Can you take the running boards off?

[skibama]

Okay, so after test driving some 4runners, I have noticed that the running boards are annoying to step over when trying to get out. I also don't really like the way they look, and wonder if they take away from the ground clearance when off roading.
My question is, is it possible to take them off and if so, how hard is it? Has anyone done this? I did a search and couldn't really find too much information.

 

[Derek]

I'm not sure how hard it is, but MANY people have done this and I would assume it is pretty easy.

 

[kglueck]

really easy...6 bolts from underneath on each side, plus the wiring for the lights if you have a limited. Takes just a socket wrench and a few minutes... on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being hardest) this "mod" is a 1.

 

[HuntRunner]

Okay, so after test driving some 4runners, I have noticed that the running boards are annoying to step over when trying to get out. I also don't really like the way they look, and wonder if they take away from the ground clearance when off roading.
My question is, is it possible to take them off and if so, how hard is it? Has anyone done this? I did a search and couldn't really find too much information.

Yes, easy to do just as kglueck said.
Here is a link to what it would look like
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11234&highlight=running+boards

 

[Kenn]

I did and I never looked back.

 

[BenSD]

They are simple to remove. Just be careful to support them while removing the bolts so that the running boards don't suddenly fall on you. I used my knee to support one end while I took off the other.

Also worth mentioning, the running boards will protect the area under your doors from rock chips. If you decide to take them off, you WILL get quite a few rock chips in that area, especially in the back. You really don't gain any ground clearance by taking them off, but it looks like you do.

 

[Kenn]

Re: Re: Can you take the running boards off?

They are simple to remove. Just be careful to support them while removing the bolts so that the running boards don't suddenly fall on you. I used my knee to support one end while I took off the other.

Also worth mentioning, the running boards will protect the area under your doors from rock chips. If you decide to take them off, you WILL get quite a few rock chips in that area, especially in the back. You really don't gain any ground clearance by taking them off, but it looks like you do.

Otherwise known as the "poor man's lift"