Impossible Running Boards

Snookster

Snookster

New member
So i attempted once again to remove my running boards this weekend. Key work was "attempted". Man, I swear since this was a northern car it basically impossible to get these things off. I was soo pissed that I almost go out a grinder and just cut the brackets. Its mainly just the front bolts. I've tried PB Blaster, which is "an amazing product", didn't do anything for me.

So i am just keeping them on. I will not waste another second of my time trying to get those rusted bolts off.
 
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Did you soak it in PB Blaster overnight (or longer)? I've also had some pretty rusted bolts, but PB loosened them all up enough to get them off.

But don't you have a baby and a wife? Unless you have a slider in place, running boards would come in quite handy for you and the wife when putting your kid in the seat. Plus it keeps all the rocks and mud off of your rocker panels.
 
From the land of the North and frozen bolts.

If the blaster is not giving it the go, time to turn on the heat!

Use a small propane torch (Not MAP or the other really hot types) and slowly heat the bolt, say 1 minute. Give it a try. If not unstuck, heat it longer, 1 min 30. Repeat.

Just be careful you don't melt anything.

If you are against heat, you could rent an impact wrench. Then again you could also just drill the ^% bolts out!
 
p nut said:
Did you soak it in PB Blaster overnight (or longer)? I've also had some pretty rusted bolts, but PB loosened them all up enough to get them off.

But don't you have a baby and a wife? Unless you have a slider in place, running boards would come in quite handy for you and the wife when putting your kid in the seat. Plus it keeps all the rocks and mud off of your rocker panels.
Click to expand...

this is a valid point, one I have thought of, but I mainly use my runner, we use my wifes Lexus for family trips

P.S. Good Memory....
STALKER... J/K:lmao: :lmao:
 
You've probably tried both, but after you PB are you wrenching on the bolt or the nut? I had a few problems with the front bolts on both sides when I removed my running boards. On my '96, if I remember right, the nut was welded on. Its still on the frame as we speak. I tried with an impact to remove the front nuts with no success. But when I used the impact on the bolt itself it flew right off.
 
I have a question?

If you are referring to the one front bolt...that is welded to the frame. That isn't a removable bolt. Take the nut off, then pull back on the bracket and it will slide off the bolt. The bolt stays on the truck.

I can take a photo of the underside of mine if you need me to. But on the front bracket, there is one bolt and nut that come off, but then the other nut is screwed onto a bolt that does not come off the truck...ever. You just have to flex the running board bracket a little and it will come right off the bolt, with the bolt still attached to the truck.
 
running boards!

thank you i need a forum for this. i have been wanting to take my running boards off for a while and when i tried i snapped a bolt in half. So im just going to get it done by this guy i know but does someone know where i can get the mud flaps that go in the front after u take off the running boards they connect to the splash sheild pleasee hellp
 
After taking the running boards off, wouldnt it look bad with the stock fender flares?, and if you removed the fender flares arent there bolt holes? Im taking mine off and I dont want it to look stupid with stock fender flares, or with holes where the fender flares used to be. Pretty much asking if anyone has removed there flares and running boards?
 
I removed mine, but I have the limited flares and they look fine as they come all the way to the bottom of the truck. I have seen trucks like yours with the black sr5 flares and running boards removed and I personally don't think it looks bad at all. Also, I'm 90% sure that your flares do not have holes in the fenders behind them. Only the Limited style flares and maybe the Sport style flares.

edit: Here is a picture of 4rnr4me's 4Runner. As you can see he has the running boards removed with the same flares you have.

1229071611b.jpg~original
 
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I have since put the mudguards on the front, and I'm going to put the door sills back on, but they have metal clips that will scratch the doors if you dont put some thick stickies on the door first...

but even without, it still looks OK

and NO, they do not have holes in the fenders behind them...the holes are all on the bottom where u cant see them :D
 
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