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Includes one pair of side bars and mounting hardware
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
Finish: SEMI-GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
Material: Blank
Color: Black
Side Component Type: Board and Bracket
ARIES 3" side bars are more than a fancy decal for your truck, Jeep or SUV. They are a confident first step on each new adventure. These 3" nerf bars are constructed from strong carbon steel for superior rigidity, and they feature a sleek semi-gloss black powder coat finish. For an added edge, each nerf bar also goes through an E-coat process, before receiving its black powder coat, to strengthen and protect the final finish against peeling, chipping and scratching. ARIES 3" round side bars are also a vailable in polished stainless steel or semi-gloss black powder-coated steel. All ARIES 3" nerf bars come with heavy-duty steel brackets and non-skid step pads. The mounting brackets are strong and custom-designed for specific makes and models to allow the side bars to contour to the lines of your vehicle. They offer easy installation and the strength necessary to provide sound footing. These particular custom nerf bars fit specific years of the Chevy C2500, C3500, K2500 or K3500 and GMC C2500, C3500, K2500 or K3500 (see application info to verify fitment). ARIES 3" round side bars also come with non-skid step pads made of tough polypropylene. These step pads feature a textured pattern for enhanced safety, and they cover a wide portion of the tubes for a more comfortable step.
Explore ARIES products at TowUniverse for top-tier grille guards, side bars, nerf bars, headache racks, and more. Upgrade your vehicle with ARIES today!
ARIES is a fast-paced marketer and innovator of truck, Jeep, SUV and CUV accessories. From automotive enthusiasts to professional builders, our products are built for the champions of individualism, innovation and attitude.
We offer the perfect combination of unique style and durable construction, specializing in custom-fit grille guards, bull bars, side bars and running boards, as well as Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator accessories.
ARIES products are made vehicle-specific for a custom fit, and they are available for a wide variety of makes and models sold in North America.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime Warranty (Three-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
10 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 - 1986 | Chevrolet K20 | Standard Cab Pickup · 2-Door | Short bed |
| 1973 - 1974 | Chevrolet K20 Pickup | Standard Cab Pickup · 2-Door | Short bed |
| 1977 - 1986 | Chevrolet K30 | Standard Cab Pickup · 2-Door | Short bed |
| 1973 - 1974 | Chevrolet K30 Pickup | — | Standard cab, short bed |
| 1975 - 1978 | GMC K25 | Standard Cab Pickup · 2-Door | Short bed |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC K25/K2500 Pickup | — | Standard cab, short bed |
| 1979 - 1986 | GMC K2500 | Standard Cab Pickup · 2-Door | Short bed |
| 1977 - 1978 | GMC K35 | Standard Cab Pickup · 2-Door | Short bed |
| 1973 - 1974 | GMC K35/K3500 Pickup | — | Standard cab, short bed |
| 1979 - 1986 | GMC K3500 | Standard Cab Pickup · 2-Door | Short bed |
The ARIES 204040 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Chevrolet, GMC C, K (Part #BBDR204040) fits the following vehicles: 1975-1986 Chevrolet K20; 1973-1974 Chevrolet K20 Pickup; 1977-1986 Chevrolet K30; 1973-1974 Chevrolet K30 Pickup; 1975-1978 GMC K25; 1973-1974 GMC K25/K2500 Pickup; 1979-1986 GMC K2500; 1977-1978 GMC K35; 1973-1974 GMC K35/K3500 Pickup; 1979-1986 GMC K3500. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the ARIES 204040 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Chevrolet, GMC C, K (Part #BBDR204040) is designed to fit the 1975-1986 Chevrolet K20.
The ARIES 204040 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Chevrolet, GMC C, K (Part #BBDR204040) fits 1975-1986 Chevrolet K20 models. The 1986 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The ARIES 204040 3-Inch Round Black Steel Nerf Bars, No-Drill, Fits Select Chevrolet, GMC C, K (Part #BBDR204040) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Part number 204040 is a step bar assembly for 1973–1987 truck models. It provides a side-mounted step for easier entry and exit from the vehicle. The assembly includes driver and passenger side bars, mounting brackets, support brackets, and all required fasteners.
The 204040 step bar is designed for 1973–1987 truck models. However, the manual does not specify exact makes, models, cab styles, or bed lengths. Contact Aries Automotive at 877.287.8634 or check ARIESAUTOMOTIVE.COM for a complete fitment list before purchasing.
Yes. 1973–1980 models use 1/2" × 5" bolts, while 1981–1987 models use 1/2" × 3-1/2" bolts. The correct bolt size is installed during step 1 of the installation process. Verify your vehicle's year before beginning installation.
The kit includes: 2 side bars (driver and passenger), 4 mounting brackets (2 front, 2 rear), 4 support brackets (2 front, 2 rear), 2 hex bolts 1/2" × 3-1/2", 2 hex bolts 1/2" × 5", 2 hex nuts 1/2", 4 hex bolts M10 × 30mm, 8 flat washers M10, 4 lock washers M10, 4 hex nuts M10, 8 hex bolts M12 × 1.75 × 50mm, 14 flat washers M12, 10 lock washers M12, 4 hex nuts M12, and 2 plastic spacer washers M19.
The manual does not specify which tools are required. However, installation involves removing and installing bolts, checking clearances, and drilling four 12mm holes in the frame. You will need a drill with a 12mm bit, wrenches or sockets to fit M10, M12, 1/2", and metric fasteners, and a level to ensure the bar is properly aligned. Contact Aries Automotive at 877.287.8634 for a complete tool list.
