Just inherited a cherry 1990 and just about the only thing wrong with it is the running boards. The edge is all rusted and that would be easy to repaint but the plastic top is warped and faded and not worth putting money into. I googled pics of 4 runners without the running boards and think this might be a solution. Seems like the earlier years look a little better removed than some of the later ones. Doesn't look so much like something is missing. Anything to consider that would not make this a good idea?? Thanks!

 

take them off, i think it took me longer to find the right size sockets when i took them off my 1994

 

I am pretty sure the running boards were an option. There will be no harm in removing them.

There are some Toyota Promotional pictures without them on.

Photo: from Toyota USA Newsroom