So, heres the deal, its funny you say that a lot of them have auto running boards, its REALLY REALLY rare that these vehicles have auto running boards, like 1 in 100 Limited 4runners got Auto running boards. So if you are seeing multiple limited 4runners with auto running boards thats kinda crazy.

So, on to this, if you dont want them deploying or are scared they are going to give you problems down the road, you have a switch on the dash where you can just cut them off or you can simply pull the fuse for the auto boards and.... They simply quit working.

If you dont like where they sit, or how far they hang down, or whatever the reasoning is, simply pull the fuse, and then unbolt them from the body and they are no longer there. IF you go this route, and you want to make a few bucks i would be willing to offer you a fair price for the running boards, the switch in the dash, and the computer bolted behind the kick panel.