I have a 98 4runner sr5. it came with running boards. Today on my way back from lunch i saw a 4runner that someone had removed the running boards. it looked cooler.

im thinking about possibly removing the running boards for better clearance, less weight and an individualized look.

What i'd like to ask you guys is are there pro's AND con's to doing this? how involved is it? does it present a problem with the asthetics of the remaning body panels once the the running boards are removed.

 

It will look really good, but as on my 95, it will leave your lower doors and front fenders more vulnerable to debris kicked up from the road...such as rocks, mud, etc. I have quite a few paint chips from rocks being thrown up off the road and trails by my tires, but I don't worry about it too much!

However, I believe Tacoma front mud flaps can be changed just a little bit to fit on the front of our rigs (however, that may just be for 2nd Gen's, I can't remember). But go for it, it looks great!

 

4skiner:

Read my thread here for your answers. Also, check out the pics of my truck before and after the running board removal:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...&threadid=1243

Advantages: looks better, more aggressive; more ground clearance (in that area). Did I mention it looks more aggressive?

Disadvantages: your wife/girlfriend will bitch if under 5'5"; less protection from debris

In regards to the fender flare question, it really depends on what style fender flares you have. Is it the thin, silver kind? Or is it the black, textured kind? If the latter, make sure you have on hand the end flaps to the front flares.

Bob

 

I took mine off the same day I got it from the dealer. They didn't have any without them. Easy to remove plus I sold them on Ebay Check my site for pics. I think they look better off the truck.

 

I took mine off after someone ran into me and crunched one. This is when I got the Smittybilt nerfs, bushwacker extendaflares, and had the body shop remove the graphics and buff it out. Much better looking!!

 

yeah 4skiner, they're real easy to take off. takes less than half an hour. you might want to consider some diferent type of running boards, like the tube steps.