Removing Running Boards

[mdandashly]

Hmm you've all given me a lot to think about.

 

[robertk61]

Fit something like these?

Paid for themselves last trip offroad going over a rock ledge.

 

[Hellcat67]

HELP! I have a black 1997 LX 450 that I purchased earlier this year. The kid I purchased it from had installed off road tires and removed the running boards...he was 6'3". I am a girl and at 5'2" I have one hell of a time trying to hoist myself into this beast. I would prefer installing nerf bars, but I am having a difficult time locating any to fit my vehicle. I did find one set and they were $900 (but not what I was looking for). Would running boards suit my needs? My husband believes that they won't hold any weight & eventually tear off. I would appreciate any advise.

 

[newtomelx]

Just my 2 cents but Bump It Offroad has two options, I chose the tube type sliders but had make lay the tube almost perpendicular with the ground as to act a a step as well as awesome protection, they run $725 powder coated or $625 unfinished as of last month anyways! Great choice among all that is out there. IMO!

 

[englaneato]

I have a pair of lexus running boards I'll sell u for 20$ plus shipping I'm in nor cal

 

[mdandashly]

I'm 6'3, 210 lbs and I stand on mine. In figure they won't break under your weight.

If you're not going to be doing any rock crawling, I would just spend ~$50-100 on running boards instead of buying $750 rock rails. I wheel my truck with the stock running boards. I wanted to take them off, but the said no.

 

[Hellcat67]

Thanks for everyones input. I am pleased to know that I have options. I will let you know what my final decision is (with photos).

 

[Cruiser1010]

Does anyone know the part numbers and total number of bolts that go to the running boards? I just purchased a 97 40th and have the running boards but need the bolts to put them back on. Thanks!!

 

[Tools R Us]

Does anyone know the part numbers and total number of bolts that go to the running boards? I just purchased a 97 40th and have the running boards but need the bolts to put them back on. Thanks!!

IIRC, they are flange head bolts, M8x1.25, ~20mm long. If originality is your game, they are domestic POS 13mm head, not JIS 12mm.

 

[MKinMT1996]

I removed my running boards recently and love how much better it looks however the cat converter and exhaust now show and stand out pretty bad. Has anyone painted these or is that a bad idea? If so, is BBQ paint ideal. Thanks

 

[Marco Lau]

here is my before after pic.

 

[BILT4ME]

here is my before after pic.

Wow!

Removing the running boards made the whole truck look bigger!

As if the tires are bigger, it rides higher, and even the bumpers look different!

 

[Marco Lau]

Wow!

Removing the running boards made the whole truck look bigger!

As if the tires are bigger, it rides higher, and even the bumpers look different!

its MAGIC!

Here is a pic of stock vs 33s and a lift

33 vs 35s below on 4" lift

 

[RJH]

Before:

After:

 

[kenavt]

All that is required is a 12mm or 13mm double box end wrench. The kind that has the funny bend in the end that lets you get it in weird places. Take a look under the truck, you will understand. My truck required a 13mm, but others claim they have 12mm bolts, pray that you have the 12mm, because the other wrench is useless after this one job. I think there are 4 bolts per side, remove them, remove the mud flap thingies, then put the bolts back in so you don't have rust issues. Look around on the forum, just about everybody has there running boards removed and there are hundreds of pictures.

I learned the hard way that the double box end wrenches with funny bends are called offset wrenches. There’s one bolt in the back by the rear body mount that I couldn’t reach with anything else. But Harbor Freight had my back: https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-metric-offset-box-wrench-set-32042.html