---
title: "How to Install the Owl Explorer Side Steps for a 144\" Sprinter Van"
description: "Step-by-step install guide for Owl Explorer Side Steps on a 144\" wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter: bracket layout, rivet nuts, torque specs, and final inspection."
---
[Skip to content](https://ready.owlvans.com/how-to-install-the-owl-explorer-side-steps-for-a-144-sprinter-van#main-content)
English - United States
Show submenu for translations
[](https://owlvans.com/)
- [Help Home](https://ready.owlvans.com/)
- [Owl Homepage](https://owlvans.com/)
- [Owl Journal](https://owlvans.com/blogs/the-owl-journal)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [Help Home](https://ready.owlvans.com/)
- [Owl Homepage](https://owlvans.com/)
- [Owl Journal](https://owlvans.com/blogs/the-owl-journal)
- English - United States
Show submenu for translations
- [CONTACT US](https://owlvans.com/pages/contact-us)
[CONTACT US](https://owlvans.com/pages/contact-us)
How can we help you?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Owl Knowledge](https://ready.owlvans.com/?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Mercedes Sprinter](https://ready.owlvans.com/mercedes-sprinter?hsLang=en-us)
3. [Install Guides](https://ready.owlvans.com/mercedes-sprinter?hsLang=en-us#install-guides)
# How to Install the Owl Explorer Side Steps for a 144" Sprinter Van
## How to install the Owl Explorer Side Steps on a 144" wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter van.
### [PDF Version](https://ready.owlvans.com/hubfs/Side%20Step%20Installation%20Guides/Owl%20Explorer%20144%20Side%20Steps%20Installation.pdf?hsLang=en-us)
### Notes
For the most up-to-date and current installation
instructions, please visit our website at
www.owlvans.com
• Please read all instructions carefully before installing
Owl products on your vehicle.
• Install the passenger side first, then repeat the applicable steps on the driver side.
• The passenger side uses four bracket assemblies; the driver side uses three.
• Use the photos throughout this guide to confirm bracket orientation and placement.
**CAUTION:** Wear safety glasses when drilling. Treat all drilled metal surfaces with rust-preventive paint before installing rivet nuts or hardware.
---
### Parts List
**Owl Explorer Side Steps, Mercedes Sprinter 144" Wheelbase**
| **Part** | **P/N** | **QTY.** | **✔** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Aluminum backing plate | PC OV-STP-144-09 | 2 | |
| Large A-bracket | PC SSBR-2 | 7 | |
| Z-bracket | PC SSBR-2-03 | 7 | |
| Zinc pinch-weld bracket | Z SSBR-2-06 | 7 | |
| Passenger-side B-bracket | PC SSBR-2-04P | 3 | |
| Driver-side B-bracket | PC SSBR-2-04D | 2 | |
| Driver-side fork B-bracket | PC SSBR-2-05D | 1 | |
| Passenger-side fork B-bracket | PC SSBR-2-05P | 1 | |
| Tread-gripper plate | PC STP-TREADPLATE | 1 | |
| 144 Side Step hardware kit (bags below) | | 1 | |
**Hardware Kit**
| **Part** | **Bag** | **QTY.** | **✔** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1/4-20 x 1" button-head hex bolt | SPR-GEN2-ABRKT-HK (A-bracket) | 7 | |
| 1/4" flat washer | SPR-GEN2-ABRKT-HK (A-bracket) | 7 | |
| 1/4-20 Nylock nut | SPR-GEN2-ABRKT-HK (A-bracket) | 7 | |
| 1/4-20 rivet nut | SPR-GEN2-ABRKT-HK (A-bracket) | 7 | |
| 3/8-16 x 1" button-head hex bolt | SPR-GEN2-BBRKT-HW (B-bracket) | 2 | |
| 3/8-16 Nylock nut | SPR-GEN2-BBRKT-HW (B-bracket) | 7 | |
