Took off the steps (running boards) and air dam chin spoiler

[dirtwheeler]

I took the chin and steps off this evening. This just takes a few minutes. On the chin (I think its called an air damn), there are nine 10mm bolts holding the chin on, and then two plastic clips you can release with your fingers after removing the bolts. The steps (running boards) have six 12mm bolts each. I'm going to keep the 9mm bolts with the chin in case I ever put it back on. I reinserted the 12mm bolts on the side so I don't lose them. I thought it was interesting that the steps are mounted to the body and not the frame. I'm now curious how the Toyota rock rails are mounted (as well as aftermarket rock rails/sliders).

I mainly just wanted to see what this looks like. I don't plan on buying rock sliders quite yet. But I think I'll just leave the chin and steps off. I think it looks better, I don't need the steps, and the I would eventually remove the chin or damage it on the trail. Here's what it looks like...

 

[DustyLens]

When we bought our 1997 4Runner, we had the dealership install running boards and I'm glad we did. We bought our 2010 4Runner used and it didn't come with running boards, and we wish we had them. So our next 4Runner will definitely have them.

 

[mideastbeast61]

Are the steps for sale?

 

[Hokie_5]

Are the steps for sale?

Mine should be coming with steps, I would sell them to you

 

[mideastbeast61]

Mine should be coming with steps, I would sell them to you

Are you in the DFW area?

 

[dirtwheeler]

When we bought our 1997 4Runner, we had the dealership install running boards and I'm glad we did. We bought our 2010 4Runner used and it didn't come with running boards, and we wish we had them. So our next 4Runner will definitely have them.

I'd keep them if I wasn't planning on off-road activities that will just smash them. I did that on my last truck.

 

[dirtwheeler]

Are the steps for sale?

I'll eventually put them on FB marketplace, probably for half whatever Toyota charges for them new. But I don't plan to ship them. Too much hassle. Eventually someone local will want them.

 

[Mad Ghost]

Are you in the DFW area?

I'm in DFW and in the next couple weeks maybe upgrading to rock sliders if you're interested in OEM steps. Would consider bourbon in trade

 

[Trailhunter4R]

I mainly just wanted to see what this looks like. I don't plan on buying rock sliders quite yet. But I think I'll just leave the chin and steps off. I think it looks better, I don't need the steps, and the I would eventually remove the chin or damage it on the trail. Here's what it looks like...

Looks super svelte and sporty like this. The steps you removed were the Predator Tube Steps? Or flat running boards?

 

[dirtwheeler]

Looks super svelte and sporty like this. The steps you removed were the Predator Tube Steps? Or flat running boards?

They were the flat running boards

 

[mideastbeast61]

I'm in DFW and in the next couple weeks maybe upgrading to rock sliders if you're interested in OEM steps. Would consider bourbon in trade

Works for me! I’m assuming they will be compatible with the TRD Sport Premium I’m waiting on

 

[dirtwheeler]

Some pics on the daylight...

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

It never occurred to me to NOT have running boards on my 4Runner and when I saw that the TRD Sport Premium I am getting does NOT come with running boards, I immediately liked the clean look. Your pics have confirmed that for me. Nice looking ride you got there dirtwheeler. Congrats.

 

[Nodak]

we up in the northern tier states pretty much require static running boards. it really helps to keep snow/slush and what not from gouging the lower quarter panels.

but after getting our 23 tundra platinum, the wife loves the automatic boards and doesnt miss the static boards.

bad part, the snow/slush and what not tend to do more damage now from what i can see since we have had our 23 tundra for 2 yrs now.

btw the oem auto boards have not frozen to the body once in the 2 winters yet on the 23 tundra

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

we up in the northern tier states pretty much require static running boards. it really helps to keep snow/slush and what not from gouging the lower quarter panels.

but after getting our 23 tundra platinum, the wife loves the automatic boards and doesnt miss the static boards.

bad part, the snow/slush and what not tend to do more damage now from what i can see since we have had our 23 tundra for 2 yrs now.

btw the oem auto boards have not frozen to the body once in the 2 winters yet on the 23 tundra

I do think the automatic boards are pretty slick and considered getting a Platinum, not just for that, I do like the Navy blue interior on the Platinum. But....I can't get that sweet Invoice price deal on a Platinum here so I am going with the TRD Sport Premium.