Running Board Removal???

[ftbjoe87]

Hey I recently removed the running boards from my 05 se. I noticed there was a lot of mud and crap on the bottom of them and was wondering if anyone has had problems with rock chips or anything of that sort from removing their running boards. Im thinking I might get some chips on the lower parts of the doors that were previously gaurded by the running boards. I have the flat, black type not the tubed ones. Thanks

 

[Dennis]

I saw this mentioned in another thread. It seems obvious that the rocker panels and lower doors are going to be more exposed to damage without the running boards. Neverthess, many other vehicles, including some competent off-road competition like Jeep and Land Rover, get by without running boards.

I myself have a Grand Cherokee that is seven years old (it's for sale!) that has been off road quite a bit and used in heavy winter weather. The rocker panels have a few nicks, but it still looks fine to me. Better than running boards, anyway.

 

[Big E]

I just took mine off as well, and this is a minor concern for me too. I used to have a Grand Cherokee and the lower portion of the doors/sides was covered with a non-smooth cladding so you couldn't really notice any chips or marks. But my 4Runner cladding is smooth and painted black...definitely more prone to chips. I'll see how it holds up thru this coming winter. If it gets bad, I may have to put the boards back on. But, man, I love how it looks with them off!

 

[BenSD]

Yes, you wil get more rock chips on the lower pannels. I get them mostly near the wheels, especially where the fender flares drops down and stick out a little bit. It's not too bad though. I've had mine off for about a year, and only have about 5 rock chips all together down there. They are easy to retouch.

 

[Iron Clad Lou]

Yes, you wil get more rock chips on the lower pannels. I get them mostly near the wheels, especially where the fender flares drops down and stick out a little bit. It's not too bad though. I've had mine off for about a year, and only have about 5 rock chips all together down there. They are easy to retouch.

I think you just convinced me to revome the boards!

 

[Thai]

Can you get mudflaps?

 

[Bluto]

I'll be removing mine off when my sliders arrive. The boards really do keep the truck very clean and protected.

If the chips get bad, I'll linex the rocker panels.

 

[Iron Clad Lou]

Can you get mudflaps?

you mean bigger flaps? there are OEM flaps on it already

 

[Thai]

you mean bigger flaps? there are OEM flaps on it already

Oh...nevermind then. Back in 2002 when i had my 4runner, there was no mudflaps if you take off the running boards. You have to go to your local car store and get a generic one to make.

 

[OUTRNNR]

I think you just convinced me to revome the boards!

Haha, I love the diversity of this board. Some take em off some put em on. To each their own

I just bought a virtually brand new set of the '06 Sport tube steps from a fellow member and I will put them on in place of my stock running boards. Hopefully it will give it a sportier look, and I can't wait to see the color match of the tubes and my wheels! :beer:

 

[Iron Clad Lou]

Haha, I love the diversity of this board. Some take em off some put em on. To each their own

I just bought a virtually brand new set of the '06 Sport tube steps from a fellow member and I will put them on in place of my stock running boards. Hopefully it will give it a sportier look, and I can't wait to see the color match of the tubes and my wheels! :beer:

I'd like to replace the flat boards with these

 

[Falls]

Haha, I love the diversity of this board. Some take em off some put em on. To each their own

I just bought a virtually brand new set of the '06 Sport tube steps from a fellow member and I will put them on in place of my stock running boards. Hopefully it will give it a sportier look, and I can't wait to see the color match of the tubes and my wheels! :beer:

Oh no I better check my garage , maybe OUTRNNR paid a visit while we were at work......

 

[ovrrdrive]

I think one of you guys in FL should take yours off and sell them to me. My wife wants a pair for ours.

Let's just say she's a little vertically challenged and would like a little help getting in and out. She had them on her '99 and got used to them I guess.

For me they just get in the way...

 

[coondog704]

I took mine off today, I really love the new look

 

[Ruthven13]

Nice old thread! For anyone doing this now I would think something like a clear film, would work, kind of like the clear hood protectors. I don't know if this is available but it was just a thought...

 

[LunarRock22]

2022 Lunar Rock TRD Running Board removal

I am new to the TRD as I am going to be trading in my Silverado in 6 weeks when my Lunar Rock TRd Prem comes in. :wave:

Since i am way more familiar with GM vehicles, if I remove the OEM running boards, is there another piece (rocker panels) i need to replace? I do not want it to look unfinished like a Jeep Gladiator (you can see the pinch welds on those) :lmao:

I believe they look way better without them

 

[rwh963]

no comment on how to remove, and i agree that they look somewhat better without. however, i keep mine on to assist in accessing the roof. easier than trying to stand on the rocker.

 

[dasx86]

I am new to the TRD as I am going to be trading in my Silverado in 6 weeks when my Lunar Rock TRd Prem comes in. :wave:

Since i am way more familiar with GM vehicles, if I remove the OEM running boards, is there another piece (rocker panels) i need to replace? I do not want it to look unfinished like a Jeep Gladiator (you can see the pinch welds on those) :lmao:

I believe they look way better without them

You're on the 4th gen forum right now, not the 5th gen you're getting. Though I imagine it's the same with the 5th gen

You won't need anything else, you can't see pinch welds after removing the running boards. (There are ~1.5inch high side skirts that sit below the door panels - they're not very visible with the doors closed. There are pinch welds behind the side skirts)

 

[LunarRock22]

Oops my bad! thanks for answering.
I am looking forward to getting my 1st 4Runner!:banana: