Remove Running Boards

[Brian.]

You'll have to decide if you're an "image" person or a "function" person. Do you drive around on MT or AT tires despite hardly ever leaving the tarmac? Do you have "look at me" cosmetic mods done (flash-back or angle-eye headlights, stickers on windows, changed wheels, etc...)? How about plate bumpers, or a non-OEM roof rack (again for your majority street driving)? If yes to any of those, you might be more about the form/image/look than the function. In which case, pull the running boards and just accept any possible rock dings as a cost, much like running AT/MT tires, heavy bumpers and wind-brick roof racks all eat fuel economy.

I'm very much a function first guy, there are zero benefits to removing running boards for on-road use so mine stay in place. Plus, my wife uses them to ease entry and exit, so there's a functional benefit to keeping them.

Not knocking either way, and removing the OEM running boards can have a functional reason when off-roading (replaced with sliders). Just do what makes the most sense to you.

 

[dstewart3ss]

You'll have to decide if you're an "image" person or a "function" person. Do you drive around on MT or AT tires despite hardly ever leaving the tarmac? Do you have "look at me" cosmetic mods done (flash-back or angle-eye headlights, stickers on windows, changed wheels, etc...)? How about plate bumpers, or a non-OEM roof rack (again for your majority street driving)? If yes to any of those, you might be more about the form/image/look than the function. In which case, pull the running boards and just accept any possible rock dings as a cost, much like running AT/MT tires, heavy bumpers and wind-brick roof racks all eat fuel economy.

I'm very much a function first guy, there are zero benefits to removing running boards for on-road use so mine stay in place. Plus, my wife uses them to ease entry and exit, so there's a functional benefit to keeping them.

Not knocking either way, and removing the OEM running boards can have a functional reason when off-roading (replaced with sliders). Just do what makes the most sense to you.

Thanks Brian. I literally just bought the 4Runner and should have it in my driveway this week. It’s bone stock but also only has 45k original miles and is basically immaculate. About the only mods that are even on my radar are some more aggressive looking tires and removing the running boards. IMO this gives it a more sporty look without trying to be an off-road poser. My wife (only 5’2”) and my 5-yr old daughter will likely have a strong opinion about the running boards so the decision might get made for me.

cl4Rk: thank you - this is exactly what I wanted to know!

 

[cl4Rk]

It’s bone stock but also only has 45k original miles and is basically immaculate.

Nice!!

 

[cl4Rk]

[MENTION=666942]dstewart3ss[/MENTION] One thing to add, when I took mine off they revealed massive gouges down to the bare metal where they had rubbed against the rocker panel / dogleg paint for 21 years.

So it might be worth taking them off, inspecting, and repairing any damage underneath to prevent rust, and then reinstalling them.

Just a thought.

 

[brillo_76]

I personally leave the boards on and only remove to repair and replace them as I dont off road and my wife and daughter use them.

I like how they keep the truck clean but this is me and everyone has their own opinion.

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

 

[Endlessblockades]

Mine actually banged my calf every time I got out of the rig and I never found stepping on them useful. I would have removed them for that reason alone, but luckily I was also applying for an apprentice mall-crawling permit and removal is required.

 

[Kanoe]

I drive a lot of gravel roads, sometimes hundreds of Kms at a stretch. Without running boards I’d have completely sandblasted rockers and doors. They do a good job protecting the truck.

Mine are not the oem but rather a set of my own making and I wouldn’t be without them, under the circumstances.

 

[phattyduck]

My wife (only 5’2”) and my 5-yr old daughter will likely have a strong opinion about the running boards so the decision might get made for me.

cl4Rk: thank you - this is exactly what I wanted to know!

The decision has already been made, you just don't know it yet. (I have a 5'2" wife and 4yo daughter myself...).

You'll likely want to keep them on unless you really want the look of no running boards or go off roading in places where they would get banged up.

Myself, I run 'flat' rock sliders that can be used as steps.

-Charlie

 

[dstewart3ss]

The decision has already been made, you just don't know it yet. (I have a 5'2" wife and 4yo daughter myself...).

You'll likely want to keep them on unless you really want the look of no running boards or go off roading in places where they would get banged up.

Myself, I run 'flat' rock sliders that can be used as steps.

-Charlie

I think you’re correct Charlie!

Good to know that your flat rock sliders do the job of protection. Wonder if you’d consider them as good as the OEM running boards in terms of body protection? I definitely like the look of your style better than the OEM. Can’t see myself taking the OEM off and not replacing with something knowing the increased likelihood of rock damage.

 

[phattyduck]

I think you’re correct Charlie!

Good to know that your flat rock sliders do the job of protection. Wonder if you’d consider them as good as the OEM running boards in terms of body protection? I definitely like the look of your style better than the OEM. Can’t see myself taking the OEM off and not replacing with something knowing the increased likelihood of rock damage.

Oh, my sliders don't protect the body much from gravel, etc... I have front mud flaps for that. They are there for big rocks and secondarily as steps for the short family members (ok, I use them too...).

-Charlie

 

[Endlessblockades]

I think you’re correct Charlie!

Good to know that your flat rock sliders do the job of protection. Wonder if you’d consider them as good as the OEM running boards in terms of body protection? I definitely like the look of your style better than the OEM. Can’t see myself taking the OEM off and not replacing with something knowing the increased likelihood of rock damage.

Rock sliders are a different piece of equipment entirely and can support the weight of the truck if they get hung up on a boulder or ledge, thereby protecting the rockers, body, and doors from damage. Running boards offer very little in the way of off-road impact protection but are good at keeping road grime, dirt, and dust off the body and make for a nice step-up platform.

 

[dstewart3ss]

Rock sliders are a different piece of equipment entirely and can support the weight of the truck if they get hung up on a boulder or ledge, thereby protecting the rockers, body, and doors from damage. Running boards offer very little in the way of off-road impact protection but are good at keeping road grime, dirt, and dust off the body and make for a nice step-up platform.

Makes sense - would love opinions on whether front mud flaps offer similar protection as the factory running boards......I kind of like the idea of front mud flaps and no running boards if the flaps offer similar protection - and if I can convince the wife