Removing roof rack rail and running boards

[gizmopt2002]

My question is if i remove the running boards and the crossmember of the roof rack will it have any effect to increase my MPG?

 

[BenSD]

My question is if i remove the running boards and the crossmember of the roof rack will it have any effect to increase my MPG?

Probably a tiny bit, but I don't think it makes sense to make such a big deal over a few cents a week. Don't sweat it unless you plan on taking them off for looks. I removed the running boards for that reason.

 

[toto]

You didn't buy the 4Runner for fuel economy!
The difference would be so minute it's not worth it. As BenSD said, do it for looks if you like, but not for MPG.

 

[gizmopt2002]

Very true Ben and toto. The running board im probably gonna remove for the winter months. and the crossmembers may be the cause of the whistle i hear.

 

[ifallalot]

Remove the runnin boards just because it looks a million times cooler

 

[toto]

Yes, the crossbars might be whistling. Check the position they're sitting in. There are stickers that indicate the optimum position for them when not in use, and noise prevention is the issue.

 

[toybox]

Yes, the crossbars might be whistling. Check the position they're sitting in. There are stickers that indicate the optimum position for them when not in use, and noise prevention is the issue.

The 2003's did not have the sticker to tell you the optimal placement of the crossbars for noise reduction.

 

[qballjr13]

i would remove the runners but the damn kids will just fall flat on their faces lol.

...and if you remove the roofrack the wife will just slide right off the back when you step on it! :beer:

 

[4by4th]

When I went under the Runner with the greese gun a couple weeks ago I realized the thing making it most difficult was getting under the running boards. Thinking about taking them off now. Only time they'll be missed is when loading up the Kangaroo bag on the roof.

 

[Fro-Runner]

Roof rack crossmembers?
My truck's running boards?



Hmmmm, both of mine's be a long gone!

 

[Uneek]

If the truck doesn't have the crossbar position stickers, are there dimples on the inside of the driver side rail? Mine has dimples where the front edge of the crossbars would be behind. If there isn't, the back crossbar is pretty much as far back as possible and the front crossbar is about 10" behind the rubber piece inside the rail.