Why would someone mount these runners?

[Matteblack]

I saw this '14 SR5 this morning with these runner/steps that hang like like 6" down just trashing the factory clearance. I know that not everyone wants to off road in their T4R's but wow. They could have purchased a comparable sized unibody SUV that would sit lower and have a much smoother ride. These cant be OEM can they? I mean no offense if someone has these on the forum, I just struggle with the logic of them.:shrug:

MB

 

[theunderlord]

Maybe they have a physical disability, but still want to have a cool ride?

 

[marshal]

Looks like a retrofit from a full size truck to me

 

[Matteblack]

Maybe they have a physical disability, but still want to have a cool ride?

That would be a good explanation but there was no Handicapped sign anywhere that is required by law in WA State. I could have missed it though.

 

[ben550]

out of respect for the breed it should be put down...

 

[Monkeymenno]

I have seen this before on an F150. The owner had pulled a groin pretty bad and stairs were a major challenge for about two months. He had his son weld up a step for him that could be taken off when he was a little more mobile. If any of you have pulled a groin you understand - it can be fine for walking and normal movement but once a step or a little slip on ice are involved it can be monumentally painful.

Doesn't make it look any less funny though. :ear:

 

[Mistaken]

Looks like they are for Limited on an sr5 or trail.

 

[NoDak]

at least it wasn't a hack job install

you can still take them off and look like day 1.

 

[Ducmonsta]

From the pic shown, it looks like that 4R is crying. I would be doing the same thing if I had to deal with those on my ride.

But to legitimately answer the question, those steps are designed for all 4R trims. It is that low to deal with the side skirts that come with the 2010-2013 SR5s and Limiteds. Although, they still looked hideous on those models too.

 

[wfo9]

I'm guessing 95% of all 4 runners never see anything but pavement, so no surprise.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

I have those on mine. My wife is very short with short legs - So in order to have a happy wife ------ happy life.

And yes they really take a beating off road. each time I return I have to straighten the mounts as they get bent backwards dragging on rocks. The clearance to the ground is only 9.5 inches.

 

[Matteblack]

I have those on mine. My wife is very short with short legs - So in order to have a happy wife ------ happy life.

And yes they really take a beating off road. each time I return I have to straighten the mounts as they get bent backwards dragging on rocks. The clearance to the ground is only 9.5 inches.

Makes sense. It looks better on yours however sure its the same ones? This one it just looked REALLY low...

 

[Matteblack]

Looks like they are for Limited on an sr5 or trail.

I think you may be on to something. There is a lot space there perhaps to leave room for the additional body kit for the Limited.
MB

 

[cd121082]

I saw this '14 SR5 this morning with these runner/steps that hang like like 6" down just trashing the factory clearance. I know that not everyone wants to off road in their T4R's but wow. They could have purchased a comparable sized unibody SUV that would sit lower and have a much smoother ride. These cant be OEM can they? I mean no offense if someone has these on the forum, I just struggle with the logic of them.:shrug:

MB

i've seen this 4runner as well, i said the same thing.

Im running thess.

NXc Running Boards | Dee Zee

 

[Matteblack]

From the pic shown, it looks like that 4R is crying. I would be doing the same thing if I had to deal with those on my ride.

But to legitimately answer the question, those steps are designed for all 4R trims. It is that low to deal with the side skirts that come with the 2010-2013 SR5s and Limiteds. Although, they still looked hideous on those models too.

That makes sense, I missed your post until now. Yes this SR5 had no side skirts so looks terrible IMHO.
MB

 

[darrylj]

They could have purchased a comparable sized unibody SUV that would sit lower and have a much smoother ride. These cant be OEM can they? I mean no offense if someone has these on the forum, I just struggle with the logic of them.:shrug:
MB

Keep in mind that some may have chosen the 4runner for its abilities in the snow, when high or low steps (located mostly behind the wheels anyway) wouldn't matter as much.

And there just aren't a lot of CUVs with the clearance of a 4runner. When I bought mine last month, I told my wife "You could put a big dog on a sled, fling him under and he'd go right through without bumping his head". Her ability to decode my intent from mangled metaphors like that is part of what makes her a good wife.

 

[NoDak]

well the automatic running boards from Toyota open and drop that low also. but at least it tucks up under the body to not look ugly 99% of the time.

sadly I cant get the auto running boards. the amount of snow/slush I have to deal with requires I keep the factory ugly running boards since they block 99% of the snow/slush thrown up on the lower door panels better than anything I have seen usually.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

If I'd been in charge (instead of the wife) I would have removed the plastic "skirts" and ordered the runners for the Trail.

Eventually I may just remove the skirts and modify the mounts to be flush against the door sills.

 

[Eagle]

That would be a good explanation but there was no Handicapped sign anywhere that is required by law in WA State. I could have missed it though.

It's not like a scarlet letter... You are not required to have a disabled placard if you are disabled... only if you use designated spots.

Plus, limited mobility does not always mean "handicapped." Maybe deteriorating joints limited how high the leg can lift so a low step is needed.

The 4Runner is great for more than ground clearance and off-road capabilities. Maybe they just wanted the size, reliability, and style even if they sacrificed some ground clearance...

 

[Ron4RNevada]

It's not like a scarlet letter... You are not required to have a disabled placard if you are disabled... only if you use designated spots.

Plus, limited mobility does not always mean "handicapped." Maybe deteriorating joints limited how high the leg can lift so a low step is needed.

The 4Runner is great for more than ground clearance and off-road capabilities. Maybe they just wanted the size, reliability, and style even if they sacrificed some ground clearance...

Actually it doesn't really sacrifice ground clearance at all. The 9.5 inches of clearance under the running boards is the same as that under the frame, fuel tank skid, engine skid, etc..... Basic clearance of all stock SR5, TE and LTD...