running boards VS Nerf bars?

[pcoppock]

are the step bars on some 4runner sports aftermarket?

 

[tbst]

Neither. Sliders.

 

[Gerdo]

VS Sliders!

Sliders will give you protection when wheeling and supply a step.
Most people angle the outside tubes of sliders up but you don't NEED to. They can be mounted level to allow a better step.

 

[Nunyabiz]

opted for Sliders and as stated above did not angle them except for 1 degree up.
make a nice solid step, does not sacrifice ground clearance, looks good and has already saved my doors from 2 Cadillac doors in parking lots.

 

[alexb]

nunyabiz, are those custom or did you order them from somewhere. I really like the way they look.

 

[pcoppock]

so anytime i see sliders on a 4runner they are aftermarket?

 

[Hepar]

so anytime i see sliders on a 4runner they are aftermarket?

Yes, but just so there's no confusion, there are three main different types of steps that you'll see on a Runner.

1. Factory running boards. These run along the bottom of the sills and are either black or painted to match. They are molded into the body giving it a more streamline look.

2. Nerf bars. These are aftermarket bars that run along the bottom. Usually chrome or black. Purpose is for looks and to add a step up to get in or to get to the roof rack.

3. Sliders. These are made from round or square tubing. The main purpose of sliders is to protect the bottom from damage (basically an extension of the frame). They can also serve as a jack point as well as a step up.

 

[gannonrt]

Factory running boards are damage multipliers when you do have something hit the rocker panel. I ran into a snow bank in a parking lot after skidding on ice and jacked the passenger side running board up towards the body of the truck. The running boards didn't actually contact the door panels but the way they are attached dented the rocker panel worse than any off roading I've done. Nerf bars are hollow, thin wall steps that attach at the same points as the running boards and would likely have a similar type of damage multiplier effect. Also, they eventually rust and look like crap (i.e. every F-150, Explorer, Ram, etc you've ever seen that more than a few years old). Don't waste your money on either of these options.

Picture of truck on Snow Bank

Shots of damage - see the area where the rocker panel gets thin? That whole area is banged in. I'll get another picture later today so you can see it better. I haven't done anything because I'm going to rhinoliner the rockers and bottom half of doors this summer.

 

[fightman80]

I've had the nerf bars, for over 6 years, and they still look pretty good.

I also coat them in WD40 in the winter, and polish them periodically in the summer.


That being said, if you plan on doing any serious wheeling, I'd get the sliders. Much more durable, and will protect your vehicle a lot more.

 

[89s rule]

Already answered above, if you are going to spend the $ then why buy anything other than sliders? Even if you are not wheeling anythign difficult they offer much more protection from door dings, etc. The picture above doesnt look too difficult all it takes is once and you have body damage.

 

[Nunyabiz]

nunyabiz, are those custom or did you order them from somewhere. I really like the way they look.

Thanks.

They are made by Trail Gear, 67" long.
Bought them from Scottie at Addicted OffRoad, they were $176.00.

They come bare metal, need to be welded on and then I primered and painted them then added the grip tape.

 

[pcoppock]

Yes, but just so there's no confusion, there are three main different types of steps that you'll see on a Runner.

1. Factory running boards. These run along the bottom of the sills and are either black or painted to match. They are molded into the body giving it a more streamline look.

2. Nerf bars. These are aftermarket bars that run along the bottom. Usually chrome or black. Purpose is for looks and to add a step up to get in or to get to the roof rack.

3. Sliders. These are made from round or square tubing. The main purpose of sliders is to protect the bottom from damage (basically an extension of the frame). They can also serve as a jack point as well as a step up.

thanks man, very helpful

 

[GottaBeTRD]

I want some sliders and i have some black berf bars just light fightmans. I will be selling them soon so i can replace them with some sliders. IMO sliders look and perform the best, and i wish i would have known about them before the berf bars. but then again we all have our own opinions