| 3/8" flat washer | SPR-GEN2-BBRKT-HW (B-bracket) | 7 | |
| 5/16-18 x 1" button socket-head bolt | SPR-FOOTPAD-HK (footpad) | 2 | |
| 5/16" flat washer | SPR-FOOTPAD-HK (footpad) | 4 | |
| 5/16-18 Nylock nut | SPR-FOOTPAD-HK (footpad) | 2 | |
| 10-32 x 3/8" flat socket-cap screw | SPR-FOOTPAD-HK (footpad) | 10 | |
| 3/8-16 x 1" button socket-cap bolt | SPR-SSBRKT-HK (side step bracket) | 4 | |
| 3/8" flat washer | SPR-SSBRKT-HK (side step bracket) | 8 | |
| 3/8-16 Nylock nut | SPR-SSBRKT-HK (side step bracket) | 4 | |
| 1/4-20 x 1" button-head hex bolt (extra) | Extra side step hardware | 4 | |
| 1/4-20 flat washer (extra) | Extra side step hardware | 4 | |
| 1/4-20 rivet nut (extra) | Extra side step hardware | 4 | |
### Tools Needed
1\. Drill with 1/4" and 13/32" drill bits
2\. Tape measure, center punch and hammer
3\. Rust-preventive paint (such as Rust-Oleum)
4\. Pneumatic or manual rivet-nut installation tool
5\. Basic hand tools:
• Impact wrench or driver
• 1/4" and 3/8" drive ratchets
• Sockets: 7/16", 9/16"
• Allen/hex bits: 5/32", 7/32", #8
6\. Torque wrench
### Torque Specifications
| **Fastener Size** | **Final Torque** |
| --- | --- |
| 1/4-20 hardware | 75 in-lb (6.25 ft-lb) |
| 5/16-18 hardware | 132 in-lb (11 ft-lb) |
| 3/8-16 hardware | 236 in-lb (19.67 ft-lb) |
**NOTICE:** Do not apply final torque until the side step has been positioned, leveled, and all brackets are correctly aligned.
---
## Installation
### Passenger-Side Installation
### Prepare the Vehicle
1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Apply the parking brake and confirm there is adequate clearance below the passenger side.
2. Remove all components from the packaging.
3. Separate the brackets and hardware by type, then verify that all kit components are present before starting installation.
4. Remove any existing side steps, running boards, brackets, or related mounting hardware from the passenger side of the vehicle.
**NOTICE:** Clean the pinch weld and surrounding mounting surfaces before installing the brackets. Remove dirt, loose undercoating, or debris that could prevent the brackets from seating flat.
### Locate the Front Bracket
1. Locate the seam at the bottom-front area of the passenger-side door opening.
2. Measure 15 inches rearward along the pinch weld from this seam.
1. Mark the pinch weld at the 15-inch location. This mark establishes the centerline for the front Z-bracket and A-bracket assembly.
2. Position one Z-bracket at the marked location, centered over the measurement mark.
3. Use the Z-bracket as a template to mark the pinch-weld mounting holes. Avoid body tabs and plugs.
1. Remove the Z-bracket and center-punch each marked hole location.
### Drill and Protect the Front Mount
1. Drill the marked Z-bracket mounting holes using a 1/4" drill bit.
2. Apply rust-preventive paint to both sides of every drilled hole.
3. Allow the paint to dry before installing the bracket hardware.
**CAUTION:** Avoid drilling into wiring, brake lines, fuel lines, or other components located behind the mounting area. Inspect the area before drilling.
### Install the Front Z-Bracket and A-Bracket
1. Position the zinc pinch-weld bracket and Z-bracket on opposite sides of the pinch weld, sandwiching the pinch weld between them.
2. Install the supplied 1/4-20 x 1" button-head bolt, washers, and 1/4-20 Nylock nut from hardware bag SPR-GEN2-ABRKT-HK.
