2nd Gen Running Board Issue

Hey guys, tried searching the threads and couldn't find the answer.

I recently purchased pre-owned OEM running boards for my 07 Taco (4dr). I found that the bolts needs to be M8x30mm. But when I tried to put them on, I found that only the center bracket accepted those. The front and back actually need M7x30mm. Not sure if the previous owner somehow re-threaded those holes?

I put everything in and it all seemed fine until I did the final tightening. The screws on the back brackets (on both the driver and passenger side) refuse to fully tighten. The center and front are locked down (at 26lbs torque). But the back screws just keep spinning.

Do you guys have any advice or suggestions? The M8's refuse to thread into the back bracket holes; only M7's fit. Which is odd since everyone I've talked to agrees that Taco's need M8's.

 

So, I've been reading a little bit more and saw on some Honda forums that people have stripped a rivnut while installing running boards. So a lot of people have had to screw out the old one and install a new rivnut. Anyone have experience with this?