Taking Running Boards off & on

[TeryT]

I'm thinking of taking my running boards off for a 1-day offroading trip. How much time to take them off & put them back on? (I need to put them back on because the older lady's in our family sorta need/like them to get in & out easily.)

I've got the stock 03 black ones on an SE.

 

[kglueck]

I'm thinking of taking my running boards off for a 1-day offroading trip. How much time to take them off & put them back on? (I need to put them back on because the older lady's in our family sorta need/like them to get in & out easily.)

I've got the stock 03 black ones on an SE.

it's pretty easy to do. I did mine by myself. when I traded in the old one, I put 'em back on in like 15-20 minutes by myself. just lay down on the ground, used my feet on one end, and my arms at the other. screwed in one side partially, went to the other and screwed that in, then did the "middle". if you had a hand or two, it'd be as fast as you can unbolt/bolt in 6 screws per side.

 

[sharp4runr]

Yup doesn't take long at all. It is held on by 6 screws each side. Taking them off for offroading is a good idea. It gives you some ground clearance on the sides where you may rub on some rocks. We went out to Rausch Creek and it did help some.

 

[TeryT]

Cool! I figure 1/2 hour off & back on is cheaper than bending the *^%$% outa them!

 

[Baba Booey]

As someone with limited off-road experience, I have a question about this. Wouldn't it be better to keep the running boards on as sort of an early warning system that you are about to possibly do damage to your body panels, or does removing them give enough extra clearance in most mild/moderate off-roading situations to avoid damaging your running boards and vehicle too?

I know sliders would be the best answer, but I don't see myself getting them anytime soon.

 

[Koz]

As someone with limited off-road experience, I have a question about this. Wouldn't it be better to keep the running boards on as sort of an early warning system that you are about to possibly do damage to your body panels, or does removing them give enough extra clearance in most mild/moderate off-roading situations to avoid damaging your running boards and vehicle too?

I know sliders would be the best answer, but I don't see myself getting them anytime soon.

That's an expensive early warning system!

Koz

 

[JB.]

As someone with limited off-road experience, I have a question about this. Wouldn't it be better to keep the running boards on as sort of an early warning system that you are about to possibly do damage to your body panels, or does removing them give enough extra clearance in most mild/moderate off-roading situations to avoid damaging your running boards and vehicle too?

I know sliders would be the best answer, but I don't see myself getting them anytime soon.

That's a tough call but you're right, it can be looked at like that. Depends on how much you value the running boards. Without 'em, you get a lot more side clearance but it's also a more expensive risk. You can do more but you have to be slow and careful. Steps can protect and they can also hang up (less likely). I like going without 'em. As you said, though, sliders are the solution.

 

[TeryT]

There is vinyl cladding underneath on much of the surfaces. Then again, this vinyl cladding isn't a solid color all the way through (like I wished it was). The earliest 03 models had this solid color vinyl, but the marketing people evidently thought it didn't look right.

 

[AlexJet]

ARB Rails is also good solution. They works as sliders and looks like boards. I, personally, do not like sliders because of their look, too aggressive for daily driving. For off-road vehicle it's a good choice, but most of us using our Runners for daily driving to work or use them as business vehicle.

 

[ksneubec]

Running boards or not, probably your best help would be in the form of a spotter. With a good spotter on a more mild trail, you should be able to clear everything.

I WACKED my slider off roading (I posted pics somewhere in this forum) but fortunately, I had already purchased custom sliders. Too bad they weren't already on

The question is, would I have struck the rock without the running boards, or did the running board prevent more damage? Does a tree make a noise when it falls if no one is there to hear it???

 

[sharp4runr]

Yeah I'm looking at the ARB rails if they ever produce them and for a decent price. The HQ Sliders are the best looking (IMO), but they are pretty damn expensive. I don't offroad a lot so I can't justify their purchase right now. They also weigh about 50-60LBs so it will reduce your gas mileage as well (Like I need any help in that department )