3. Tighten the Z-bracket hardware enough to secure the bracket against the pinch weld.
1. Install the corresponding A-bracket onto the Z-bracket using the supplied 1/4-20 hardware.
2. Leave the A-bracket-to-Z-bracket hardware finger-tight at this time. The A-bracket must remain adjustable for final alignment.
### Install the Remaining Bracket Sets
1. Measure approximately 23 to 25 inches rearward from the center of the front bracket assembly.
2. Install the second Z-bracket and A-bracket assembly using the same process used for the front bracket.
3. Secure the Z-bracket hardware to the pinch weld, but leave the A-bracket hardware loose enough for adjustment.
4. Locate the rear end of the pinch weld.
5. Measure approximately 18 inches forward from the end of the pinch weld and mark the center location for the fourth bracket assembly.
1. Install the fourth Z-bracket and A-bracket assembly at this location.
2. Secure the Z-bracket hardware to the pinch weld, but leave the A-bracket hardware loose enough for adjustment.
3. Position the third bracket assembly between the second and fourth bracket assemblies.
4. Space the third bracket evenly between the adjacent brackets while confirming that the bracket will support the side step correctly.
5. Install the third Z-bracket and A-bracket assembly using the same procedure.
6. Confirm that all four passenger-side A-brackets are installed and that each A-bracket remains adjustable.
### Align the A-Brackets
1. Move each A-bracket to the top of its adjustment range.
2. Adjust the brackets until their mounting surfaces are level with one another.
3. Bracket heights may vary slightly due to vehicle construction; prioritize a level and straight mounting surface across all A-brackets.
4. Snug the A-bracket hardware using a 7/16" socket and a 5/32" Allen bit.
5. Do not apply final torque at this stage. The A-brackets must be removed after the rivet-nut holes are drilled.
### Drill the A-Bracket Rivet-Nut Holes
1. With the A-brackets held in their aligned positions, use each A-bracket as a drilling template.
2. Drill two of the three rear mounting holes in each A-bracket using a 1/4" drill bit. Do not drill into body plugs.
1. After all A-bracket pilot holes have been drilled, remove the A-brackets from the vehicle.
2. Leave all Z-brackets installed on the pinch weld.
3. Enlarge each 1/4" pilot hole using a 13/32" drill bit.
4. Apply rust-preventive paint to all freshly drilled metal surfaces.
5. Allow the paint to dry completely before installing rivet nuts.
**NOTICE:** Do not enlarge holes until the A-bracket locations have been verified. Rivet-nut placement determines the final A-bracket position.
### Install the Rivet Nuts
1. Install a 1/4-20 rivet nut into each enlarged A-bracket mounting hole.
2. Use a pneumatic rivet-nut tool or an approved hand rivet-nut tool.
3. Verify that every rivet nut is fully collapsed, firmly seated, and does not spin in the vehicle body.
### Reinstall the A-Brackets
1. Reinstall each A-bracket onto its corresponding Z-bracket and pinch-weld assembly.
2. Install the A-bracket mounting bolts into the newly installed rivet nuts.
3. Tighten the pinch-weld, Z-bracket, and rivet-nut hardware.
4. Torque all 1/4-20 A-bracket hardware to **75 in-lb (6.25 ft-lb)**.
### Install the B-Brackets
1. Separate the passenger-side B-brackets before installation.
2. Identify the front passenger-side B-bracket and compare it with the rear B-brackets. The front bracket has a different shape and must be installed in its designated front location.
1. Confirm that all B-brackets are installed on the **front side** of the A-brackets, as shown in the photos.
1. Do not interchange driver-side and passenger-side brackets. The B-brackets are side-specific.
2. Position each B-bracket against its corresponding A-bracket.
3. Install the supplied B-bracket hardware through the A-bracket and B-bracket mounting holes.
4. Use a 7/32" Allen bit with a 3/8"-drive ratchet and a 9/16" socket with a 1/4"-drive ratchet.
5. Snug the B-bracket hardware, but do not fully tighten it. Final adjustment is required after the side step is installed.
