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Do you really need running boards?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by tmil0911, Apr 7, 2021.

  1. Apr 7, 2021 at 5:25 AM
    #1
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    Replaced my 2008 FJ recently (frame rusted away) with a 2016 SR5 Premium. Both vehicles have similar running boards but I cannot ever remember a time when I actually stepped on them.

    Anybody else have this opinion? To me the 4Runner would look better WITHOUT running boards. Would I be crazy to remove them?
     
  2. Apr 7, 2021 at 5:47 AM
    #2
    aroyalsfan

    aroyalsfan The Owner

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    The answer is no, but the side steps aren't always for you. If you will never have a short person or someone who has a hard time getting in your ride you don't need them.

    My elderly mother needed them to get in, my girlfriend uses them to get in, if little kids were riding with me they would use them too.

    So do I use them, hardly ever, but other people in my life do. Plus there are way better looking options out there besides the stock steps....way better.
     
  3. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:12 AM
    #3
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Mine came without any and I thought it looked great! The rock sliders are dual purpose for me, but if I didn't off-road I probably wouldn't have anything there.

    As @aroyalsfan pointed out, they are nice for others to get in and out. It's your choice, though.
     
    Toy4X4, DRobs and tmil0911[OP] like this.
  4. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:47 AM
    #4
    kbp810

    kbp810 rebmem wen

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    I think they look better without as well. My wife is short, 5'0", and she hates running boards/steps - thinks it makes it even more awkward to get in. We're used to big lifted jeeps and what not though, so she's sort of got the pull and hop maneuver down.

    My daughter (7), on the other hand, does somewhat rely on my sliders to get in.
     
    Toy4X4 and Thatbassguy like this.
  5. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:47 AM
    #5
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    LED Headlights / Turn signals. Switchback LED Driving lights. Westin LED Bull bar. MESO Customs Dome light. LED Interior lights. MESO Customs Puddle Lights. RAV4 Blind spot mirrors. WESTIN Bull bar, Tyger steps
    Thanks guys = good points.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  6. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:08 AM
    #6
    SCgman

    SCgman New Member

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    Front plate bracket install Step hitch insert install Cargo area Pet barrier Protective seat covers Front seats Yakima roof rack- detachable Rear molle storage panels w/ Connecting shelf
    They sure come in handy when I'm washing my 4runner and need to get at the top.
     
    Tama1968, TNBassGirl and A&P like this.
  7. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:26 AM
    #7
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    Living in Pittsburgh, the salt ate up my FJ. I kept that truck so clean but didn't expect what was happening underneath. The 4RUNNER I picked up had 30k and the underside was very clean. I went to my buddy's who had a lift and sprayed everything but the brakes and exhaust with Duplicolor rubberized undercoating. Now I am taking it through the $32/month unlimited carwash that sprays the underside of the vehicle. When getting on top, I typically stand on the the tires.
     
  8. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:27 AM
    #8
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    Don't have them. Scrapped the set that came on it.

    I hate them, they get in the way when I get in, it's like I have take a wider step to get over them. Looks fine without them, plus improves clearance for off road.
     
  9. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:27 AM
    #9
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    LED Headlights / Turn signals. Switchback LED Driving lights. Westin LED Bull bar. MESO Customs Dome light. LED Interior lights. MESO Customs Puddle Lights. RAV4 Blind spot mirrors. WESTIN Bull bar, Tyger steps
    i DO miss my FJ......................
     
    GoSlow, catus and A&P like this.
  10. Apr 7, 2021 at 9:59 AM
    #10
    Big_jarv

    Big_jarv New Member

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    Another benefit is they can help prevent door dings from other cars.
     
    2Toys and aroyalsfan like this.
  11. Apr 7, 2021 at 10:14 AM
    #11
    aroyalsfan

    aroyalsfan The Owner

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    This is a great point. Not so much for other trucks or suv's of the same height, but cars definitely. Their car door will take the brunt of being flung into the steps.
     
    Big_jarv[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Apr 7, 2021 at 10:28 AM
    #12
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

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    If you're not very tall, they certainly help. The driver side doesn't have a grab handle like the passenger side, which is an oversight in my opinion. Before I had sliders installed, I was grabbing the steering wheel and awkwardly climbing in about half way, and then adjusting the rest of the way in by grabbing the seat back or center console with my right arm. A friend of mine bought a 2011 FJ new, and never installed running boards or sliders. He and I are the same height. Over the years he has worn a hole in the left side bolster from climbing in the same awkward way. And as someone else mentioned, they also provide door ding protection. I think it's money well spent.
     
