Running boards, keep or remove?

[manofsteele2003]

There's enough there for a step but not like the running boards because the slider sits close up to the rocker so you can't get your foot under like you can with the stock. Once you open the door it's easier but still not like stock. Shrockworks does make a more of a running board option that lays flat and gives you more foothold but they look too much like running boards to me.

 

[pedalpower]

Ok, I wanted to make sure that there's enough there for a 6 year old to get in and out. How far out is the slider from the rocker? 4" or 5"?

 

[Greenamphibious]

shrockworks makes a slider (as seen above) the also make one that is flat with die cut platforms that acts as a step

 

[c4k30rd34th]

I prefer no running boards. Mostly for visual reasons in the past. I just sold my Tundra crewmax on 35's with no running boards, so the 4Runner is a piece of cake to get in! My 3 year old loved to attempt to climb in the Tundra, and was humorous to watch. Then I finally started putting my hand down there as a step. I used to carry around a collapsible plastic foot stool that I would hide in an opening behind the seat. I used that until I forgot to put it back in... and ran it over. Oops!

I'll eventually get sliders though; probably Shrockworks.

 

[grifter]

It's a matter of preference as im sure others have already mentioned. The OEM running boards are ugly as sin!

Although there is some benefit to them like... keeping gravel from flying up and hitting your door panels, preventing door dings when you're mall crawling or even allowing little people a viable way to getting into your vehicle!

The rock sliders are sick and imo worth the price for the quality of construction.. be glad you're not in Canada and have to pay a premium to have them shipped, incl the ridiculous exchange rate

Thoughts on why?

 

[<<<<]

I've same Shrockworks that are on pics above and yes you can use them as steps. My family steps on them to get in.

 

[<<<<]

Just as on the pic - angled with rocker pannel.

 

[jicko]

Looks great. Why did you go with the black vs graphite rims by the way? Can you post a link to where you purchased the sliders from?

Why would you want graphite when you can have black? I like black better. To each his own.... LOL.

Shrockworks Rock Slider. If you want more info, and even to see installation, click my build thread, in my signature.

 

[Wis4]

Do the sliders from Shrockworks get ordered online? Are there any other ones that are comparable but less expensive?

 

[Wis4]

Why would you want graphite when you can have black? I like black better. To each his own.... LOL.



Shrockworks Rock Slider. If you want more info, and even to see installation, click my build thread, in my signature.

Now my issue is how my graphite wheels will look with black sliders. Ughh. Oh boy.

 

[Wis4]

Has anyone tried the dimpled tread plate sliders vs the rock sliders?

 

[manofsteele2003]

Most all real rock sliders are going to cost around $500-800 depending on what coating you have put on them. You might be able to get cheaper ones if there is a weld on option but then you have to pay someone to weld them on.

 

[Jernik]

If you have short people keep em on.
If you go off road and don't have short people take em off.
If you like the look keep em on.
If you don't like the look take em off.

I disagree with your point #1. I'm shorter (5'5") and that particular step came on our 4Runner. I took them off because I found them to be at an awkward position (and I prefer the look without them). Basically, if you step that high you're practically on the rocker (and into the floorboard) anyway. If you try to step out over/around them, you just get road gunk on your pants. Without them, the step up/down isn't too bad - just a little bit of a stretch (stock suspension, obviously), and I don't get crud all over the leg of my pants.

IMO, they would function better as a step if they were dropped about 3 inches (for people my height).

 

[jicko]

Has anyone tried the dimpled tread plate sliders vs the rock sliders?

"Tried" in terms of what? Both of them will hold up the weight of your car.

In some situation the angled one is more effective, in some situation, maybe reverse.

Personally, I want steps, as well as pure slider functionality; hence I got the dimpled tread plate model. I like it!!!!

Do the sliders from Shrockworks get ordered online? Are there any other ones that are comparable but less expensive?

Yes, order Shrockworks online.

I know of comparable ones that are more expensive.

There are probably ones that are less expensive, but one would have to figure out if they are truely "comparable".

So, IMO, just stick with the "tried and true" ones.

 

[Wis4]

"Tried" in terms of what? Both of them will hold up the weight of your car.

In some situation the angled one is more effective, in some situation, maybe reverse.

Personally, I want steps, as well as pure slider functionality; hence I got the dimpled tread plate model. I like it!!!!




Yes, order Shrockworks online.

I know of comparable ones that are more expensive.

There are probably ones that are less expensive, but one would have to figure out if they are truely "comparable".

So, IMO, just stick with the "tried and true" ones.

Do you have a close up on how yours look? Tried meaning the look of it and functionality. I am leaning towards the dimpled tread plate ones because I don't off road, but my dilemma is how those will look next to my graphite rims. It might look odd.

 

[Wis4]

I disagree with your point #1. I'm shorter (5'5") and that particular step came on our 4Runner. I took them off because I found them to be at an awkward position (and I prefer the look without them). Basically, if you step that high you're practically on the rocker (and into the floorboard) anyway. If you try to step out over/around them, you just get road gunk on your pants. Without them, the step up/down isn't too bad - just a little bit of a stretch (stock suspension, obviously), and I don't get crud all over the leg of my pants.



IMO, they would function better as a step if they were dropped about 3 inches (for people my height).

Which step were you referring to?

 

[cbreze]

OP, I had the dealer remove mine and knock a bit more off the overall price. I thought they were a pretty bad eyesore, not to even mention the cut into my ground clearance. But with no running boards I got a much nicer look in my opinion. I quickly added Metal Tech sliders for that "more rugged" look and further protective factor. It did look a little to bare, and worse, kind of vulnerable without anything. The sliders really complimented the whole appearance of everything. Again, just my opinion, but in my view the running boards just made it look wussie. Dare I say soccer mommish?

 

[Wis4]

OP, I had the dealer remove mine and knock a bit more off the overall price. I thought they were a pretty bad eyesore, not to even mention the cut into my ground clearance. But with no running boards I got a much nicer look in my opinion. I quickly added Metal Tech sliders for that "more rugged" look and further protective factor. It did look a little to bare, and worse, kind of vulnerable without anything. The sliders really complimented the whole appearance of everything. Again, just my opinion, but in my view the running boards just made it look wussie. Dare I say soccer mommish?

I hear you. Do you off road ? I don't do any off roading so I would get the sliders just for the look of anything. I agree without anything there it looks bare and rock chips will happen. Makes me wonder why they did that to the Pro version.

 

[Wis4]

I contacted Shrockworks and they recommended these in my case. It just looks too close to what I have now though with the exception of the matte silver strip mine has.

 

[cbreze]

I hear you. Do you off road ? I don't do any off roading so I would get the sliders just for the look of anything. I agree without anything there it looks bare and rock chips will happen. Makes me wonder why they did that to the Pro version.

I don't do any rough off roading, lots of dirt road travel stuff, but so far nothing really I'd consider serious. Those days are probably behind me for the most part. I got rid of the running boards and got sliders for the overall improved appearance of the rig. As a bonus, I found cars that might park next to me are low enough(also have a 2 1/2" lift) that any door dings are absorbed by the slider as that is where their door hits. Love the look I have achieved with the sliders. Worth the money in my view even tho I'll never probably use them for what they were made for. But one never knows. They give me a certain peace of mind as well. You should check into them.