Yes, depending on its condition. The manual states: "Depending on its condition, you may be able to reuse your existing bolt." Inspect the bolt for damage, corrosion, or wear before deciding to reuse it. If it is damaged, use the replacement bolts provided in the kit (1/2" × 5" for 1973–1980 models, 1/2" × 3-1/2" for 1981–1987 models).
Yes. Installation requires drilling four 12mm holes total: two holes in the leaf spring hanger back plate (one per side, for the rear bracket), and two holes in the lower inside edge of the front spring hanger (one per side, for the rear support bracket). These are permanent modifications to the vehicle frame.
1. Mount the rear bracket to the side bar. 2. Temporarily support the bar to the leaf spring hanger back plate. 3. Ensure the side bar is level to the vehicle. 4. Mark the hole location on the back plate. 5. Move the rear bracket away from the back plate. 6. Drill one 12mm hole per side. 7. Mount the bracket and side bar using the M12 hex bolt. 8. Repeat on the other side.
1. Remove the rear step bar mounting bolt. 2. Position the rear support bracket so it spans from the step bar mounting hole to the lower edge of the front spring hanger. 3. Install the step bar mounting bolt and hand tighten. 4. Mark the location on the spring hanger for the mounting hole. 5. Drill one 12mm hole per side in the lower inside edge of the front spring hanger. 6. Secure the rear bracket to the spring hanger using the M12 hex head bolt, lock washer, flat washer, and hex nut.
1. Install front cab mount brackets and hand tighten. 2. Install rear body hold down brackets and hand tighten. 3. Bolt the side bar to front and rear brackets; check clearance and adjust with plastic spacer washers if needed. 4. Install front support brackets. 5. Drill and install rear bracket (requires drilling). 6. Drill and install rear support bracket (requires drilling). 7. Check alignment and tighten all bolts. 8. Repeat for the opposite side.
The rear body hold down bolt is positioned on the lower edge of the frame rail directly behind the front spring hanger on the rear suspension. During installation, you will remove the nut from this bolt and insert the rear step bar mounting bracket through the gap between the front spring hanger and the frame.
After bolting the side bar to the front and rear brackets, visually inspect the gap between the step bar and rocker panel. If additional clearance is necessary, install plastic spacer washers (part #6) between the flat washer on the bottom side of the cab bushing and the front step bar mounting brackets. Use as many spacer washers as needed to achieve proper clearance.
Position the front support bracket inside the step bar mounting bracket. The 90° end of the support bracket installs to the frame rail with the closed end facing towards the front of the vehicle. When positioned correctly, the support bracket mounting hole will line up with an existing slotted hole in the vehicle frame.
Torque specifications are: M6 bolt 3 ft.-lbs., M8 bolt 7 ft.-lbs., M10 bolt 16 ft.-lbs., M12 bolt 28 ft.-lbs., 1/4" bolt 3 ft.-lbs., 5/16" bolt 7 ft.-lbs., 3/8" bolt 16 ft.-lbs., 7/16" bolt 20 ft.-lbs., 1/2" bolt 28 ft.-lbs. The 204040 uses M10, M12, and 1/2" bolts, so refer to these specifications during installation.
M10 bolts should be torqued to 16 ft.-lbs. The 204040 uses M10 × 30mm hex head bolts for the front support bracket installation.
M12 bolts should be torqued to 28 ft.-lbs. The 204040 uses M12 × 1.75 × 50mm hex head bolts for the side bar and bracket connections.
1/2" bolts should be torqued to 28 ft.-lbs. The 204040 uses 1/2" × 5" bolts (1973–1980 models) and 1/2" × 3-1/2" bolts (1981–1987 models) for the front cab mount bracket installation.
Wax the product after installing to protect the finish. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer over the finish. For gloss black finishes, use only mild soap to clean the product. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives, as these could damage the finish. Check fasteners periodically and re-tighten as necessary.
1. Check alignment of the step bar. 2. Make any final adjustments. 3. Tighten all bolts to the correct torque specifications. 4. Verify clearance between the step bar and rocker panel. 5. Check fasteners periodically and re-tighten as necessary.
The manual states: "Check fasteners periodically. Re-tighten as necessary." It does not specify an exact interval. For safety, inspect fasteners after the first few weeks of use, then periodically thereafter (such as every few months or during routine vehicle maintenance).
The 204040 is designed for 1973–1987 truck models. For a complete fitment list by make, model, cab style, and bed length, contact Aries Automotive at 877.287.8634 or visit ARIESAUTOMOTIVE.COM.
Yes. 1973–1980 models use 1/2" × 5" front cab mount bolts, while 1981–1987 models use 1/2" × 3-1/2" bolts. Both are included in the kit.
Yes. Four 12mm holes must be drilled: two in the leaf spring hanger back plate and two in the lower inside edge of the front spring hanger. These are permanent modifications.
M10 bolts: 16 ft.-lbs. M12 bolts: 28 ft.-lbs. 1/2" bolts: 28 ft.-lbs. Refer to the torque specifications table in the manual for other bolt sizes.
Yes. Hand tighten the front cab mount brackets (step 1), rear body hold down brackets (step 2), and rear step bar mounting bolt (step 6) before final tightening. This allows for alignment and clearance adjustments.
Wax the product after installation with non-abrasive wax. Regular waxing is recommended. For gloss black finishes, use only mild soap to clean. Do not use polish or wax containing abrasives.
Check step bar alignment, make final adjustments, tighten all bolts to specification, verify clearance between bar and rocker panel, and check fasteners periodically.
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