Hello everyone, new guy here, just found this board yesterday via the Edmunds 4Runner board. This looks like a great resource. I'm learning new things already.

I have read some of the posts here about removing running boards, and I'm interested in doing that, but I was wondering what anyone may have done about the chrome piping on the fenders.

Our '97 SR5 4x4 has the chrome trim around the fenders, but it does not cover the entire fender because the plastic "ends" on the running boards cover the lower parts of the fenders. (Sorry I don't have a pic handy, I'm at work, but I'm sure all you 3rd gen experts know what I'm talking about ).

With the boards and their front and rear ends removed, the chrome piping will only cover about 2/3's of the fender. Can it be replaced with a full strip? Should I worry about it coming loose or peeling? Or perhaps it will just look goofy not having the chrome trim covering the entire fender!

Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks!

I wish someone knew about this because I am in the exact same situation you are! You can see my chrome fender trim in my avitar pic <----

I like the idea of making it look taller, but am not sure how bare/unfinished it might look without the running boards.

I guess I don't need to post a picture because MSU4Runner's rig is exactly like mine, same color and all.

I recently saw a 3rd gen without running boards and it looked like they maybe removed the chrome trim, but maybe theirs never had it. I think the 4Runners that have the plastic fender flares would have an easier time removing their running boards as they wouldn't have to worry about this chrome thing.

I may just remove them before I go on a couple of runs later this year. I can always put them back on for looks after that.

Did you ever remove your running boards? I would be interested in seeing what it looks like.

I am glad someone is using the sub-forum for 3rd gen. 4Runners. I put on my running boards and they basically bolt on, so they should be pretty easy to remove. In order to remove the end caps you have one screw that is in the rear wheel, but the rest un-bolts. If you have wheel molds you have to get new end caps, but if you don't you can remove everything. Here is a picture of a 4Runner without running boards. This 4Runner has new end caps that meet the molding of the wheel.

Attached Images

 

I did not remove the running boards. Since the chrome fender trim only covers about 75% of the fender, removing the end caps would expose about 25% and I don't think it would look good. I don't want to remove the chrome fender trim because it matches the chrome front and rear bumpers. I don't really wheel that often and the boards do come in handy for loading my son into his car seat. Thanks for all the replies though.

What you do is buy new end caps that don't accept running boards which by the way covers up the 25%. I use the boards since my wife is 5'2". By the way, I saved the old end caps, just in case I decided to change back.

I didn't know there were such end caps that don't accept running boards. I may look into that, but would still be concerned about what it might look like with black end caps and chrome trim.

Maybe I should take a pic then use Paint Shop or something similar to erase the running boards. Then I might get an idea of how it would look with the "new" non-running board end caps and the chrome trim.

Thanks again!

looks good ill be doing this to my 97 4runner