you are correct. If i had that tool I would have added the extra bolt on each bracket. Once the step its moved back an inch it just looks right, and the mudflaps do a great job in this Michigan weather! Please post pics when you get that rivit tool, maybe I will add the extra bolts too!
I took the end cap off to explore that option
Its cut on an angle with clip so it would require some work to reattach, maybe double sided tape. It seemed like more work than drilling a hole in each mounting bracket. I have seen posts where others went the cut off route so there are options...
You are spot on, there are three brackets per side, so for now each is held in place by 3 instead of 6 bolts. I may drill out the rails to have the other 3 bolts install too, need to figure that out. Its plenty secure for now with just 3 per side
three factory brackets
factory clips on...
I was able to move the side steps back 1” by drilling new holes in each of the 3 step mounting brackets
Pretty easy to do and was able to install Ford front mud flaps without the ‘cutouts’