Removing Running Boards... What to do with Bolts?

[mstgkillr]

I absolutely hate the chrome edge running boards and plan to remove them ASAP. What is everyone doing with the bolts? Should I reinstall the running board bolts or not? What does the factory do for the 4Runner without running boards?

 

[12Bravo4R]

Put them in a zip-lock baggy, tape them to one of the running boards and give them away.

 

[Tim P]

I screwed mine back into their threaded holes in the body to prevent debris from getting up into the holes and causing corrosion, etc. Probably a fruitless effort, but still - it's slightly better than just leaving them wide open.

 

[mstgkillr]

Put them in a zip-lock baggy, tape them to one of the running boards and give them away.

I doubt anyone would even want the ugly ones that I have. I just planned on trashing them.

I screwed mine back into their threaded holes in the body to prevent debris from getting up into the holes and causing corrosion, etc. Probably a fruitless effort, but still - it's slightly better than just leaving them wide open.

I can't decide if leaving them out would be better... maybe the water will just drain out. If I reinstalled them, I'm concerned that if water does get in, it will be trapped longer. I'm probably overthinking it way too much!

Do 4Runners without running boards from the factory have bolts installed there?

 

[RUNTHAT]

I would do the same as Tim if you don't plan on selling the running boards.

 

[rsimi72]

Do 4Runners without running boards from the factory have bolts installed there?

Yes, mine came from the factory with bolts installed. I removed the factory bolts and used the slightly larger ones that came with the steps when I installed them. FWIW - the holes on my Tacoma had plastic plugs in those holes (from the factory) instead of bolts.

 

[Tim P]

I can't decide if leaving them out would be better... maybe the water will just drain out. If I reinstalled them, I'm concerned that if water does get in, it will be trapped longer. I'm probably overthinking it way too much!

Do 4Runners without running boards from the factory have bolts installed there?

Maybe spray some Fluid Film in the holes and on the threads prior to inserting the nut, screw the nut in and then apply more fluid film in and around the head of the bolt. That should create a very weatherproof barrier.

 

[J-Roc]

Anyone here have a pic of their running boards removed.
Pref. 2010-2013 LTD.
Looking to remove mine, just wondering the look before I take them off.
Did it to my 4th gen and it looked way better.
Any known issues with removing?

Thanks

 

[jeroweezy]

i have the same running boards as the op on my sr5. has the chrome..i plan on replacing them too but add maybe nerf steps .

 

[pDubs]

I was planning on coating with anti seize and throwing them back in. That way if I ever want to put them back on to sell the threads won't be rusted.

 

[FLYNAVY53]

I replaced my stock running boards with Shrockworks pieces that mount to the frame. I put the original bolts back in the factory holes and tossed the running boards. The only reason I put the bolts back is to provide an easy mounting option in the off chance there is something I want to mount in that location at a later date.

 

[gdvan01]

Put 'em in an old tube sock, tie it off and save it as a zombie-bashing weapon...

eep:

 

[Agent_Outside]

Anyone here have a pic of their running boards removed.
Pref. 2010-2013 LTD.
Looking to remove mine, just wondering the look before I take them off.
Did it to my 4th gen and it looked way better.
Any known issues with removing?

Thanks

Pull hem off and look, it’s 6 bolts and 5 minutes a side, but here my 11 Limited without them.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/259941-agent_outside-adventures-4runner-limited.html

 

[J-Roc]

Pull hem off and look, it’s 6 bolts and 5 minutes a side, but here my 11 Limited without them.



http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/259941-agent_outside-adventures-4runner-limited.html

Oh thank god, thought it was going to be a 3 hour job....
And yes, yours are removed, but you have sliders...

 

[Agent_Outside]

Oh thank god, thought it was going to be a 3 hour job....
And yes, yours are removed, but you have sliders...

Dude look through the pics, there’s like 10,000 of them with out steps or sliders and a handful of pictures with them.

 

[MrH42]

Just include them when you sell the running boards.

 

[J-Roc]

Dude look through the pics, there’s like 10,000 of them with out steps or sliders and a handful of pictures with them.

Ahhh, sorry brother...That was the “Pays no attention to detail, Jump to conclusions me” you were talking to there...[emoji15]
It’s actually one of my best qualities

Killer thread, a ton of amazing pix there.

Thanks

 

[mrblah]

i would add those bolts to my collection of other homeless bolts.....

if you thread then back in, I would recommend anti seize. If you plan on leaving them out, I"d spray the holes with spray paint, so you don't start corrosion from the unused/bare threads.

 

[zcruiser]

Anyone here have a pic of their running boards removed.
Pref. 2010-2013 LTD.
Looking to remove mine, just wondering the look before I take them off.
Did it to my 4th gen and it looked way better.
Any known issues with removing?

Thanks

I changed running boards but here’s the “in-between” shot.

I’d love to remove mine but have a daughter with limited mobility and she needs them.

 

[4runner55]

Put sealant on the threads and reinstall them.