  13. Apr 7, 2021 at 10:42 AM
    #13
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    The limited models that do grocery duty need them
     
    tmil0911[OP] and thirdyota like this.
  14. Apr 7, 2021 at 11:53 AM
    #14
    Tuco S.

    Tuco S. New Member

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    Thanks to my sliders I don't need to grab onto anything. I now step up with my left foot on the slider, and just sit down sideways into the seat, without touching the seat or steering wheel with my right hand.
     
    wfxt and A&P[QUOTED] like this.
  15. Apr 7, 2021 at 12:30 PM
    #15
    lowflyer

    lowflyer New Member

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    I'm 5'10" and have no use for them. I've always considered that they just add weight and decrease clearance.
     
    a47chuck and YetiMtnBkr like this.
  16. Apr 7, 2021 at 1:43 PM
    #16
    4runner95123

    4runner95123 New Member

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    I had nfab bars on my 2018 for about 3 months then took them off because I liked the look without them. Threw them on my wife’s white runner because they looked better in her car. I love my look with no steps.
     
  17. Apr 7, 2021 at 10:50 PM
    #17
    MountainMan

    MountainMan New Member

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    I used mine yesterday to remove the CB antennae from the roof before going into the car wash. Also use them to access the roof rack, avoid parking lot dings, and my girlfriend is only 5'3", so she uses them every time to get into my vehicle.

    I'm 6'2", so don't need them to get in, and they do annoy me getting out. I ditched the factory boulder catchers in favor of Tygers.

    yuVf8rL4QUui36TCM1eRPA.jpg
     
    Patcell likes this.
  18. Apr 8, 2021 at 2:16 AM
    #18
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    Those - I LIKE!!!
     
  19. Apr 8, 2021 at 2:19 AM
    #19
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    I assume the difference between sliders and steps is where they mount right?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  20. Apr 8, 2021 at 2:43 AM
    #20
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Correct. Sliders will bolt or weld to the frame rails. They're intended to support the weight of the vehicle and protect the body as you navigate through large rocks and boulders. Steps usually attach to the body and are not intended to support the vehicle.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  21. Apr 8, 2021 at 3:25 AM
    #21
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    So MountainMan's Tyger's are sliders....... correct?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  22. Apr 8, 2021 at 3:32 AM
    #22
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    Looking at the Tygers now vs RSG I think I know the answer
     
  23. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:11 AM
    #23
    kbp810

    kbp810 rebmem wen

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    Sounds like you've already drawn this conclusion - but the tyger's are closer related to steps. They attach to body, and are not really designed to be strong enough to take a hit (from a rock or tree/stump or something).
     
  24. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:27 AM
    #24
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Incorrect. They attach to the body, not the frame.

    This
     
    GoSlow likes this.
  25. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:28 AM
    #25
    7Runner

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    At 6'2" the only thing they did for me was get my pant leg dirty. I always take them off of new vehicles. I have two sets of Tundra nerf bars in my shed.
    I just think vehicles look cleaner without them. (With a few exceptions)
     
    2016Pro, A&P and tmil0911[OP] like this.
  26. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:39 AM
    #26
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    Hated the OEM ones that came on my '20 SR5P. Took them off the first day and threw them in my attic. Would give them away if I could find someone to take them.
     
  27. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:58 AM
    #27
    tmil0911

    tmil0911 [OP] New Member

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    I hate mine too - they just collect dirt
     
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  28. Apr 8, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #28
    MountainMan

    MountainMan New Member

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    Exactly. I bought mine not for serious rock crawling, but to just be snag free in the woods and allow access to the roof rack. They don't impede my clearance at all.

    OCFrIweeQDiJ4ZLECLyL8A.jpg
     
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  29. Apr 8, 2021 at 9:32 PM
    #29
    a47chuck

    a47chuck New Member

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    They get the back of yer pants dirty, but they make great garage shelves. LOL! Oh, they do protect yer rear wheel well flares, though. JAT.
     
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  30. Apr 8, 2021 at 9:41 PM
    #30
    a47chuck

    a47chuck New Member

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    They get the back of yer pants dirty, but they make great garage shelves. LOL! Oh, they do protect yer rear wheel well flares, though. JAT.
    Not exactly sure how that works unless they stuck out substantially. Most vehicles have curved side panels which would not be stopped by something as low as steps. Just sayin'.
     
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