Removing Automatic Running Boards (Side Steps)?

[pobando]

I hear everything is removable, but has anyone taken their automatic running boards off of their truck yet?
Were there any issues with terminating the wiring both internally (in the cabin at the button) and externally (underneath the truck?)

Further would it be posssible to cut the wires and remove the steps from under the vehicle and leave the button in place should the equipment ever need to be put back on (resale value, tradein etc.)?

I have Bud Built sliders that I want to install and would prefer removing them completely myself and not paying the stealership.

If anyone has them on I wonder if there is enough clearance to keep them in the retracted positon and "tucked away" without interfering with the slider mounting points on the frame. I read that the automatic RB's do not actually attach to the frame itself.

Totally wild thought, but if I do get these off I wonder if I can use the power source under the truck to add some additional lighting?

My 4Runner was totaled recently (me and the family are AOK) and I've found a few newer models locally that have the automatic running boards already installed. If it is a major PITA I'll continue my search for vehicles that do not have these pre-installed.

 

[3s1kill]

Glad you guys are doing ok. One thought is if you left the auto RB's in and try to install your aftermarket one where would it bolt up to? The auto boards may be using the bolt holes so they might need to be completely removed.

Also, I never looked under but maybe nothing needs to be cut. It could have a harness you can just unplug and then unbolt the auto RB's.

EDIT: I found this, it seems pretty easy.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/199858-remove-running-boards-2015-limited-question.html

 

[pobando]

Glad you guys are doing ok. One thought is if you left the auto RB's in and try to install your aftermarket one where would it bolt up to? The auto boards may be using the bolt holes so they might need to be completely removed.

Also, I never looked under but maybe nothing needs to be cut. It could have a harness you can just unplug and then unbolt the auto RB's.

EDIT: I found this, it seems pretty easy.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/199858-remove-running-boards-2015-limited-question.html

Yeah I agree should be easy to un bolt them. I hope there is a quick disconnect for the electrical. The link you provided was for the basic side steps not the auto deploy electric running boards. These were easy to remove 6 bolts per side.
These might be a bit more complicated I just don’t know since yet since I don’t own the vehicle yet. I haven’t had any time to crawl under the vehicles on the lot to investigate. I will on my next test drive. Thanks for the help though!

 

[flea1983]

I had regular running boards on mine, so don't know how the powered ones come off exactly, but do know if you get a limited/sr5 you'll have to either buy trail rocker trim or cut the rocker panels to get the sliders on. You could also just leave the rockers off if you want, but I preferred cutting them. If the budbuilts aren't made for limited models, you will have to remove the x-reas lines to mount them as they have angle supports that the lines get in the way of. You might could get some longer bolts and washers and space the two controllers that are on the frame out enough to bend the lines, but I removed x-reas instead of trying that so not sure if it would work.

 

[pobando]

I had regular running boards on mine, so don't know how the powered ones come off exactly, but do know if you get a limited/sr5 you'll have to either buy trail rocker trim or cut the rocker panels to get the sliders on. You could also just leave the rockers off if you want, but I preferred cutting them. If the budbuilts aren't made for limited models, you will have to remove the x-reas lines to mount them as they have angle supports that the lines get in the way of. You might could get some longer bolts and washers and space the two controllers that are on the frame out enough to bend the lines, but I removed x-reas instead of trying that so not sure if it would work.

I also had the regular running boards from my '10, super easy to remove.

The bud built sliders are built for the limited so all good there no issues with XREAS. I also cut my rocker pannels like you mentioned. Looking forward to doing that again lol.
I just need a new truck to put them on

 

[flea1983]

I also had the regular running boards from my '10, super easy to remove.

The bud built sliders are built for the limited so all good there no issues with XREAS. I also cut my rocker pannels like you mentioned. Looking forward to doing that again lol.
I just need a new truck to put them on

Then you already know lol. The budbuilts I got had braces that the xreas lines blocked, even though they were marked for a limited. Must have welded them on by habit, I don’t think Bud gets many limited orders. I had planned on lifting anyway so went ahead and did it. Good luck with your search, maybe you can find one without the power boards.

 

[mrblah]

I hear everything is removable, but has anyone taken their automatic running boards off of their truck yet?
Were there any issues with terminating the wiring both internally (in the cabin at the button) and externally (underneath the truck?)

Further would it be posssible to cut the wires and remove the steps from under the vehicle and leave the button in place should the equipment ever need to be put back on (resale value, tradein etc.)?

I have Bud Built sliders that I want to install and would prefer removing them completely myself and not paying the stealership.

If anyone has them on I wonder if there is enough clearance to keep them in the retracted positon and "tucked away" without interfering with the slider mounting points on the frame. I read that the automatic RB's do not actually attach to the frame itself.

Totally wild thought, but if I do get these off I wonder if I can use the power source under the truck to add some additional lighting?

My 4Runner was totaled recently (me and the family are AOK) and I've found a few newer models locally that have the automatic running boards already installed. If it is a major PITA I'll continue my search for vehicles that do not have these pre-installed.

You can probably find more vehicles without those auto running boards than with, or at least where I live. I'd look for vehicles without them, and save yourself the grand or so that the dealer would be charging you for them.

 

[SilvaRunner]

Adding OEM automatic running boards?

I actually have a limited 5th Gen and I want to add the OEM running boards to my truck. I searched for a thread of adding them and only came up with this thread to remove them. My searching skills suck, if there is a thread to add the OEM running boards to a limited 5th gen 4Runner that didn't originally come with that option please link it in your reply. I humbly thank you in advance.