A better method for running board removal (1 Viewer)

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I did a bit of research before removing my running boards and it seemed like most people were removing the clips that hold the running board to the rocker panel, trimming the running board down, and then reinstalling.

Looking at the parts diagram the running board consists of a few parts. There is the color matched shroud, the black step, and the support for the step.
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I started poking around under the truck and realized that the black step is riveted to the color matched shroud. View from below:
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Here is the transition from above
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I was able to cut the rivets with side cutters and then pry the two pieces apart:
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There are 8 rivers per side, including one underneath (or above I guess) the electrical connector:
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At this point you can rough cut the shroud at the front and rear ends, unbolt the step brackets from the rocker, and remove the running board.
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Now you can do the final cuts leaving however much trim you want. I followed the existing opening around to the front which was 46mm below the body line. I find that a multi tool with a fine blade works the best for clean cuts in plastic trim.
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I cut the rear close to flush
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Then removed the 8 tabs that had the rivets to clean up the bottom edge.
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Finished product
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Nice job! Wish I'd seen this before I did mine.
 
Awesome write up, this is outstanding. Job is on my todo list but I’ve been procrastinating. You made it look easy.
 
I was waiting until I had sliders to replace them, but I installed wheel spacers over the weekend and ended up with tire rub on The running boards. removing them only took a little over an hour.
 
I removed mine in a similar way. It's definitely the way to go and looks much cleaner than simply unbolting them. I used a Dremel for the cuts and they came out pretty good. Thanks for sharing this.
 
Never mind, looks like you cut above the bolt hole no?

My problem is my tires rub on the front bolt in the wheel well. Any ideas on a replacement bolt that sits flush? Should I use a flush fitting push clip? Or should I double sided tape that mofo?
 
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@MrTorgue is this the bolt you’re referring to? At the rear of the front wheel well.

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I trimmed back a bit to remove more material but leave the fastener in place. I think I will trim a bit more at some point. My tire gets pretty close to this but doesn’t rub during street driving. I am sure it will be an issue off-road.

FYI it isn’t a bolt but a push pin
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These offer way less messing around

I’m not sure that removing the entire running board, losing the color matched trim on the bottom of the rocker panel, and replacing with a 3d printed non color matched part is an upgrade. But it’s nice to have options.
 
I’m not sure that removing the entire running board, losing the color matched trim on the bottom of the rocker panel, and replacing with a 3d printed non color matched part is an upgrade. But it’s nice to have options.
Its a quick way to cover up the hole, and it's easily paintable.

"Upgrade" is relative, if you aren't putting sliders on why take off the running boards? They are quite useful for loading things on the roof, and do help with MPG a bit.
 
I just realized this is the 470 forum. Whoops. I sold my 470 and I was referring to my 460. Disregard!
 
Thank you for this! I will definitely go this route now, I think I'll leave the cutting to my body guy, but I can handle the rest.
 
When I saw the title of the post I was hoping for a video involving chains and a tree stump…
 

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