Remove Running Boards

jbreid

jbreid

New member
so i've had my '02 sport since last july and i'm thinking i want to remove the running boards. any thoughts? eventually i want to put on the black powder coated westin nerf bars. but i think i would rather it be plain than have the running boards on there. also how's the best way going about taking off my running boards?

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Well, the best way generally is to undo the nuts, remove the bolts, and pull it off:hatsoff:. It is super easy, crawl underneath and you will see it; 6 nuts, 4 bolts, 2 studs.:boink:
 
Yeah took all of 30 mins to pull mine off, and I love it. It gave me another 7 1/2" body clearance. It doesn't take long or alot of sweat to do it and gives it a more aggresive look. Not to mention saving your shins. Where bouts in NC you located?
 
Yea, its a simple and fast job. Here are some pics of mine before and after...
 

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jbreid said:
so i've had my '02 sport since last july and i'm thinking i want to remove the running boards. any thoughts? eventually i want to put on the black powder coated westin nerf bars. but i think i would rather it be plain than have the running boards on there. also how's the best way going about taking off my running boards?

37644_1341052811972_1400730070_30782338_4914475_n.jpg


39917_1344332773969_1400730070_30791166_3770376_n.jpg


40016_1344332373959_1400730070_30791165_8015465_n.jpg
Click to expand...
Damn, that rig is in great shape.
 
I don't know if I would take them off in your case. Your 4runner looks super clean.

I guess you could always take them off and see if you like it better that way.

Like everyone has said, it's really easy. Just six bolts on each side. I would wear some eye protection for sure.
 
4wdGunner said:
Too bad I got passengers (kids) who needs the running boards to get in and out of the car.
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My kids didn't know what to do after I took ours off. :biggrin2: I just give them a little boost as its well worth having the running boards off.
 
yeah my kids keep slipping on the trim when getting in. Its a simple fix though, a little bit of grip tape and all is good.
 
Just take one side off, take a step back and see if you like it. If you do, rip the other side off. If not, put it back on. Easy.
 
Crzyrzr said:
Yeah took all of 30 mins to pull mine off, and I love it. It gave me another 7 1/2" body clearance. It doesn't take long or alot of sweat to do it and gives it a more aggresive look. Not to mention saving your shins. Where bouts in NC you located?
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I'm in Reidsville, NC, it's just north of Greensboro on the NC/VA line.
 
Big John said:
Damn, that rig is in great shape.
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thanks, i appreciate it. one of my best friends dad owns a used car lot and i had been in the market for a 4runner and asked if he would keep an eye out for one. went to the auction in greensboro and called me, told me all about it and the price and i told him to bring that truck home! brought it home for $13,500. it's a 2002 sport edition 4x4. only had 68K miles on it when i got it. have about 80K on it now. but yeah, it's super clean. one owner, well maintained.
 
Crzyrzr said:
Yeah took all of 30 mins to pull mine off, and I love it. It gave me another 7 1/2" body clearance. It doesn't take long or alot of sweat to do it and gives it a more aggresive look. Not to mention saving your shins. Where bouts in NC you located?
Click to expand...

I am fully aware of my limited aclination to all things mechanical when I read posts
like this. For me... blood, sweat, more blood and cursing the Heavens
was part of my "30 minute unbolting" sealing my fate to an eternity
in the lower, hottest depths of Hell.




Gooduck!
 
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Considering removal of my running boards. I’ve read many threads on here with tips and tricks and have seen several comments about increasing the risk of rocks and things flying up and damaging the sides.

Curious if those comments were mainly noticed during off-roading or on regular highway driving as well. I’ll be doing very little, if any off-roading for awhile, so I’m wondering for strictly on road driving should I expect an increase in “rock marks” if I remove the running boards? Seems logical that I would, so I’m leaning towards leaving them on even though I don’t love the look.
 
dstewart3ss said:
Considering removal of my running boards. I’ve read many threads on here with tips and tricks and have seen several comments about increasing the risk of rocks and things flying up and damaging the sides.

Curious if those comments were mainly noticed during off-roading or on regular highway driving as well. I’ll be doing very little, if any off-roading for awhile, so I’m wondering for strictly on road driving should I expect an increase in “rock marks” if I remove the running boards? Seems logical that I would, so I’m leaning towards leaving them on even though I don’t love the look.
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Oh yeah I noticed way more rocks and dirt and snow and slush half way up my doors even when only driving on the street. The running boards do an excellent job of shielding the rockers and lower door panels.

I’m keeping mine off anyway though Lol. Just preference I guess. I’m too tall for them to help with actual step assist. They just got in my way and made my pants dirty. Plus I like the way it looks without them. /shrug YMMV
 
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