Is it "wrong" to put sliders on a 2WD?

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beeftube

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...that probably sounds like a stupid question, but seriously. Frankly, I hate the way running boards/tube steps look. They stick out so far and just look goofy, even the factory ones. I like how sliders tuck in closer to the body and dont stick out as far.

I don't go offroad (when I do it's a trail that doesn't really require 4WD), so that aspect is moot.

I would just take the factory sport bars off and be done with it, but my fiance says she needs something to step up on when she gets in the truck, especially since I leveled it out and raised it a hair with the Daystar kit and went with 265/70 rubber.

I know it's my truck and it's my decision when it comes down to it, but what say you? Is it "wrong" to put sliders on a 2WD truck? Does it erode the moral fabric of our nation, is it an abomination before god?

I'd like some opinions, I'm getting sick of nerf bars that stick out from the truck/frame as much as they do, but I also don't want to look like a complete loser. Looking like a partial loser is acceptable.
 
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im gonna second this, cause i have the same problem. i hate them. but everyone i know tells me not to take em off cause they are short and need them. but im bout ready to tell them to get over it.
 
Sliders on a 2wd is not a big deal, I use my sliders for off road but I also use it as a step to reach my roof rack and my wife uses it as a step. :bigok:

One recommendation get textured powder coating or put some sort of grit tape if you plan on using it as a step, not fun climbing up on a wet slider.
 
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I dont like how the factory running boards look but I do like the tube steps. Also consider that the tube steps provides some protection to the sides like at the parking lots and if someone hits you on the side while driving like it happened to me the other day....if I didn't have my tube steps...my doors would have been messed up pretty bad when someone tried to change lanes all of the sudden and hit me . The tube step took and absorbed the hit and the body just got some scuffs. Now I just got to replace the tube steps and a little paint job on the sides. BTW if you decide to get rid of the tube steps I will buy them from you...I had aftermarket but would love to have the OEM's .....just let me know

PS: and yes...it is your truck ..so you can do whatever you like with it.
 
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I don't see the point of putting expensive sliders on a truck that never goes offroad.

I use my OEM running boards to put things on the roof rack and to get snow off the top of the truck. Sliders are usually narrower than running boards, so they don't work as well as a step. If you have a spouse or kids who use the boards as steps, you might want to reconsider.

But it is your truck, do what you want.
 
i think its ok & look fine, its ur truck put them on if u like, one thing tho , they still stick out & dirty ur pants leg when getting out/in. mysticz is right, if u use as a step be careful.
 
It is your truck, do what you want. You don't need to justify it. Personally I don't like the look of tube steps but that’s me. I like clean and simple. I think the stock ones look fine and would be all you need, BUT if we were only dealing with needs than I don’t think any of us really need a 4Runner. Get what you want.
 
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Do what you want with it! it's yours.

Also, most rock sliders (smittybilt/westin bars) are basically decoration anyways. Unless you use rollbar tubing and make your own, they're not going to support your truck on a rock... trust me. They have more function protecting you from door dings and using them as steps than they do off-road. Get them.
 
I don't really like the stock running boards on my '05 SE, but I'm going to keep them anyway because they do keep a lot of the road spaltter and salt off the bottom edge of the body. In winter they put enough salt on the roads here in Wisconsin to choke a horse. I don't think a slider would protect the vehicle as well from the salt.

I don't know if yours are the same, since you described them as "running boards/tube steps". Mine are definitely running boards; nothing tubular about them at all. Did they change the running boards between '05 and '06?
 
^^ 4x4 equipment should have some function that you could use on a 4x4 and not a 4x2 truck as you're implying. 4x4 equipment would imply it's FUNCTIONAL: most mass-market rock sliders will crumble if used on rocks and are therefore NOT functional in this context.

So, in return, if you put smittybilt/westin rock sliders on a 4x4, that's totally wrong using your logic.
 
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Jerrydog said:
Goofy is any 2wd with 4x4 equipment on it, unless its build as a prerunner.....IMHO
Click to expand...

Don't underestimate what a well equipped 2wd Runner can with a good driver.

I have taken my Runner to places stock 4wd's would have a hard time making it through.:D
 
beeftube said:
Is it "wrong" to put sliders on a 2WD truck? Does it erode the moral fabric of our nation, is it an abomination before god?
Click to expand...

The bottom line is it's your truck, do what you want, but it sounds like you feel a little sheepish about not being able to justify the function so I offer this factoid. Ignoring cost, many people's primary motivation in a tire purchase is simply looks.

Now if there was ever an automobile part with less justification for sacrificing function for form, it should be tires, but you never see thread titles asking if it's wrong to put beefy tires on.....so go get the sliders and enjoy them.
 
galactic_04 said:
^^ 4x4 equipment should have some function that you could use on a 4x4 and not a 4x2 truck as you're implying. 4x4 equipment would imply it's FUNCTIONAL: most mass-market rock sliders will crumble if used on rocks and are therefore NOT functional in this context.

So, in return, if you put smittybilt/westin rock sliders on a 4x4, that's totally wrong using your logic.
Click to expand...


On a 2wd drive on road vehicle would probably be the only place you should put a Shmittybilt product. Even than it probably wouldn’t be adequate.
 
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Hey, I'm just hinking of what MOST people call rock sliders... The user could have meant Stubbs, but you never know.

Either way I say go for it.
 
galactic_04 said:
Do what you want with it! it's yours.

Also, most rock sliders (smittybilt/westin bars) are basically decoration anyways. Unless you use rollbar tubing and make your own, they're not going to support your truck on a rock... trust me. They have more function protecting you from door dings and using them as steps than they do off-road. Get them.

^^ 4x4 equipment should have some function that you could use on a 4x4 and not a 4x2 truck as you're implying. 4x4 equipment would imply it's FUNCTIONAL: most mass-market rock sliders will crumble if used on rocks and are therefore NOT functional in this context.

So, in return, if you put smittybilt/westin rock sliders on a 4x4, that's totally wrong using your logic.
Click to expand...

Smittybilt doesnt even make a quality rock slider for the 4runner. I have a 2wd limited and I take it place that some stock 4wds cant go. Just exactly as Masa said. I am currently about to get some Stubbs HD SKO sliders and even though I am 6ft I will use them as side steps for ease of getting in and out and for the actual purpose real rock sliders were made for.

Jim
 
There is a difference in nerf bars and rock sliders.

Nerf bars are usually for steps only and would bend if used as a rock slider.

Rock sliders are usually solid steel either tubular or squared design, they also have a more secure mounting either bolting or welded.
 
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