Skipping the Running Boards - Question

[SgnDen]

I am going to either find a Limited without running boards (dealer here actually said he has one) or remove post-haste. I need to look around the site here and get some ideas on what I'd like to replace with but I know those chrome-trimmed chunky platforms are NOT my thing.

Question - is there any reason to get the running boards? Like a piece of trim or anything I need to make a switch?

Does it leave an unfinished looking edge without the stock versions?

Thanks!

 

[SJC]

Get the running boards. Keep them on for as long as you like then take them off and sell them when you want your 4runner to look different. Running boards do help with getting into your truck though.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

They also help keeping rocks and dirty rain water off of the side, I'm looking for some for mine when I get the money.

 

[SgnDen]

Get the running boards. Keep them on for as long as you like then take them off and sell them when you want your 4runner to look different. Running boards do help with getting into your truck though.

I want 'something' there, just not those chrome-edged platform style things.

I want something more like the tubular steel types. Less "fancy" looking (or trying to be).

I just wouldn't think the stockers would sell easily, but maybe I'm wrong. They are $599 MSRP add-ons.

Anyway - just getting it all straight down to every detail so when I am ready I know exactly what I want (may wait till late July to see what's up with 2013 models).

 

[Nashvegas34]

Does it leave an unfinished looking edge without the stock versions?!

I don't remember whose truck this is (I just have it saved to my computer because it looks really nice), but it looks perfectly fine without the boards. The "trim" or whatever it is below the doors finishes it out. Looks more finished than the 3rds do without boards. If/when I move the the 5th I'll nix the boards, too.

 

[Qjake]

My Limited came without boards. There is no reason to get them if you don't want them! If the Runner you want has them ask the dealer to remove them and the $599 from the sticker, if he wont then walk out! He'll remove them :thumb3:

Mine new, sans boards:

 

[DannyLlama]

Get Rock Sliders.. It will serve both as a kick stand and to prevent any under body armor to your truck.

 

[brockeverly]

Get Rock Sliders.. It will serve both as a kick stand and to prevent any under body armor to your truck.

And dent any unsuspecting door flingers in parking lots! BudBuilt with bump outs are :girl:

 

[Ironback]

I've still got mine on. No chrome, mine are straight black. They are keeping my paint job fresh while I drive on the highway. But once I get my lift/new wheels and tires those puppies are being offered up here and to hell with the paint job! :lookout:

 

[WhiskeyCop]

Auto-retracting running boards are available as well.

 

[clin9383]

this may have been asked but what are the most simple sliders you can put on a limited without cutting/trimming/removing anything?
i basically just need them to help people to get in and out of the truck but don't want running boards because i dont like the way they look.
the sliders dont need to prevent any major damage as i wont be doing any major offroading. low profile ones would be best.
i know the shrockworks involve some work and i think the rocky road ones involve some manipulation of the xreas line. anything out there that you can just bolt on and call it a day? thanks!

 

[36bound]

They also help keeping rocks and dirty rain water off of the side, I'm looking for some for mine when I get the money.

This is an often overlooked point. I live on a dirt/gravel road, a half a mile from the nearest paved road, and I have running boards on my Wrangler and my 4RTE for this reason (and others). I can say from experience that running boards will definitely help divert mud and rocks away from the rocker panels and lower doors. This is made evident each time I wash my vehicle and notice that the bottom side of the running boards is caked with mud; mud that otherwise would have been thrown up onto the lower doors.

One of the consequences of putting on a more aggressive looking tire is that they often tend to sling more mud and rocks. This will be my Jeeps 6th summer and its lower bodysides and doors still look showroom new- in big part to the running boards. I anticipate that the running boards on my TE will help protect it in the same manner, and help to keep it more clean between washes.

Aside from the "offroading" common to hunting, fishing, and remote camping, I have no intent on using my vehicles for rock climbing, etc. In this regard I have never found my running boards to impede my vehicles from performing well on two-track trails; forest trails; muddy fields, beaches, etc.

 

[jspagna1]

Bought my 97 SR5 with running boards and when I went shopping for my 11 I told myself don't need/want running boards on this one. Well I was wrong. The 97 has higher ground clearance, but the seats in the 11 are higher so it's difficult to climb into the 11. My wife and kids definitley appreaciate the running boards for sure.

 

[Stifler]

hmm... I actually like the factory boards.... for off road they are not optimal but meh.... from your description of your "wants" I would say what about NFAB?

 

[WIT4R]

My Limited came with running boards. At first I did not like them. I found them to high and shoved to far under the truck. So there isn't much of a step to actually use. I could only get a half a foot on it to get in and out of the truck. Kind of awkward.

I removed them and love the look, but now I feel my seat is going to pay the price as I'm putting more pressure on the outside edge of the seat to get out (I'm only 5'9'').

Recently we purchased kayaks so I think I'll put them back on to make loading them easier. Not to mention the wife is complaining.

I wish I had the retractable running boards that are available on the new Limited. So I can have the best of both worlds.

 

[jca21]

bud built bump out sliders with full plates.

 

[SgnDen]

My Limited came with running boards. At first I did not like them. I found them to high and shoved to far under the truck. So there isn't much of a step to actually use. I could only get a half a foot on it to get in and out of the truck. Kind of awkward.

I removed them and love the look, but now I feel my seat is going to pay the price as I'm putting more pressure on the outside edge of the seat to get out (I'm only 5'9'').

Recently we purchased kayaks so I think I'll put them back on to make loading them easier. Not to mention the wife is complaining.

I wish I had the retractable running boards that are available on the new Limited. So I can have the best of both worlds.

Certainly understand. However, i am 6'2" 260 and can reach OK. Plus I rarely have anybody in the back. But I totally agree...if I had an ex-wife (or three) in the mix it would be a different story. ;^)

 

[SgnDen]

bud built bump out sliders with full plates.

Yes, cool looking. IF I were dong any "real" off roading. I am trying to be honest with myself. 95% road and 5% off. Of course if the sliders LOOK cool, great. But you "real" off-road guys might need to slap me of course! Ha.

But that's just me.

 

[jca21]

Yes, cool looking. IF I were dong any "real" off roading. I am trying to be honest with myself. 95% road and 5% off. Of course if the sliders LOOK cool, great. But you "real" off-road guys might need to slap me of course! Ha.

But that's just me.

think of it this way.

my trail edition running boards have saved the side of my truck from dents when careless fools ram their doors open.


imagine the look on those idiot's faces when they slam their door open into the side of a nice set of bud builts :nerd:

 

[smilycook]

The rocky road sliders are easy to install and installing around the xreas was easy the trick I think is to unbolt the center unit. Not a fan of running boards myself makes it look like a mall crawler. If you are concerned about dirt just put on mud flaps.