Running Boards Off/On?

[Zadams31]

Ive been cruising through a bunch of the pics and about half of the 4runners have the running boards off. Is there any significance in taking these off or is it just a look preference?

 

[Freyer]

Really just looks. It makes it look like it has more ground clearance..Plus, you have to take them off to add sliders.

 

[Zadams31]

Really just looks. It makes it look like it has more ground clearance..Plus, you have to take them off to add sliders.

I have a 3/2 spacer lift and 1 inch body lift so it will probably look a lot better. I just wasn't sure if there was any other reason besides looks that people did it.

 

[Civiceg94]

Most of the time like what the other user said for looks i want to take mine off. But i have a short girlfriend and she already warn me i should not get mad when she messes up my seat lol

 

[Sisente]

For stock, you get a little more clearance with them off.

 

[jfry008]

My GF always slides out of my seat! Or slams the door! I think I die a little inside every time haha :Cry:

 

[Jabberjaw]

Remove running boards ...add sliders!

 

[jrm]

They are kind of fragile

and susceptible b/c of there position hanging below the vehicle. I like the added clearance combined with a mild 2" lift and 255/75/17s.

 

[O6runner]

off :reddance:

 

[NinjaOne]

I originally took mine off for two reasons, went w/out for a couple months

1) Looks

2) Was dragging the back of my clean pants across a dirty running board every morning.

I more recently swapped them out for '06 Sport Sport tube steps that I like a little better.

 

[Inv4drZm]

The only reason I have left mine on is to protect the paint from rock chips on dirt roads I frequent. I'll probably keep them on until I get sliders.

 

[BOSMECH]

Here is one more thought also, weight is your enemy when it comes to long drives or hauls so by removing them there is that much less weight.
I know there are a lot of things that can be removed for weight but this is a easy one to do.

 

[MrRoo]

Id love to take mine off on my 04 V8. But my kids are little and use them to climb in. If they were off id hate to see how bad the door sills would look. Only reason mine are on. Both my 3rd gens I took off. My boy could not get in. He fell back a couple times after slipping on the rockers. So these will have to stay on for while unfortunately.

 

[blakem5]

i had mine off for a summer but when i put my lift on i did not want the rock chips (in bc they gravel roads even if it snows 1cm)

 

[EricP3]

Has anyone on here tried the ebay tube style ones? I am curious if they are any good.

 

[Runner Up]

I think they look better off, and provides a bit more clearance, but like other posters have said, they help protect against gravel and rocks from chipping the paint on the doors and rocker panels. It's unfortunate the way they are designed though...too narrow to act as a real step for an adult, and for those of who don't need a step to get out, it means you have swing your leg out farther so that you don't bang your calf on it and get salt and dirt on your pant leg.