Running boards, keep or remove?

[Jernik]

I put them in the attic above the garage in case I changed my mind. Then found out Gulf States Toyota puts them on nearly every 4Runner that comes into Houston, so I forgot about trying to sell. Figured I'd just put them back on if I ever sell/trade the vehicle.

So far I haven't noticed chipping, still have the mud guards behind the wheels. That said, I don't hit gravel very often. No sliders mainly due to cost since I don't offroad much or go anywhere that could do much damage when I do. And I like the look with nothing there.

Will keep an eye out for rick chips though... might have to do some kind of clear shield (I think 3M makes it) if I start to see them.

 

[Wis4]

I put them in the attic above the garage in case I changed my mind. Then found out Gulf States Toyota puts them on nearly every 4Runner that comes into Houston, so I forgot about trying to sell. Figured I'd just put them back on if I ever sell/trade the vehicle.



So far I haven't noticed chipping, still have the mud guards behind the wheels. That said, I don't hit gravel very often. No sliders mainly due to cost since I don't offroad much or go anywhere that could do much damage when I do. And I like the look with nothing there.



Will keep an eye out for rick chips though... might have to do some kind of clear shield (I think 3M makes it) if I start to see them.

I agree with you. So you have the same feeling I do. The running boards don't allow you to get close enough to get in comfortably. With them off you can easily get in. Correct?

Here's how mine would look with them off. Photoshop worked ok in this case.

 

[Jernik]

It's a little bit of a stretch to get out without, for lack of a better word, jumping or falling. I stretch a bit to get my forefoot on the ground to step out. But I think getting in is definitely easier. I do wonder how much wear the side of the seat will show (and when) but so far it's holding up very well with no noticeable breakdown or sign of wear.

As mentioned, I think it took 5 or 10 minutes to unbolt them. They're not heavy, but a tad awkward. My wife helped hold one end once it was loose while I unbolted the other. Re-installation would be just as easy.

That silver looks great and was a close (very close) 2nd choice for me - and I thought about those rims too... but the wife was giving me enough stink-eye over replacing the brand new stock tires as it was! Maybe when this set wears out... lol

 

[Wis4]

It's a little bit of a stretch to get out without, for lack of a better word, jumping or falling. I stretch a bit to get my forefoot on the ground to step out. But I think getting in is definitely easier. I do wonder how much wear the side of the seat will show (and when) but so far it's holding up very well with no noticeable breakdown or sign of wear.



As mentioned, I think it took 5 or 10 minutes to unbolt them. They're not heavy, but a tad awkward. My wife helped hold one end once it was loose while I unbolted the other. Re-installation would be just as easy.



That silver looks great and was a close (very close) 2nd choice for me - and I thought about those rims too... but the wife was giving me enough stink-eye over replacing the brand new stock tires as it was! Maybe when this set wears out... lol

So in your opinion I should leave it as is or remove them? Overall I have been complimented on the color combination. The silver does match nicely, but as you read through this thread others highly disagree and told me the running boards are horrible.

If I wouldn't have sold my original tires and rims on Craigslist I would not have changed them out. Way too much out of pocket costs.

 

[Jernik]

As to the running boards, I'd recommend taking them off to see how you like getting in/out without them. If you don't like it without, you can put them back on and continue looking for something better.

The rims, I think they look good with the silver. And the Cooper AT/3 and/or ATP look good on the 4Runner too. At the end of the day, it's your truck... if you like it, that's all that matters.

 

[Wis4]

As to the running boards, I'd recommend taking them off to see how you like getting in/out without them. If you don't like it without, you can put them back on and continue looking for something better.



The rims, I think they look good with the silver. And the Cooper AT/3 and/or ATP look good on the 4Runner too. At the end of the day, it's your truck... if you like it, that's all that matters.

As far as the look of the running boards ....for me personally it starting to look more and more like a grocery getter. I agree with some others. I prefer a more rugged look or nothing at all. When I first got it I guess I was used to seeing a bunch of other T4R's around town with them on and the excitement of getting my first T4R I wasn't really thinking about it. But now I've owned it for 8 months and I'm starting to think it doesn't look right and is uncomfortable getting in and out. You hit it on the nail in my opinion.

 

[jicko]

I agree mine look too bulky, but I won't replace these to get Shrockworks running boards. To me they look just as bulky without the silver strip. I guess I'd have to see them in person. I would rather go for the rock sliders. I am just hesitant especially after reading how hard they were to install.

Shrockworks do not make running boards. Shrockworks make "rock sliders".

 

[96r50]

I think this is the longest thread about running boards I've seen.

Seriously, why is this so complicated? In the amount of time it took you to ask all these questions you could have taken your running boards off (it's about a half dozen bolts), determined whether you liked the look, and made a decision about keeping them off or reinstalling them. If you want information about replacement options there are tons of threads already about various models of sliders where every last detail and pro/con is discussed ad nauseum.

