08 GX470 Running Board Removal

[ParrotheadGX470]

Hey Guys,
Sorry if this is posted somewhere else. I searched with no luck.

I was looking to take off the running boards to add some clearance and also reduce the soccer mom vibe a bit.

Are the running boards bolted on or connected by plastic rivets? Are there any step by step guides or directions on how to do this? I'm not looking to do anything irreversible. So, would they be easy to reinstall once I take them off?

Thanks for the help.

 

[dakotajones]

i'd love to know too. i also have an 08 GX that could use less of the soccer mom vibe.

 

[The Shoe]

Hey Guys,
Sorry if this is posted somewhere else. I searched with no luck.

I was looking to take off the running boards to add some clearance and also reduce the soccer mom vibe a bit.

Are the running boards bolted on or connected by plastic rivets? Are there any step by step guides or directions on how to do this? I'm not looking to do anything irreversible. So, would they be easy to reinstall once I take them off?

Thanks for the help.

I haven't done it personally (yet) but from what I understand it's very simple. Handfull of bolts, some plastic rivets (just push the centers in and you should be able to get them out) and don't forget to disconnect the lights (there is a factory wiring plug under there somewhere).

Should all make sense when you're laying under the truck!

 

[dakotajones]

i got underneath the truck this weekend. there are three brackets (one on each side and in the middle)...two bolts on the board and two bolts on the truck per bracket. the wiring harness to disconnect is roughly in the middle. there may be a few plastic rivets to pop, but not sure. it does look pretty easy though.

 

[ParrotheadGX470]

so will you need to break the rivets to remove the boards? I just want to be able to reinstall if necessary without having to replace parts or spend more money.

 

[dakotajones]

it doesn't look like you have to "break" anything. the rivets look like they hold the metal bottom part of the boards to the plastic top part of the boards, but if you remove the bolts holding the boards to the chassis, you shouldn't have to worry about rivets. the entire assembly should come right off. but don't quote me. =P

 

[ParrotheadGX470]

Thanks for the answers everyone. May get around to it this weekend and I'll update with pics.

 

[GXO]

Also keep in mind, the rivets are sold by Toyota and are meant to be replaced in most cases. Some of them can be a bugger to get out (especially on wheel well trim!

 

[LTD FJ]

Check out my photos in the LTD GX thread (2nd page). If yours look the same as post #36, it is real simple.

 

[BonnerBB]

LOL...

I removed mine and my wife refuses to drive it now because she has to lift the kids into it. BEWARE

It is easy off and looks to be just as easy to put them back on but I just don't want to!

 

[ParrotheadGX470]

so I was finally able to remove my running boards this weekend thanks to some help from a friend. The biggest trouble we had were the clips that are covered by the door. Ended up snapping all of them off.

Another question...By looking at some of the build threads, I have noticed most of you guys don't have the frame hanging out from underneath your GX. Now that I have removed my boards, there is a quite a bit of frame showing. What fixes this and "tucks it up under there"? Does a lift, sliders?

Thanks for the help answering my stupid questions.

 

[BonnerBB]

Sliders will hide the frame rail.