No More Running Boards
- Thread starter 04Runnah
- Start date
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It sure looks a lot better without them. I just wish that the fuel tank, and the other parts of the frame didn't show up so much. When you stand close to the 4runner without the boards, it looks like it has awesome ground clearance, but when you stand back, it's not so dramatic.
Just keep in mind that you are going to now get quite a few rock chips on the pained plastic trim that use to be protected by the running boards. I must have 5 or 6 chips on either side now.
Just keep in mind that you are going to now get quite a few rock chips on the pained plastic trim that use to be protected by the running boards. I must have 5 or 6 chips on either side now.
Thanks for taking the time to post these pics. I have a galactic gray one myself and have wondered how it would look minus the running boards. It looks great!
If you have the chance to post a couple of pics closer and maybe from slightly different angles, that would be greatly appreciated.
About how long did it take to remove those?
If you have the chance to post a couple of pics closer and maybe from slightly different angles, that would be greatly appreciated.
About how long did it take to remove those?
04Runnah
New member
BenSD said:
It does look very different from up close, but once you take a couple of steps back and start to see the fuel tank and other parts of the frame... hmmm.... makes you wanna get some real off road suspensions....
rock chips? i never thought of that! thanks. good thing this is just temporary. i just wanted to see how the rig would look w/o the boards. i kinda like it but now i learned about the rock chips......
04Runnah
New member
Chris1515 said:
I'll see if I can take some more pictures tom. Taking the boards off didn't take that much time. There are 6 bolts (12mm) on each side. 2 in the front side (near the engine; numbered 1), 2 in the middle (numbered 2) and 2 in the rear (numbered 3).
Just make sure you put support on the side that you've already unscrewed before it drops on your face. (ie. jackstand like the pic below)
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Thai
Elite Member
BenSD said:
Exactly...these are the same reasons why i did not take them off on my old '02 4runner. Instead, i would consider getting slightly taller tires. And the running boards can serve as a poor's man slider since they're replaceable...your frame or body panel is more expensive to replace/repair.
If you're planning on removing the boards permanently, then i would seriously consider front mud flaps and sliders. But, with a slider, make sure that you get a good design that won't compromise your frame down the road.
JungleJim
New member
I don't get it :awais:
All this talk about "debadging" and "derunningboarding".
I think the Runner looks much better with running boards.
What's next? Taking off the hood because it hides the engine? Taking off the doors because they get in the way? Come to think of it...the roofrack probably affects mpg.......
:
All this talk about "debadging" and "derunningboarding".
I think the Runner looks much better with running boards.
What's next? Taking off the hood because it hides the engine? Taking off the doors because they get in the way? Come to think of it...the roofrack probably affects mpg.......
:
AlexJet
New member
JungleJim said:I don't get it :awais:
All this talk about "debadging" and "derunningboarding".
I think the Runner looks much better with running boards.
What's next? Taking off the hood because it hides the engine? Taking off the doors because they get in the way? Come to think of it...the roofrack probably affects mpg.......
That's the way people like to give first impression when others see there vehicles. Sometimes it's made for off-roading purposes. Some people like it, some don't. Removing running boards probably will extend off-road capabilities, but you have to be careful, fuel tank and everything else still there. I like the idea of removing running boards for off-roading, but stone chips on the doors
, I don't want them. That's why I didn't remove mine.One nice thing about the running boards is that they do drop a little lower than the gas tank, and other parts of the underside of the truck. When I would crest a small hill while offroad, I could judge ground clearance by looking out my window and seeing how close the ground was to the running boards. This came in handy a few times. Without the boards, you really have to be aware of the limits of a non lifted truck. I'm glad I have mine off though. It makes the 4runner look more aggressive, and sporty. I probably won't be getting sliders anytime soon, but I do plan on getting a lift and some larger tires by next winter.
GYoter
New member
Good call removing them. Its one of the first things I did to mine. I found they got in my way more then i ever used them. But I have found that the plastic right in front of the rear tire at the bottom has a sandblasted look to it now. See pics, kinda hard to see tho. Knowing that it may do this if i were you i would get some 3M clear protective film and cover these areas.
