Nfab nerf steps vs stock running boards for short person to get in/out of Sr5?

[spetka]

Hello all,

My wife is 5'2" and its kind of a hassle getting in and out of the SR5(stock now but thinking of getting leveling lift). I think the way the running boards are is they don't seem like a step so I think she just tries to go around them and they get in the way. Was looking at the NFab nerf steps and was thinking those may be easier to get in and out of since they actually look like steps. Does anyone know if there is a height difference to these compared to the stock running boards?

Thanks

 

[Sound_SS]

don't know the height difference but overall they are pretty useless as steps. my wife is 5'6 and i'm 6'1, neither of us find the step placement to be particularly useful. they look good though which is probably why so many 4runners have them. i would try finding a set on a vehicle you can look at in person.

 

[Magnetic]

don't know the height difference but overall they are pretty useless as steps.
my wife is 5'6 and i'm 6'1, neither of us find the step placement to be particularly useful.
they look good though which is probably why so many 4runners have them.
i would try finding a set on a vehicle you can look at in person.

My wife and daughter are one shorter than the next.

While it was a consideration when getting my 4runner, I decided to deal with it after the fact.

My wife wants to try first and sign off on whatever I finally get for them, although sliders with a step seem more useful to me.

I find most steps unnecessary and they usually stick out just enough to get my pants dirty.

 

[spetka]

I find most steps unnecessary and they usually stick out just enough to get my pants dirty.

Yeah I was also worried if I get the nfab steps and my wife ends up ripping a skirt or dress on the steps I'll never hear the end of it.

 

[Magnetic]

Yeah I was also worried if I get the nfab steps and my wife ends up ripping a skirt or dress on the steps I'll never hear the end of it.

We'll of course, that would clearly be your fault...

 

[arehman11]

I have the OEM tube steps and they work pretty well for most people. My grandmother in-law has issues getting into the rear but that is more so due to no grab handles near the b pillar.

 

[OatBunch]

My wife is 5'1", and by 4 year old son is about 3'6" (bet he passes mom before 10) and both use the n-fab steps to get into my stock height SR5 with out any trouble. Got them right after I picked up the 4runner a little over a year ago since my son had to crawl up the floor to get into the truck without anything to step on. I am 6'2" and don't use the step unless I am doing something on the roof. Makes it too awkward to get in for me. But the step is far enough forward that I can reach around it without getting my leg dirty when I get out.

I think the step height of the n-fab is lower than the "tube" style running boards, and about on par with the more traditional "board" style running boards the dealers offer, but the n-fabs leave room for me to step in and out behind the actual step instead of reaching over.
Not sure if those descriptions make sense. :shrug:

All that being said, I convinced the wife to deal with sliders after some tight trails we ran a few weeks back, now that the kiddo is taller now

 

[BobsTrail]

n-fab steps look like this and the bottom of the step is 14 inches above the ground.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

My wife is short and without running boards a 4runner is out of the question. If you drive down fire roads/gravel roads a lot they do a great job of keeping the stones from chipping the paint on the sides. The bottom of my flat type running boards and my rear shocks etc. look like they have been sandblasted but my paint on the sides still look like new. I would think n-fab or tubular running boards would let a lot of stones get through to chip the paint.

 

[Hadelson]

Hello all,

My wife is 5'2" and its kind of a hassle getting in and out of the SR5(stock now but thinking of getting leveling lift). I think the way the running boards are is they don't seem like a step so I think she just tries to go around them and they get in the way. Was looking at the NFab nerf steps and was thinking those may be easier to get in and out of since they actually look like steps. Does anyone know if there is a height difference to these compared to the stock running boards?

Thanks

Totally relate to your situation. Wife is 4'11" (Yes truth to dynamite in small package). Here is my experience based on 14TE with Running boards and 17TRDP with the NFAB Nerf Steps.

Running boards work better-no question for vertically challenged significant others. Look like crap IMO. NFAB Nerf Steps look 100% better and work, but can be slippery if wet. They also catch and hold slush in the steps.

So it comes down to this, happy wife-happy life? In my case, wife tolerates the steps so I am making out okay. Good luck!

 

[craaaazzy]

i had the opposite experience as ^. my wife (5'4") and 8 year old girl both said it was easier to get into the 4runner w/ the nfabs. u have to teach them to use the correct foot to step onto the steps...on passenger side, place right foot on steps, use handles to support oneself, and then place left foot inside vehicle. no problems here when it's wet either.

 

[RusPro17]

Check out the Tyger side steps on amazon. I have them on my Pro. I’m like 5’6 and use them to get in. I like them. I would post a pic of them. But the picture flips upside down. Only on this site. No issue on 4runner site or Tacoma world.

 

[BushPusher]

Hope you do not mind I am new to forum and can not start a thread.
can anyone tell me if these oem running boards are mounted with or with out
the rocker panels ?
And do the N-fab style mount either way with or with out rockers can they be adjusted to fit higher when rockers are removed ?

Roger
2013 4Runner SR5

 

[Florunner78]

As others have said, the front steps aren't too useful - too far forward IMO. That said, I bought the N-Fab steps for my boys that ride in the back. The steps in the back are perfect and my 8 and 4 y.o. use them every time.

 

[theothereng]

I'm a 5'3" female and ended up going with OEM boards that I purchased after having my T4R for a month. I could deal without, but I also live in the Chicago area, so slippery-ness during rain/sleet/snow/ice was a contributing thought on this one. I saw the ones for tyger gear (previously mentioned above). They look cool, but weren't completely plated throughout. Thought about N-Fabs, but here's what it came down to:

-entering/exiting with heels and not breaking an ankle if it's wet/icy*
-having enough space to enter/exit in a graceful* way in dresses without giving the world a free show (or stability in the case of limited mobility in those tight dresses)
-getting full maneuverability to use roof space without falling*

I thought the step portions seemed too small and potentially slippery when wet on Nfabs. The OEM boards come out maybe 4in, which is enough for our tiny/normal sized feet. I refused to have chrome, so OEM also worked for that. But, everyone has their preferences. I spent a long time reading the running board vs nfab/tube vs sliders thread. Took a while, but I was able to sort out what was most important to me.

*probably

 

[MMACD]

Anyone have C4Fab sliders that can comment on if they are useful steps for shorter significant others?