### Prepare the Side Step
1. Place the side step on a protected work surface.
2. Position the aluminum backing plates in the designated locations on the side step.
3. Install the backing-plate hardware using a #8 Allen bit.
4. Tighten the backing-plate fasteners securely.
### Mount the Side Step
1. With assistance, carefully lift the side step onto the installed B-brackets.
2. Align the front and rear side-step mounting points with the corresponding B-bracket mounting holes.
1. Install the supplied 3/8" bolts, washers, and Nylock nuts at the front and rear side-step mounting locations.
2. Leave all side-step-to-B-bracket hardware loose enough to allow adjustment.
### Install the Tread-Gripper Plate
1. Position the tread-gripper plate on the side step as shown in the photos.
2. Install the supplied 10-32 x 3/8" flat socket-cap screws.
3. Tighten the tread-gripper plate hardware securely.
**CAUTION:** Support the side step throughout installation. Do not allow the side step to hang on partially installed hardware.
### Align and Torque Hardware
1. Adjust the side step until it is flat, level, and evenly spaced from the vehicle body.
2. Confirm that the step is straight when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
3. Check that door operation is unobstructed and that the side step does not contact the body, door, or pinch weld.
4. Tighten the upper side-step-to-B-bracket hardware.
5. Tighten the B-bracket-to-A-bracket hardware.
6. Torque all 3/8-16 side-step bracket hardware to **236 in-lb (19.67 ft-lb)**.
7. Torque all 5/16-18 footpad hardware to **132 in-lb (11 ft-lb)**.
8. Recheck every installed fastener after final torque has been applied.
### Driver-Side Installation
1. Repeat the installation procedure on the driver side, including removal of any existing side-step hardware, pinch-weld bracket installation, drilling, rivet-nut installation, B-bracket installation, and final side-step alignment.
2. Install **three** A-bracket, Z-bracket, and pinch-weld bracket assemblies on the driver side.
3. The driver side uses three bracket assemblies rather than the four used on the passenger side.
4. Position the third driver-side bracket near the rear end of the side step.
5. Maintain approximately 39 inches of spacing between the second and third driver-side bracket assemblies.
6. Confirm that the driver-side B-brackets (including the driver-side fork B-bracket) are installed in their correct side-specific locations before mounting the side step.
7. Level the driver-side step, verify door clearance, and torque all applicable hardware to the listed specifications.
### Final Inspection
1. Verify that both side steps are level, straight, and evenly positioned relative to the vehicle body.
2. Confirm that all Nylock nuts have adequate thread engagement and that the bolt threads extend through the locking portion of the nut.
3. Confirm that every drilled hole has been treated with rust-preventive paint.
4. Open and close all doors to verify there is no interference with the side steps or brackets.
5. Recheck all hardware after the first drive and again after approximately 100 miles of use.
## Congrats!
### Your Installation Is Complete.
---
### RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I, the customer, do hereby release and forever discharge Owl Vans LLC, their agents, employees, successors and assigns, and their respective heirs, personal representatives, affiliates, successors and assigns, and any and all persons, firms or corporations liable or who might be claimed to be liable, whether or not herein named, from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions, causes of action or suits of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, which I now have or may hereafter have or claim to have, as a result of or in any way relating to the following: Parts sold & installed by Owl Vans LLC or parts sold & installed by end-user; any parts sold online, any parts sold online or installed by a re-seller, any parts installed by an installation shop.
It is understood and agreed that this payment is made and received in full and complete settlement and satisfaction of the aforesaid actions, causes of action, claims and demands; that this Release contains the entire agreement between the parties; and that the terms of this Agreement are contractual and not merely a recital.
Furthermore, this Release shall be binding upon the undersigned, and his respective heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, successors and assigns. This Release shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State of Arizona.
### PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING:
Owl Vans LLC strongly recommends the installation of products be done by a certified mechanic. If this does not occur, be certain the person(s) installing the product read, understand and follow all instructions and warnings pertaining to the application before installation. Do not add, alter, or fabricate any factory or aftermarket parts to increase vehicle height over the intended height of the Owl Vans LLC product purchased. Mixing component brands is not recommended.
Installation of suspension lift kits or any other lifting kits or devices will raise the center of gravity. For this reason, Owl Vans LLC urges that extreme caution be used when encountering driving conditions which may cause vehicle imbalance. Furthermore, the driver’s field of vision and judgment will not be as good due to the height of the vehicle. Due to the installation of larger tires, the speedometer will read slower than the actual speed being traveled and more distance will be required to stop the vehicle. It is the owner’s responsibility to caution and warn any potential driver of the vehicle about these driving and handling conditions. Owl Vans LLC will not be held liable or responsible for damages or personal injuries resulting from the use of lifting devices and or related products. The tires and rims should be changed to sufficiently increase the vehicle’s total overall width and stability to help accommodate lifting devices.
Owl Vans LLC aftermarket suspension products and accessories modify a vehicle for uses which exceed conditions anticipated by the vehicle manufacturer. The uses include the high performance demands required during off-road. These conditions vary in the degree of extremity and cannot be controlled by the vehicle or product manufacturer. If the components within the suspension system or accessories become worn due to frequent and/or extreme use, the safety and reliability of the vehicle is at risk. The maintenance of aftermarket equipment to ensure the vehicle occupants safety is entirely your responsibility. Do not purchase Owl Vans LLC products unless you are willing to accept this responsibility. Do not install any Owl Vans LLC suspension products or accessories unless you feel competent at installing the product without causing present or future injury to yourself or other vehicle occupants; seek an authorized installation center.
Most states have some type of law limiting vehicle height. The amount of lift allowed, and how the lift can be achieved, varies greatly. Several states offer exemptions for farm and commercial registered vehicles. It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to check state and local laws to ensure that their vehicle will be in compliance.
Owl Vans LLC reserves the right to make changes in design, materials and specifications as deemed necessary without prior notice and without assuming obligation to modify any product previously manufactured. Obligation or liabilities will not be assumed with respect to similar products previously advertised.
This Release of Liability and Product Safety Warning has been read and fully understood by the undersigned and has been explained to me.
- [General and Accessories](https://ready.owlvans.com/general-and-accessories?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Install Guides](https://ready.owlvans.com/general-and-accessories?hsLang=en-us#install-guides)
- [Mercedes Sprinter](https://ready.owlvans.com/mercedes-sprinter?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Install Guides](https://ready.owlvans.com/mercedes-sprinter?hsLang=en-us#install-guides)
- [INEOS Grenadier](https://ready.owlvans.com/ineos-grenadier?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Install Guides](https://ready.owlvans.com/ineos-grenadier?hsLang=en-us#install-guides)
- [Ford Transit](https://ready.owlvans.com/ford-transit?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Install Guides](https://ready.owlvans.com/ford-transit?hsLang=en-us#install-guides)
- [Winnebago Ekko](https://ready.owlvans.com/winnebago-ekko?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Install Guides](https://ready.owlvans.com/winnebago-ekko?hsLang=en-us#install-guides)
- [Arrow Suspension](https://ready.owlvans.com/arrow-suspension?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Installation Instructions](https://ready.owlvans.com/arrow-suspension?hsLang=en-us#installation-instructions)
- [Maintenance](https://ready.owlvans.com/maintenance?hsLang=en-us)
- [Help Home](https://ready.owlvans.com/)
- [Owl Homepage](https://owlvans.com/)
- [Owl Journal](https://owlvans.com/blogs/the-owl-journal)
[](https://owlvans.com/)
5028 S. 71st St #107
Mesa, AZ 85212
(866) OWL-VANS
[mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com)
Copyright © 2025, Owl