bracket from the truck.

Step 12:
Take the framework to a workbench and get ready to drill some holes - but before drilling any holes - make note of the exact placement of the other bracket mounting holes in relation to the channel. Mark the exact spot, punch, and drill accordingly. Final hole size (drill bit) that I used was 1/4".

Note: Remember the mounting bracket has some movement to it so you should be able to get proper alignment. If not, these holes can be slotted slightly if necessary.

 

 

 

Step 13:
Install the mounting bracket onto the framework using the original mounting bolts. Make them snug for now.

Step 14:
Install the running boards back onto the truck (as before) - but this time, making sure the last mounting bracket lines up. I tightened the bracket onto the framework.

Step 15:
Remove the entire framework off the truck (yes, again).

 

Step 16:
Now is the time to install the plastic covering back on the framework. Gently guide the plastic plugs into their holes and put the original nuts back on. Remember, do this gently. They will not 'tighten'.
**There is one peg that can't be reached because it is underneath the mounting bracket. I left it there without a nut. You have to remove the mounting bracket to get this nut on. It it totally your choice to remove the bracket to install this nut.

Step 17:
Install the 5 plastic clips & the two corner clips.

Step 18:
Install the running boards back onto the truck - FINALLY!! Before tightening them completely - make note of the side-to-side alignment AND the front-to-back alignment. The bolts on the body & on the plastic covering are slotted and you can move them slightly to get a perfect placement. When you're satisfied - tighten everything down and take some pictures!!

As seen in the picture, the OVERHANG after the last mounting bracket.

Some Final Notes:

BE CAREFUL when stepping on the over-hang by the bed. These are weak and may not support everyone. I weigh 145lbs and I was able to step on it 'gently'. I may want/need to add additional support to this area to prevent it from bending, twisting or breaking from stepping on them.

Some final pictures: