When I was getting my 4Runner at the dealership, I was upset to find that it didn't have any running boards on it. So when I was in there, working out the details, I had the dealer add them as an option. Well, when they added them, they added the thunder could running boards, and they had to special order them.

The strange thing is that all the pictures that I have seen of the Sport Models, have had a tube-style running board or step. To be honest, I kind of like the color-matched style that I ordered, I just think it may be kind of weird to not have the one that you see with all the new 2002 pictures of sport models (b/c that's really all you see in the promo pics). Maybe this will set me apart to those folks that know something about 4Runners? You think??

 

did you custom order the 4runner? or did you just go down to the lot and have to just get the one on the lot like me...? I think you need a pictures page so I can look at your hood scoop more closely and be jealous. Mine came with running boards, because it was already on the lot and it was the only stellar blue pearl on the island at the time, I could have gotten it custom made but I dont' think I could have waited that long for it to be shipped here.

 

My 2002 sport edition came with the non tube style running boards..pretty much all of them that I see on the street look like mine. To be quite honest, the only time that I have seen the tube running boards on a sport edition is on the toyota website

http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehi...ner/index.html

 

I ordered and received the tube steps, although they are fairly rare.

 

I don't think I've ever seen one with tube steps either. Do the tube steps come color coded or in silver only?

 

yeah i got a 2002 sport sr5 too, and it came with the regular black running borads. i don't like those too much, so i got the tube kind from a local toyota dealer.

 

Silver only.

 

To be honest, from what I have seen, I like the standard style better than the tube style. I am getting them put on today, so I will be able to tell for sure once they are done.

 

BTW > I went and picked a Sport Edition off the lot. Unfortunately none of the models on the lot had running boards, so I had to order them.

 

I built my SE and I chose the color-match running board, somewhat I like it better than the tube or the black running board and it costs more than the other. believe me that you will love it. The only thing I don't like about my runner is the out-dated dash, look so cheap.

 

You and I have the exact same 4Runner. It's funny that we also agree on the running boards. Like I mentioned earlier, I am supposed to have them installed today.

I see also that you have the hood protector, did you get this as a factory option or did you put an aftermarket one on there?

 

Like I mentioned in the other post, I bought the hood protector after I got my rig about 2 weeks. It's Toyota OEM part, I also put it on myself for about 15 to 20 minutes. i ask the "stealer" at the time I ordered my rig and they said the hood protector itself is 99.00 bucks plus 65 bucks for installation. That pissed my off so I didn't do it at that time.

Later I talked to the sell man and he told the part dept. guy to sell me at 75 bucks. I Installed it myself, very easy. if you can drive your rig than you can do it. it's so nice except it's not Carbon Fiber.

 

Well I got my running boards put on today by my local Toyota Dealership. They look really good. The thing that really sucks is the fact that the idiot who was installing them put 2 scratches in my brand new paint. It just kills me that the damn thing just hit 400 miles and these idiots are putting scratches in the paint.

Unfortunately when I picked it up the service shop had closed and I was only dealing with the casiher. She gave me a number to call and leave a message for the installer / service tech. I guess I will have to wait until tomorrow (if they are open) to hear back from them to see what they are going to do to fix it.

What a royal pain in the ass!

 

You guys are making me soooooooooo jelous(sp, haha) talking about your Thunder Cloud Grey SR% SEs, that is the EXACT Runner I wish I had, that 4Runner package and color is is my unicorn. Ah well some day, some day.
As for the running boards, if I was in your position w/ that beautiful rig orf yours, I would call and make heads roll for that deal, They should fix the scratches and also refund you for the instalation, you shouldn't pay for a job done that was done so carelessly , but that is IMHO of course. Good luck man, let us know how you deal with it.