Question for those who don't have running boards

I took my friends running boards off and replaced the bolts back on, I was wondering if you guys without the running boards have the same bolts on there from the factory or if there's the rubber grommet plugs in there, if someone could post a pic that would be great thanks

 

There is nothing wrong with using the bolts. Put a dab of anti-seize on the threads and put them back in.

 

^ agree,

Keep the holes filled somehow.

 

True but I would like to see how it comes from the factory without the running boards

 

It doesn't come pre-drilled with the holes.
That's what the service advisor told me before mine was installed.

 

I would be suprised if they drilled holes at the port but I guess we will find out when someone peeks under their non running board optioned 4runner and verifies

 

No drilling. They are threaded inserts spot welded behind the sheet metal, just took mine off.

 

Yep, asked my dealer about it and he said they come with non structural bolts in holes that get replaced with better bolts if running boards get installed.

 

Mine did not come with running boards. Just checked and there are two bolts in the holes. I didn't take them out to check quality.

 

They come with bolts from factory.

 

Thanks!

 

I've got a follow up question for folks following this thread. I recently took off my factory running boards in prep for installing C4 sliders next month. During my shoddy deinstallation process, a bolt got stripped / stuck and so I ended up ripping open a larger, jagged (quarter sized) hole in the sheet metal to get it out.

Any suggestions / best practices for plugging this hole? Soldering seems like a possibility.

 

Considering where these are, I would think a painted piece of sheet metal applied with JB Weld would be more than sufficient. If you wanted to get really fancy, you could put a nutsert with the same threads it had before you ripped it out in the new piece of sheet metal. That way, if anyone down the road wanted running boards again, the bolt hole would be there.

 

That’s not the way I would go. Heat might compromise the paint and increase the risk of corrosion. I’d fill the hole with epoxy putty or silicone sealant or something like that.

ETA: GL’s idea is better than mine!

 

My 2019 SR5 had holes already when I put the steps on.

 

Same for my "22.....I had to remove 6 filler bolts on each side to install my side bars.

 

My personal life mission LOL

 

JB weld.

 

My concern with JB weld or soldering is the permanence. What if you wanted to change back sometime in the future? You'd have to drill new holes or ream out the JB Weld/solder.

 

See post #13.