Just upgraded to the Pro! Predator steps advice needed!

Just got a 2022 TRD Pro. Omg I love it! So much nicer than my 2016 SR5 premium. It is louder though. Trying to get used to that. It came without running boards, so I ordered the predator steps. I really love the look of them. I don’t like flat running boards. But, I’m hearing people don’t like the predator steps. Why? I think they make it look kind of bad ass a little bit. Going to get the next size up tires, but can only go up one more size without it rubbing hubby says. Was looking for feedback on the predator steps. I wanted it to look more rugged. Any tips? Also, do I keep the GOBI sticker on the rack?

 

From my perspective, predator steps are anything but rugged. They attach to the rocker panels just like running boards and by design are more susceptible than any other step solution to getting hung up on obstacles off-road and they make for good knee bashers. Others have noted the steps themselves are often in an awkward location relative to door openings.

I'm not a fan.

 

Another negative vote for predator steps. Way better options out there.

 

What matters is what you like!
Very nice Rig BTW - .

 

2024 TRD Pro here and I really like the look of my predator steps. I dont need rock sliders and honestly dont like the look of the tubular sliders/steps. Makes the rocker panel area look unfinished to me. As mentioned above, really only matters what you think and like. Love mine though.

 

Most of the folks who have a problem with the Predator steps like to take their 4Runners off road. The steps on the Predator steps protrude down and can scrape the ground. Also, the Predator steps are very light and while adequate as steps they don’t protect the sill from impacts like sliders do. If you don’t plan do do much off roading then enjoy them! Otherwise check out one of the many threads on rock sliders.

 

Yeah, I won’t be taking it off road. I might use my older 4runner for that, if I ever do. Basically I just want this to look nice. I just think it looks so plain without some kind of running board. But again, I don’t like the ones that are just flat one piece. What are some other options?

 

I'd say no to predator steps. I think they are not practical and work negatively.

If you don't need rock sliders, even aluminum light weight rock sliders I would vote for full size running boards. Below is an example which I used in the past. Mrs and kid had no complaints getting in and out. They didn't see to negatively impact clearance.

 

I liked the look of my predator steps but ditched them in favor of some real sliders before heading out to Moab. I can guarantee they would not have survived that trip.

Even though they provided a lower step, my wife never liked them as she said the "target" for her foot was too small and she had to hunt for them to get out of the 4Runner.

Net is, the Predator steps look good and are made out of aluminum so they wont rust but, offer very little impact protection and do not have an ideal step surface for your foot.

 

Something like this instead?

 

Those are OEM / Toyota branded rock sliders. They are only for protecting the sides under the door. They don't have any area to be used as a step. The joints that connect to the frame look weaker than aftermarket sliders like RSG / RCI.

Edit -
After market sliders extend more on the sides adding more protection and can be used as a step.

 

Not much of a step, but looks way better than the predator steps. I also had predator steps when I purchased my OR new in 2019, but sold them and got sliders soon afterward. Had I not gotten sliders, and had similar use for my 4R as you do, I would have elected for these over the predator steps, but the n fab version:

 

Those OEM sliders are very "high and tight". You are likely to find them too high to function well as a step and too close in to the rocker panel for a footing surface. If just for looks they would be fine (and they would function as a light slider if you do go offroad), just don't plan on getting much utility out of them as steps.

 

$248 Tyger Auto 3.5" Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner (Exclude Limited; Nightshade; TRD Sport; 10-13 SR5) | TG-SS2T35248 | Side Step Rail Nerf Bars

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089Y73M7Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I love these

edit to say they were $179 when I got them.

 

Those OEM rails pictured above are not sliders . They are rock rails . They are actually nice for what they are designed for which is for rocker panel protection. OP unless are you short or have young children skip those Predator steps . They look hideous hanging down like they do .

 

Yes . I got mine from my local Toyota dealer when they had 35% off and free shipping.

 

What is the distinction please between rock rails and sliders? I thought they were the same.

 

They’re just a rail tucked under the rocker and nothing sticking out to slide on rocks like real sliders . Probably more of my definition than actual definition.

 

Rock rails bolt to the body, not the frame. Same as the steps.

mine came with them and I replaced them with the steps. Same bolt holes.

 

Those OEM rails do bolt to the frame . They’re just not bombproof like aftermarket sliders that have a dozen or so bolts per side .

 

Haha. You guys love making stuff up.

Rock rails, rock sliders, sill protectors, rocker guards. All the same.

Then you’ve got your side steps (Predator steps are in this category.)
And then you’ve got your nerf bars.

 

I love my nerf bars.

 

I had these on my other 4runner. I actually liked them a lot, but they rusted and I had to remove them. different brand though.

 

You left out the brush guard that goes on the front . Most of them seem like they’re made out of bent muffler pipe .

 

Congrats on the Pro!

 

^^^ My man stole that from AI. I just Google @Captain Spalding 's question and it was almost verbatim the answer the Beachguy gave.

Here's the extended answer: Rock rails are engineered to support the full weight of the vehicle, while rock sliders are designed to support the weight of people.

 

Yeah, I see you’re in Ohio. I’ve had these for about a year but other than going to the beach once in a while, we don’t have the salt issues here that y’all have up there.

 

If you don't plan to off-road with the predator steps, and you like how they look; absolutely go with the predator steps. They're not my favorite, but I'm not driving your 4R and you don't like mine either, so there!

 

Hmm. Is the inference that rock sliders aren’t designed to hold the weight of the vehicle? I wonder how the folks at RSG et al would respond.

As I harken back through the foggy mists of days gone by and consider the evolution of armor, I seem to recall that first there were rock sliders/sill protectors/rock rails/blah blah. They were mostly tubular - either square or round. How these attached to the vehicle was not part of the definition. All that was required to earn the moniker was that they would support the weight of the vehicle and take a hit as the tire came off a rock. Somewhat later it became fashionable to add a second tube, stood slightly away from the vehicle. The purpose of the second tube was as a brush guard, pushing brush and saplings away from the doors and bodywork. Some guys would put anti slip tape on the outer tubes so the tubes could be used as a step. But their use as steps was not the original intent. That idea caught on and soon versions came out with flat spots on the outer tubes to make their use as steps more practical. Much later they evolved to have the gaps between the tubes covered with plates. The current iteration adopted the feature of the “kick out” at the rear. But those first simple single tubes carried the name of rock sliders from day 1.

Who ya gonna believe? Me or A.I.?

 

Callling them Rock Rails or Sliders is like calling them Strippers or Exotic dancers. It's the same thing. They both perform the same function.