Running Boards...

[Granada7]

Hey guys so i did a seach on running boards before this and i just have a simple question i couldnt find and i may seem dumb but what is the main reason for taking off the running boards if im not gonna make mine a crawler or anything? like if im just using my 4 runner for around town and occasionally mudding will they make a diffrence? Also before and after pics would be greta in explinations thanks.

 

[nor_cal51501]

Hey guys so i did a seach on running boards before this and i just have a simple question i couldnt find and i may seem dumb but what is the main reason for taking off the running boards if im not gonna make mine a crawler or anything? like if im just using my 4 runner for around town and occasionally mudding will they make a diffrence? Also before and after pics would be greta in explinations thanks.

Biggest difference is looks and ground clearance on the rocker panels. Most people remove them due to preference on looks(makes the rig look taller). Also, benefit of keeping them is less road debri flying up from the front tires and hitting the doors and lower rockers.

 

[GhostRing]

Just leave 'em on.
For now, they help protect the door paint, hide the frame/guts a bit, and likely won't really get in the way. If you end up smashing them, you are likely ready to lose them anyway.

 

[Granada7]

Just leave 'em on.
For now, they help protect the door paint, hide the frame/guts a bit, and likely won't really get in the way. If you end up smashing them, you are likely ready to lose them anyway.

Okay thanks was just really wondering why i see so many people taking them off

 

[Mahalas]

I left mine on for the longest time. Till they got really badly damaged.
It was nice having a step to get in and out so I don't destroy the drivers seat.
I also used them to protect the rocker panels (temporary band aid before the sliders)

check out this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/144486-factory-sliders.html

 

[toyoKühl]

just took my running boards off last night! Going to be installing my lift in less than 12 hours! If you are not off-roading much, then take them off because it will look cool (and lifted). If you like the look then leave them on. Im real happy i have them off, although, i found some rust but this will be taken care of come spring. After taking the boards off, i felt like it was lifted!