Free lift today, What do u guys think

[Presta24]

took running boards off, leave em off or put em back on?

 

[StevieT4R]

Personally, I don't like anything "hanging" from a car. I like it really clean. I removed the emblems, and front mud flaps first (as part of the trimming process for tires) btw - I just removed the rear muds too. Then, I removed the running boards (temporarily) as I was getting ready to acquire another member's steps. I ran a few days with out them and actually like the look (does make it seem higher). But after having a 3rd gen with running boards for a decade, complaints from the wife, and being able to "see" too much of the trailing arms, etc. I decided my move to the steps was the best of all worlds. Now, I can wash my car quicker, have steps for my wife, and give added protection to the rockers (a plus is that they are lighter and don't stick out as much).
2 cents...

 

[Viking97SR5]

Off..

That looks twice as mean now.

 

[Casper421]

Keep them off!! :cheers: now try taking off the mudflaps and see how you like it.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I off road a lot in the desert running 40 -50 mph at times on fire roads or other graded road at 40-50 miles at times to get to trails. When I had my running boards off the rocker panels and bottom of the doors started to look like they were getting sandblasted from all the stones hitting them. Same thing is happening behind the rear tire. Getting that sandblasted look from rocks that the mud flaps do not protect since the lift was put on. Also without the running boards the rear wheels were getting pitted badly from the rocks hitting them, the running boards help here also. I only take them off now if I am going on trails hard enough that they would hit rocks. Also I like them when washing the 4runner, makes it easier to wash and dry the roof. Wife is also short so she likes them to get in.

 

[ThreeFiveO]

I off road a lot in the desert running 40 -50 mph at times on fire roads or other graded road at 40-50 miles at times to get to trails. When I had my running boards off the rocker panels and bottom of the doors started to look like they were getting sandblasted from all the stones hitting them. Same thing is happening behind the rear tire. Getting that sandblasted look from rocks that the mud flaps do not protect since the lift was put on. Also without the running boards the rear wheels were getting pitted badly from the rocks hitting them, the running boards help here also. I only take them off now if I am going on trails hard enough that they would hit rocks. Also I like them when washing the 4runner, makes it easier to wash and dry the roof. Wife is also short so she likes them to get in.

Agreed. I think it looks great but taking them off lets all the road grime, gravel, and everything else smack right into the rocker panels. I'd say put some sliders on so you have the best of both.

 

[chaz]

leave em off, keep the mudflaps, sliders r a good idea.

 

[Presta24]

Agreed. I think it looks great but taking them off lets all the road grime, gravel, and everything else smack right into the rocker panels. I'd say put some sliders on so you have the best of both.

ya, when I get the money, i found some trail gear sliders for like $180 shipped

 

[rockwall]

Without boards and mud flaps you will definitely get the panels beat up. Sliders look great, but will they prevent the rocks and road debris from hitting behind the wheel wells?

 

[Presta24]

boards will be going back on, wife is 5'5 and noticed as soon as she pulled in the drive lol, maybe if u got something like linex or rhino sprayed on the rockers, with a grey or black runner it would prolly look good and protect from road debris

 

[Viking97SR5]

Rhino

x2 on Rhino. Just thinking the same thing with the rhino liner. Still think it looks bad ass w/out running boards

 

[Jerrydog]

Looks like a jeep grand cherokeee a little in the first pic without the running boards IMHO... I like them on personally.

 

[jlmilligan]

leave them off. Take them to the scrap yard before she makes you put them back on. I always left mine off. But I did have the non-painted cladding so I didn't notice any pitting.

FWIW, I took them off my LC80 too. Instant lift kit.

 

[bigwebb83]

how about some side by side before and after action?

 

[Zuke]

I like it. Keep them off.
My kids love them and pretend they are stairs to climb into the 4R. So I guess I will keeping them on for a few more years.

 

[034RUNNER]

Leave them off. Went through this dilemma and IMO it didn't even look much different with them on. People who get into my truck wish I still had them, but that's not my problem

 

[Nashvillerunner]

I say leave them off!!! Wow that looks really nice with the new M/T tires and lift. I guess the women always win so to make her happy put them back on!!

 

[Metzbower]

I am carrying kayaks a lot on my roof and step on the running boards to hook on the front set of kayak cradles, and the rear tire for the back set. If I were never to use the roof to carry anything AND my 79 y/o mom did not need to climb in, on occasion, I'd consider taking them off. My bro has a big, tall p/u and carries a milk crate around for people to step on to get in.