Running boards - yes/no?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
Running boards - yes/no?
I got this F350 and it came with running boards. What's the point? To keep the mud off the truck?
I am thinking of removing them as I think the truck would look more cool without them. I also don't need them to get inside the truck. Anything I am missing?
I am thinking of removing them as I think the truck would look more cool without them. I also don't need them to get inside the truck. Anything I am missing?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 3
From: S. Mississippi
Running boards - yes/no?
I'm not much for the flat running boards that you'd more commonly see on luxury vans and things.
The only way i'd want a pair of those on a truck is if it was a 2wd, for a 4x4 with a decent lift, i'd want step bars.
So i'd say i wouldn't keep them..
The only way i'd want a pair of those on a truck is if it was a 2wd, for a 4x4 with a decent lift, i'd want step bars.
So i'd say i wouldn't keep them..
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 642
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From: Nebraska
Running boards - yes/no?
I have them on my truck and would have to agree they aren't there for looks. I do like them overall. The main thing is that they save the paint. I can see where the previous owner didn't have them installed from new and the bottom of the door is covered with nicks and scratches from gravel spray. They are handy to stand on to reach the center of the roof (removing antennas and the like). If I were going for looks, I'd get some nerf bars and a good set of mudflaps to knock down the spray.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
Running boards - yes/no?
I haven't yet used the running boards on this truck.
From my perspective - cons:
1) you are carrying extra weight. While it is miniscule per gas tank, over the years, it adds up to something.
2) clearance is reduced. This is a 2wd but anyway.
3) it is harder to crawl under the truck if you need to look at something. Haven't really been affected by this yet.
Pros:
1) protecting paint. Don't know if I would worry about this, the truck is 13 years old.
From my perspective - cons:
1) you are carrying extra weight. While it is miniscule per gas tank, over the years, it adds up to something.
2) clearance is reduced. This is a 2wd but anyway.
3) it is harder to crawl under the truck if you need to look at something. Haven't really been affected by this yet.
Pros:
1) protecting paint. Don't know if I would worry about this, the truck is 13 years old.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Saratoga USA
Running boards - yes/no?
I have them on my 2003 King Ranch 2wd, I like them because they keep people from dinigng the doors, they hit the running boards instead, and you really have to smack those hard to bother them!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, Alabama
Running boards - yes/no?
I have them on my 2x4 and love them. My paint stays nice and I do use them to reach up in the bed when needed. They also help protect the trailer behind me. Yes I am verticaly challanged but even if I weren't I would still have them. Just my opinion.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Running boards - yes/no?
My running boards were the second thing I added to my truck.
I have appreciated them from day ONE.
They have saved tons of wear and tear on the truck
have you ever been surprised by having to drive on a freshly oiled road ?
I have, No oil ended up on the paint.
& The ladies love them.
I have appreciated them from day ONE.
They have saved tons of wear and tear on the truck
have you ever been surprised by having to drive on a freshly oiled road ?
I have, No oil ended up on the paint.
& The ladies love them.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 606
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From: Deep East Texas
Running boards - yes/no?
Chicks dig 'em. That sounds good to me. I personally chose Nerf Bars but I think that depending on what you use the truck for and your vertical ascention. If you don't use the truck off the road much, clearance won't be a problem. If ya like 'em keep 'em, if not chuck 'em, things don't always have to serve a purpose, right.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Running boards - yes/no?
I am 6'4" and I wouldn't trade mine for anything. Once your used to the first step it's so much easier. As for looks I think trucks look terrible with nothing there. Shouldn't be able to see the frame if you ask me.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC
Running boards - yes/no?
On my 79 F250 i built a set using scheduale 40 pipe3" dia. with 90 deg. elbows which i bought welded all to gether then used 1/2 " plate for the end cap which is bolted to the t case using the bolt holes for the t case and on the rear side i made a plate that matched 2 of the 4 holes on the frame rails with a backing plate inside the frame rails and on the top of the pipe as a step i had made was sheet checkerplate alum.and had it rolled over the side of the pipe to about half covering the pipe.then using 6 counter sunk screws i drilled and tapped the pipe to mount the checkerplate.it works it looks cool when polished and i can use them as a anchor tie down to use for a camper tie down,once i had a flat tire and use a fork lift under the pipe as a lift point to lift the truck to change the tire .I had no bending or flexing.i have a 3" body lift and it still looks cool .just my thoughts or idea. 
Paul
Paul
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Running boards - yes/no?
If your truck is a show truck or doesn't see much fourwheeling, then I would say keep them because they are nice when you want to get in your truck. If you do any off roading then get rid of them. They are the first thing to drag in the snow and the first thing to hit you you are driving over obstacles. So depending on how you drive, either keep them or chuck them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,067
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
Running boards - yes/no?
I'm planning on jacking up my F-250 PSD to a towering height. I'm 6' but it will be a pain to get in. I don't grab the door or steering wheel on my lifted 150 cause it wears things out. I jump. What I want is these flip down foot ladders that are mounted inside the door and are about 15 inches tall folded up when the door is closed. Folded down there about 25 inches and have 2 steps. Problem is that there made for a Cessna 208 Caravan Airplane. So there going to be very spendy.
Tyler
95 F-150 302
94 F-250 PSD
Tyler
95 F-150 302
94 F-250 PSD
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 772
Likes: 1
From: Victoria Canada
Running boards - yes/no?
Originally posted by carpe_diem
I am thinking of removing them as I think the truck would look more cool without them. I also don't need them to get inside the truck. Anything I am missing?
I am thinking of removing them as I think the truck would look more cool without them. I also don't need them to get inside the truck. Anything I am missing?
What kind of boards/truck are you running? You wanna sell them?I'm seriously thinking of a set for my S/C dually if the price is right.
Rick
