Running Boards / Rock Sliders recommendations for TRD Pro

[tpmacleod]

Looking for some advice on running boards or rock sliders for a 2026 TRD Pro.

I know the vehicle is probably more capable than I’ll ever truly need, but I love the look and I want to set it up right from the start. I have young kids, so having something practical for them to get in and out is important. At the same time, I’d like to add some protection for the 4Runner.

I’ve been looking at Westcott Designs, but they’re definitely on the pricey side and I’m not sure which option would make the most sense for how I’ll actually use the vehicle.

For those who’ve already made a choice, what did you go with and would you do the same again? Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.

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[daschwin92]

I am also interested but narrowed my choices down to NYTOP vs Dissent Off-Road. Mainly for the ability to use as step with bigger feet. If anybody has opinions or guidance, open to hear em all.

 

[bt75cj5]

I removed my stock Rock Sliders on my '25 Trailhunter and installed the DV8 Off Road side steps and I couldn't be happier!!! Sturdy, bigger step surface and more affordable !! Super simple install too. Well worth the purchase!

 

[MikeD]

I had the stock running boards on my TRD ORP and really liked them. Mine will be for sale as soon as I clean them off and get them posted - so if you are not planning to rock crawl and need the extra protection of rock rails I'd recommend finding a set of takeoff running boards (lots get posted here but location matters since shipping can be prohibitively expensive - but I'd be willing to send you mine for ... $125 + shipping?) If you do want rock sliders there are a number of choices. I went with Cali Raised because they ship free and that made a huge difference (>$400) in total cost vs. other similar choices I was looking at. And since you have a Pro that should have the threaded holes in the frame installation should be a breeze. Here are photos of my TRD ORP with Cali Raised Step Edition sliders with step platform and same vehicle with the OEM running boards. I like them both.
Cali Raised sliders:

OEM Running boards:

 

[ScoMay]

Looking for some advice on running boards or rock sliders for a 2026 TRD Pro…

For those who’ve already made a choice, what did you go with and would you do the same again? Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.

Funny, I just finished installing my Westcott Designs sliders an hour ago!

I went with Westcott because their build quality is top notch and I liked their design. Expensive, yes. But so was the truck.

If you have no intention ever of heading off road I would say a slider set is not for you. Go with running boards.

If you MIGHT use it for some offroading and you want a platform to step on for entry into the Pro, then consider what I installed:

DOM steel. TIG welded. With kick out. Zero degrees. With top plates. Black powder coat.

A zero degree slider with top plates is fine for use as a step.

If you do decide to go with Westcott and plan to install them yourself, beware: they did not include any printed instructions and the Westcott website has no video for a 2025 4Runner install. But there is a YouTube video created by fellow forum member Joe (“Craving Outdoors” is the channel) and that video helped me immensely!

Plus you will need to install 4 RivNuts (2 on each side) so you’ll need an installation tool for that ($50-$70 Amazon). And you will need to jack up the side of the truck as you install those to give you clearance to use that tool.

Good luck and enjoy that Pro!!

 

[tpmacleod]

I appreciate your post. This gives me a lot of good information. I did think about just getting running boards and still could be an option. I think I need to find a shop in my area that can order the items and know how to do the install. That is good information to know regarding the installation which I would not have considered. Also I am looking at the Westcott rails on top. I hear you about the pricing. It’s an expensive truck so why would you put junk on it.

 

[Desert_6Gen]

I had the stock running boards on my TRD ORP and really liked them. Mine will be for sale as soon as I clean them off and get them posted - so if you are not planning to rock crawl and need the extra protection of rock rails I'd recommend finding a set of takeoff running boards (lots get posted here but location matters since shipping can be prohibitively expensive - but I'd be willing to send you mine for ... $125 + shipping?) If you do want rock sliders there are a number of choices. I went with Cali Raised because they ship free and that made a huge difference (>$400) in total cost vs. other similar choices I was looking at. And since you have a Pro that should have the threaded holes in the frame installation should be a breeze. Here are photos of my TRD ORP with Cali Raised Step Edition sliders with step platform and same vehicle with the OEM running boards. I like them both.
Cali Raised sliders:

OEM Running boards:

what makes them "raised" sliders? Do they sit higher than typical running boards but can be used as sliders?

 

[MikeD]

what makes them "raised" sliders? Do they sit higher than typical running boards but can be used as sliders?

Cali Raised is the name of the company. They have "step edition", and (I think) "trail edition "

 

[ScoMay]

I appreciate your post. This gives me a lot of good information. I did think about just getting running boards and still could be an option. I think I need to find a shop in my area that can order the items and know how to do the install. That is good information to know regarding the installation which I would not have considered. Also I am looking at the Westcott rails on top. I hear you about the pricing. It’s an expensive truck so why would you put junk on it.

One more installation issue… whether or not you have threaded or unthreaded holes in the frame. Some trims do not have threaded holes, but you should be ok with a TRD Pro. Just take a look to confirm. Your installer will need to know what you’ve got (threaded/unthreaded) if they are going to order sliders since sliders mount to the frame.

 

[Joestac]

Cali Raised is the name of the company. They have "step edition", and (I think) "trail edition "

Assuming the person next to you does not have a door that starts above the slider, seems like those would also offer some door ding protection over the factory sliders on my TH.

 

[Pelo18]

I went with the @NYTOP rock sliders. Everyone has their own reasons for purchasing specific brands. For me, it was to keep the mud spray and debris coming into contact with the side of the vehicle. IFYKYK!!

 

[2thless4R]

I went with the @NYTOP rock sliders. Everyone has their own reasons for purchasing specific brands. For me, it was to keep the mud spray and debris coming into contact with the side of the vehicle. IFYKYK!!

How was the install on these?

 

[Pelo18]

How was the install on these?

It was quite easy, the TRD Pro had the threaded holes on the frame. Some of the other models didn't come with the threaded holes.

 

[2thless4R]

It was quite easy, the TRD Pro had the threaded holes on the frame. Some of the other models didn't come with the threaded holes.

Does it come with hardware like nutserts/blind bolts included in case there are not threaded holes? I think Westcott and Cali Raised include them.

 

[tpmacleod]

Thanks. Can you share a photo of how it looks?

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