Keep or remove the running boards?

[Shawn5800]

I cant decide whether i want to remove them or not. I know once i get those bolts out they are not going back in because chances are they will be snapped. So...I have to think hard about this.

Any of you guys have a fairly close match up to my truck without the boards on?

Thanks guys!

 

[01KY4R]

Ask yourself... have you ever used them?

Use the search function and you'll find plenty of before and after pics.

I vote remove them.

 

[4-Ripcord]

if you are going to keep it at stock height, I say keep em. Otherwise take them off, they only look bad on a lifted truck.

 

[techno]

Where are you located? I say take them off and sell them to me, I need a set.

 

[Shawn5800]

I plan on keeping it stock height, My 4r is the one that came stock with 15" wheels and the 225s so it looks even uglier like that. My wheel wells are hungry. I think with some beefier 265s it would look ok with the boards off.

Im in MA, a ways from you haha.

 

[Opi]

if you never plan on needing the clearance leave em on, if you think you may at some point, rip them bishes off

 

[jksmyers]

I say take 'em off. I'm at stock height and upsized my tires from 265/70/16 to 265/75/16 DuraTracs. Took the boards off right before I had the tires installed. COMPLETELY changed the look. I've had people ask if it's lifted. I've always planned on throwing on a small lift (880/906), but now I'm not so sure. With the boards off I have plenty of clearance for the mild off-roading my hunting and camping trips require, and I like the way the tires fill up the space.

 

[Maritimer]

Off. I am in the same situation as jksmyers, and it looks lifted with 265/75/16s and no running boards compared to 255/70/16s (gag) and boards. I went from a station wagon to a real 4Runner.

Plus, depending on your climate, the boards are rust promoters. I need to clean up the areas behind the plastic now. That's why I hate the pieced together CUV-type vehicles--too many nooks and crannies to gather salt and water.

 

[88xtraSR5]

Heres a pic of mine 3 inch suspension lift though with 255/85 R16's

 

[A.Wilson013]

Take them off, I would say. It gives the vehicle a much less bloated look. Trims a good few inches of fat off the bottom.

The only downside, in my opinion, is that you lose a lot of protection from rocks and stuff that you kick up.

 

[SRSRunner]

Where are you located? I say take them off and sell them to me, I need a set.

Rob, I'll sell ya the ones of my Ltd if you want em..

 

[SRSRunner]

take em off!! youll get a little more clearance, and you wont have to worry about getting the side of your legs all dirty anymore.

 

[Socco]

Take them off, I would say. It gives the vehicle a much less bloated look. Trims a good few inches of fat off the bottom.

The only downside, in my opinion, is that you lose a lot of protection from rocks and stuff that you kick up.

I agree. Took mine off last week and although I liked the look of them on, it does "trim" a little off the bottom. The only reason that I didn't do it earlier is because they have stopped some large rocks from flying up the side of the truck!

 

[CoMarc]

First "mod" I ever did to my truck was to take the side steps off, and I love the look! Unfortunately now that I just put a lift on my wife needed them back on to get into the truck. They WILL come off again, no doubt! But only when I've got the money to put the tube-like side steps on. Until then, gotta keep the wife happy...

 

[Rileyismydog]

This is on my "to-do" list. I like the look without the running boards.

 

[Endlessblockades]

This is on my "to-do" list. I like the look without the running boards.

It's weird to think that everyone who posted before you in this thread is now 11 years older! Don't wait another 11 years to pull them off - it's a 20 minute job!

 

[subzjc]

This is on my "to-do" list. I like the look without the running boards.

You could always put them back on right?

I understand there are a lot of rusted trucks that

may not cooperate but still, this isnt a permanent delete.

 

[Mendoncyclesmith]

I have a '96 that had the stock ones. Finally removed them, and subsequently installed my now ex's, tubular step bars, which look better by a mile.

I would mention, if you have the factory fender flares, and factory running boards, you'll delete the lower end of the front flares.

Lived with it for a while, finally had a buddy 3D print a pair for me, thanks to the member who made those files available here.

 

[Fifteen-4]

Mine are coming off as soon as I get some real rock sliders. For now, I'll take the protection and deal with stepping over them when getting in out of the truck. I'd rather high center on them than the door sill. But, I agree with most, they don't look so good and they're mostly an annoyance.

 

[octanejunkie]

There is no protection to be gained from factory running boards in lieu of rock sliders

If you trash them wheeling they can actually cause more damage. Remove and get the ground clearance and the free lift!

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