Running boards delete / removal - before and after pics?

[dirtwheeler]

I had planned on removing the running boards from my ORP asap since I don't need them, but I actually enjoy how much they keep gravel from kicking up all over the side of the truck. I drive on forest roads almost daily, so this was a nice and unexpected benefit of the boards.

Also makes it a lot easier to wash and clean the top of the truck, windshield, etc. I think I'm going to keep them on over the winter and see how they do with snow before I decide if I want to remove them or not.

I would have kept mine but I'd eventually smash them on rocks and have to remove them. I removed them first so I could sell them rather than taking them smashed to the dump. I think it looks good both ways but prefer them removed. I see what you are saying about protection from rocks getting kicked up. I haven't noticed a major issue so far, but when I upgrade the wheels and tires I'll probably kick up more rocks.

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[PwNd1rt]

I had planned on removing the running boards from my ORP asap since I don't need them, but I actually enjoy how much they keep gravel from kicking up all over the side of the truck. I drive on forest roads almost daily, so this was a nice and unexpected benefit of the boards.

Also makes it a lot easier to wash and clean the top of the truck, windshield, etc. I think I'm going to keep them on over the winter and see how they do with snow before I decide if I want to remove them or not.

Never thought about it protecting from the gravel but I drive quite a few mountain fire roads to go mountain biking and never noticed any serious chips in my Tacoma without them but I can see how they would. Definitely make cleaning easier though.

 

[SC4Runner]

I like the TH rails too! Very minimal and low profile.i think they'd look decent

One thing that pissed me off about my purchase was that the salesman told me these running boards were OEM rock sliders. Whatever…. I certainly didn’t know better and perhaps he didn’t either. BTW, I ordered and settled for what was inbound. There wasn’t much different from what I wanted, this being one of the differences. We’ll see if I switch to actual rock rails, the whole point being they are there to protect the vehicle as opposed to a step.

 

[SC4Runner]

Never thought about it protecting from the gravel but I drive quite a few mountain fire roads to go mountain biking and never noticed any serious chips in my Tacoma without them but I can see how they would. Definitely make cleaning easier though.

I should have taken a picture of the mud mountains on my running boards! Even after a touchless car wash, there was a pile left! I’ll admit I was putting it through the paces in some fairly muddy terrain though. LOL!

 

[Dinosoar21]

Yeah, I agree with many here...better without in both looks (very subjective, I know), and function as you can get closer to step in. But also, biggest for me, is getting out. I could not really step on them, and stepping beyond them always results in touching the running boards with the back of my leg. I'm tall enough anyway. My guess is very short folks will want them, and/or for kids climbing in.

 

[EL616]

Yeah, I agree with many here...better without in both looks (very subjective, I know), and function as you can get closer to step in. But also, biggest for me, is getting out. I could not really step on them, and stepping beyond them always results in touching the running boards with the back of my leg. I'm tall enough anyway. My guess is very short folks will want them, and/or for kids climbing in.

It's weird too, I've rented several 5th Gens over the last few years (Limited, ORP, and TRD Pro) and don't believe I ever had this issue with any of them. Felt like the running boards were placed differently and much lower profile whereas my 2025 wants to rub my leg every time I get in or out.

 

[PwNd1rt]

I should have taken a picture of the mud mountains on my running boards! Even after a touchless car wash, there was a pile left! I’ll admit I was putting it through the paces in some fairly muddy terrain though. LOL!

I had 2 Tacomas prior to this... The first one I left them on and also experienced the mud buildup. Then my 2023 which I removed them and obviously never had that issue... As far as the gravel, I'm sure I got a few minor little hits but not enough to be concerned and nothing a paint pen couldn't fix and that was in black which shows basically everything. I'm definitely gonna pull them off and if I notice anything significant I'll put them back but I doubt it. I do drive a lot of fire roads but they are more dirt than gravel.

 

[127.0.0.1]

yeah now ya'll are mentioning it I do remember getting the back
of my pant leg slushy all the dang time when my '99 4runner had side steps.

bought it in Dec 1998, steps were tossed in May '99 when I saw they impeded
off roadin in the chunk

 

[PwNd1rt]

yeah now ya'll are mentioning it I do remember getting the back
of my pant leg slushy all the dang time when my '99 4runner had side steps.

bought it in Dec 1998, steps were tossed in May '99 when I saw they impeded
off roadin in the chunk

Yeah, they definitely were not in good shape by the time I sold it. Mine were OEM, like the ones on my 4Runner and made of plastic... Maybe there's some aftermarket sliders that is more durable, less prone to buildup and won't crack off road... But also super low profile too? Best of both worlds? I don't know but for now I'll remove them and if someone super stealthy that offers decent protection comes along I'll look into it too.

 

[Ron-efnSwanson]

I decided to remove my OEM running boards today. They are just a bit too cumbersome and the wife was not loving the leg hit every time she got in/out of our runner. Heres before and after in my ORP everest.

 

[PwNd1rt]

I decided to remove my OEM running boards today. They are just a bit too cumbersome and the wife was not loving the leg hit every time she got in/out of our runner. Heres before and after in my ORP everest.

Thanks for the before and after. That looks great! I was planning on doing mine yesterday but if rained and my garage is too narrow to park and move around in there at the same time

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