removing running boards?
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: Cupertino, CA
removing running boards?
Hi, all -
I recently bought a 2001 King Ranch. (I didn't need all the KR gingerbread, but the deal was right.) I'd like the truck to be at least mildly off-road capable, and my concern is that the running boards might get mangled (they look kind of wimpy).
What do y'all do when going off road? Do you remove your running boards or step bars? Are step bars a little more out of the way, or durable? I'd consider replacing my boards with bars if it's feasible. Lastly, can anyone recommend a good brand of step bar should I decide to replace my boards?
Thanks...
I recently bought a 2001 King Ranch. (I didn't need all the KR gingerbread, but the deal was right.) I'd like the truck to be at least mildly off-road capable, and my concern is that the running boards might get mangled (they look kind of wimpy).
What do y'all do when going off road? Do you remove your running boards or step bars? Are step bars a little more out of the way, or durable? I'd consider replacing my boards with bars if it's feasible. Lastly, can anyone recommend a good brand of step bar should I decide to replace my boards?
Thanks...
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
removing running boards?
Hi,
I am not much of a 4 X 4 off road person so I can't help with the issue of a running board or step bars getting in the way. I need the 4 X 4 for the winter. I live in the DC area but I have land in the hills of Western MD and hope to one day make it my home. Don't even ask about the gravel road that one needs a 4 X 4 to make it up without the snow.
Anyways, I put a set of Westin Step Bars on my new 2003 and I think they look great and yesterda a few folks needed to climb in the back and they were so happy that I installed the step bar.
Go to the Aftermarket Products forum and the post is titled Westin Step Bar. Includes a pic of my truck with bars. That info should be helpful.
Any questions, just add a post here or there.
Chip
I am not much of a 4 X 4 off road person so I can't help with the issue of a running board or step bars getting in the way. I need the 4 X 4 for the winter. I live in the DC area but I have land in the hills of Western MD and hope to one day make it my home. Don't even ask about the gravel road that one needs a 4 X 4 to make it up without the snow.
Anyways, I put a set of Westin Step Bars on my new 2003 and I think they look great and yesterda a few folks needed to climb in the back and they were so happy that I installed the step bar.
Go to the Aftermarket Products forum and the post is titled Westin Step Bar. Includes a pic of my truck with bars. That info should be helpful.
Any questions, just add a post here or there.
Chip
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Va. USA
removing running boards?
Generally, if you go off-road, the first thing to get torn up is the running boards. I took mine off. They were fiberglass and would have lasted about five minutes on the trail. Also, running boards are usually attached to the body while the step bars attach to the frame.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
removing running boards?
The Westin step bars that attach to the top of the frame are a good compromise, plus, they do look nice. Been a while since I actually held one, I think they are almost 1/10 of an inch steel wall.
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
You should check out www.electricstep.com I purchased a retractable running board for my Excursion. The site has a cool video clip on it. this step complelty retracts when not in use. This step is great...
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 0
From: Chatsworth, CA
I would say take them off. If your truck is stock height you don't really need them unless you find it difficult to get in and out the truck. Nerf bars (steel step bars) are stronger than the plastic stock running boards you have now but they stick out and get in the way just the as much as your current running boards. Nerf bars come in chrome or black and can be painted to match the color of your truck. What I would look for is a rock slider bar, some companies sell them but they are usually fabricated and angle up and tuck in close to the body. They can be used as steps but are really used to protect the body from damage in the rocks.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 0
From: Rep. of Texas
I agree, lose em. You shouldnt even need the nerf bars to get in and out, unless you have a lift. But if you want protection get them, cause the plastic ones wont do squat. I bent my dad's front on the driver's side while wheeling in it and it only took a small dirt mound to screw it up (its a 2x4, so I shouldnt have been, but I didnt have my truck at the time).
I dont have them on my truck...but Im adding something soon...
I dont have them on my truck...but Im adding something soon...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 32
From: southwest pa
i would go with nerf bars, get rid of the plastic garbage. you'r just going to rip one off, and do some damage to your paint too. instead of spending the money on the other damage, just get the nerf bars and bolt them to the frame
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