Lifted 5th gen with boards or steps?

[T4R_Finally]

Here is my thoughts: if you’re putting a lift on it is for a couple different reasons 1) you want bigger tires 2) you want higher ground clearance 3) you’re doing it for looks 4) all the above.

Leaving a piece of plastic hanging down another 6 inches under the already super low SR5 side skirts defeats all of this, it makes it appear to look lower in addition leaving low hanging area to be destroyed. (Case in point - post below)

If you don’t off-road your vehicle or care about ground clearance why do the lift in the first place? For looks…that will be defeating the taller height by leaving all that extra plastic down there.

Maybe I just don’t get it…

I have already stated that this isn't for off-roading. I think I have also made clear that I don't want the boards, nor do I need them. I am 6'4" and can step right in even if lifted a few more inches. My personal preference is no steps at all - no sliders, nothing. I think it looks cleaner and maximizes the height appearance.

I like the 4runner inside and out. But in its stock config and in this world of suv's and crossovers being used and soccer mom transports, it just looks too much like a crum-cruncher hauler to me. And I have driven lifted or leveled full size 4x4 pickups for the last 12 years. I want it to look taller and I want it to sit and feel taller when I am behind the wheel. That's my reason, period. But my wife is 5' nothing and she can't comfortably get in it now without steps. If I jack it up 3 inches plus the additional height of the tires, not having some sort of step is not going to fly. I am not sure she will like the Nfab steps or regular nerf steps. I am looking for a compromise and if I can pull off the lift and tires and still live with the steps, that will do. Yes the steps minimize the height appearance, but 3+ inches taller is 3+ inches taller, with steps or not.

 

[Stifler]

Check out IONIC running boards. I have pics in my album. They have a stock like appearance but are no where near the gawd awful size as the OEM boards

 

[pimpsta]

OP, since you don't plan to take your rig off pavement, I would suggest something like nerf bars for getting in and out. My wife is also on the short side, she's 5'2" and she hated the oem running boards complaining lack of space to actually step on. Get some beefier tires and you're good to go.