Don't overthink this; they're just running boards. Grab a wrench and see if you like the truck without them.

 

[manofsteele2003]

I think this is the longest thread about running boards I've seen.

Seriously, why is this so complicated? In the amount of time it took you to ask all these questions you could have taken your running boards off (it's about a half dozen bolts), determined whether you liked the look, and made a decision about keeping them off or reinstalling them. If you want information about replacement options there are tons of threads already about various models of sliders where every last detail and pro/con is discussed ad nauseum.

Don't overthink this; they're just running boards. Grab a wrench and see if you like the truck without them.

Very well put. Just unbolt one side, then you can walk from one side to the other and see if you like it. It's your truck so base your decision on your own opinion not everyone else's.

 

[Wis4]

I think this is the longest thread about running boards I've seen.

Seriously, why is this so complicated? In the amount of time it took you to ask all these questions you could have taken your running boards off (it's about a half dozen bolts), determined whether you liked the look, and made a decision about keeping them off or reinstalling them. If you want information about replacement options there are tons of threads already about various models of sliders where every last detail and pro/con is discussed ad nauseum.

Don't overthink this; they're just running boards. Grab a wrench and see if you like the truck without them.

Mainly to get ideas, opinions and pictures. Taking these off and adding rock sliders seem complicated to me, but now that I think of it I might want to add nothing after I remove these old boards.

 

[Wis4]

Shrockworks do not make running boards. Shrockworks make "rock sliders".

Yours look a little bit different than mine without the silver strip and dimples. If I'm going to change I'm going to do a drastic change.

 

[Wis4]

Has anyone tried Rocky Road sliders? Reading through this forum others owners seem to think they are up to par with Shrockworks.
http://www.rocky-road.com/4runner-rock-sliders.html

 

[mace.]

Has anyone tried Rocky Road sliders? Reading through this forum others owners seem to think they are up to par with Shrockworks.
http://www.rocky-road.com/4runner-rock-sliders.html

Yup I have them. A little searching will reveal others that have also.

 

[Greenamphibious]

Has anyone tried Rocky Road sliders? Reading through this forum others owners seem to think they are up to par with Shrockworks.
4runner Rock Sliders: Toyota 4runner Rock Sliders

on par? no.... decent? sure. but they dont provide much of a step

 

[mace.]

on par? no.... decent? sure. but they dont provide much of a step

Definitely not a step. Whether they are worth it comes down to what someone is looking for. The super sliders are tucked in tight, they take a beating, pricing is fair, and turnaround time is quick.

 

[jicko]

To each his own again, you get what you paid for. And everyone get to choose what he likes, looks wise, quality wise and function wise. No one here is to tell you what YOU do with your truck.

Yours look a little bit different than mine without the silver strip and dimples. If I'm going to change I'm going to do a drastic change.

Some people goes for look, some people goes for functions. I was just making a point that the piece that Shrockworks make IS a "Rock Slider", which can hold up the weight of your vehicle, protect your vehicle's body should you need it around obstacles. A running board is merely a low hanging step, any bit of pressure against it, it will wrap and crush.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAf9Oo3I7fU

Will YOU ever do these and "need" a rock slider? ...... the way how this thread is going..... I seriously doubt......

 

[jspagna1]

Honestly if it wasn't for my wife who is short and has a bad back and my kids, I would remove mine. Need to be careful when putting the truck up on a garage lift.

 

[Wis4]

To each his own again, you get what you paid for. And everyone get to choose what he likes, looks wise, quality wise and function wise. No one here is to tell you what YOU do with your truck.




Some people goes for look, some people goes for functions. I was just making a point that the piece that Shrockworks make IS a "Rock Slider", which can hold up the weight of your vehicle, protect your vehicle's body should you need it around obstacles. A running board is merely a low hanging step, any bit of pressure against it, it will wrap and crush.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAf9Oo3I7fU

Will YOU ever do these and "need" a rock slider? ...... the way how this thread is going..... I seriously doubt......

Thanks for your honesty. I will never off-road. I don't like the running board look and really like the rock slider look. Thanks for your input and time on this!

 

[Wis4]

To each his own again, you get what you paid for. And everyone get to choose what he likes, looks wise, quality wise and function wise. No one here is to tell you what YOU do with your truck.




Some people goes for look, some people goes for functions. I was just making a point that the piece that Shrockworks make IS a "Rock Slider", which can hold up the weight of your vehicle, protect your vehicle's body should you need it around obstacles. A running board is merely a low hanging step, any bit of pressure against it, it will wrap and crush.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAf9Oo3I7fU

Will YOU ever do these and "need" a rock slider? ...... the way how this thread is going..... I seriously doubt......

I forgot to ask can sliders rust over time?

 

[mace.]

I forgot to ask can sliders rust over time?

Yes.