AMP Research Hardware Installation Kit
Our Hardware Installation Kit contains every mounting bolt, bracket, washer, and fastener required for a complete PowerStep installation. Each kit is engineered to OEM specifications, ensuring secure attachment to your vehicle's frame and rocker panel mounting points.
We designed this kit for installers who need complete confidence in every connection point. Every component is zinc-plated or stainless steel to resist corrosion in salt, mud, and extreme weather. The kit includes vehicle-specific brackets when required, plus detailed torque specifications for proper installation. Whether you're replacing lost hardware or upgrading an older installation, this kit restores factory-tight fitment.
What's Included in Every Kit
Materials & Corrosion Protection
Every fastener in the AMP Research hardware kit undergoes zinc electroplating to create a protective barrier against rust and corrosion. We use Grade 8 bolts for all primary frame-to-bracket connections, providing tensile strength exceeding 150,000 PSI. Stainless steel components appear in areas exposed to direct road spray and wheel well debris.
Our mounting brackets are laser-cut from 3mm cold-rolled steel, then powder-coated for additional protection. This dual-layer approach ensures the hardware maintains structural integrity through years of exposure to road salt, calcium chloride, and standing water. Lab testing confirms zero surface rust after 1,000 hours in salt fog chamber conditions.
Installation & Torque Specifications
Each kit ships with a printed torque chart specifying foot-pound requirements for every bolt size. Frame-mount bolts typically require 35-40 ft-lbs, while motor housing fasteners call for 18-22 ft-lbs. We include thread-locking compound recommendations for high-vibration connection points.
Installation typically takes 60-90 minutes with basic hand tools. You’ll need a torque wrench, 10mm through 18mm sockets, and T40 Torx driver for most applications. The included instruction sheet diagrams bracket orientation and identifies which fasteners secure to factory frame holes versus self-tapping locations.
What's Included & Replacement Scenarios
A complete AMP Research hardware kit contains 12-24 pieces depending on vehicle application. Standard contents include frame-mount bolts (4-6 pieces), motor housing screws (6-8 pieces), bracket assemblies (2-4 pieces), flat washers (8-12 pieces), lock washers (4-6 pieces), and any required spacers or shims.
Most customers order this kit as a replacement after losing hardware during vehicle service, when upgrading from an older PowerStep generation, or when transferring steps to a new truck. The kit also serves installers who need spare fasteners on hand for fleet applications. Each component matches or exceeds the original hardware supplied with new PowerStep units.
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Hardware Kit Questions Answered
Yes, our hardware kit is compatible with PowerStep, PowerStep XL, and PowerStep Xtreme running boards. However, you must order the vehicle-specific kit for your truck make, model, and year because frame mounting points and bolt lengths vary between manufacturers.
Ford, GM, Ram, Toyota, and Nissan platforms each require different hardware configurations. If you're unsure which kit matches your vehicle, contact our team with your truck's year, make, model, and cab type for confirmation.
All primary frame-mount bolts are Grade 8, providing 150,000 PSI minimum tensile strength. Secondary fasteners for motor housing and pivot points are Grade 5, which is appropriate for those lower-stress applications.
Every steel component receives zinc electroplating for corrosion resistance. High-exposure fasteners like wheel well brackets use stainless steel construction instead of plated carbon steel.
The standard hardware kit works with lifts up to 3 inches on most applications. Lifts exceeding 3 inches may require extended-length bolts or additional drop brackets not included in this kit.
For trucks with 4-inch or taller lifts, we recommend the PowerStep Xtreme model, which includes lift-specific mounting hardware in the complete assembly. Contact us with your exact lift height and kit brand for compatibility confirmation.
Every AMP Research hardware kit includes a printed torque specification chart listing foot-pound requirements for each bolt size and location. Frame-mount bolts typically require 35-40 ft-lbs, motor housing screws need 18-22 ft-lbs, and bracket pivot bolts call for 25-30 ft-lbs.
Always use a calibrated torque wrench rather than estimating tightness by feel. Overtightening can strip threads in aluminum crossmembers, while undertightening allows movement and rattling.
Yes, this kit contains all mounting bolts, brackets, washers, and fasteners originally supplied with new PowerStep units. It's designed specifically for replacement scenarios when hardware is lost during vehicle service, damaged during removal, or corroded beyond reuse.
Each component matches or exceeds OEM specifications. Many customers order this kit when transferring PowerSteps to a new vehicle or performing a reinstallation after suspension work.
Mounting brackets are vehicle-specific and engineered to match your truck's frame geometry and hole spacing. A Ram 1500 kit includes different bracket profiles than an F-150 kit because frame rail dimensions and mounting point locations differ between manufacturers.
Some applications include adapter plates or spacer shims to compensate for factory frame variations. Always verify your vehicle year, make, model, and cab configuration before ordering to ensure you receive the correct bracket set.
Our hardware undergoes zinc electroplating to ASTM B633 standards, creating a protective coating that resists corrosion in road salt, calcium chloride, and standing water. Lab testing shows zero surface rust after 1,000 hours of continuous salt fog exposure.
In real-world winter conditions with regular vehicle washing, customers report the hardware maintains its finish for 5+ years. The zinc coating will show minor discoloration over time but continues to protect the underlying steel from structural rust.