........Running boards, that is. Possibly post a photo of your Runner with or without running boards. I haven't seen mine without them yet.

Aesthetically, everyone probably agrees that "no running boards" looks more pleasing.

I'll list the "pros" & "cons" with having them off.

Pros

- Looks good
- More clearance off-roading. But then again, I only do easy - mild trail riding. The truck sits high enough that it will not get touched.

Cons

- Harder to get in with my newborn & for my pups. But then again, the newborn gets hauled around mostly in the LC.
- Protects the side from things being kicked-up while in motion
- Prevents door dings. People are so careless around here. I see it happen daily.
- Doesn't look too bad with it on.

Here's what mine looks like.

http://community.webshots.com/user/99runner4me

 

take em off... i held back then i had one taken off for my by a blown out tire... so that was that... i took the other one off that same day and looove it

 

If they're not gonna get beaten up then I'd leave them on.

 

Loose em', you won't regret it.

Lamm

 

just take them off for a few days and see how you like it. they're easy remove/install.

 

i'm going to say leave them on.
However, once a few people have replied to this post. I think you will find the results will be fairly mixed.

 

take em off, sell them, and put the money towards a pair of sliders, here:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...hlight=weldpro

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/theyre-off-51621/

I just posted some pics of mine with and without em. hope it helps

 

I am taking mine off next weekend and putting on my new stubbs sliders. The decision to take them off was made for me by a large rock...thats why I am putting on the sliders. They are still straight but I know they can't handle much more abuse.

 

I think it would look much better with them off, although this might not be practical, especially with the lift and bigger tires.

I know this is a bit off topic, but I see that you own both a 3rd gen 4runner and a 97 landcruiser. I am interested in the cruisers. How would you compare it to your stock 4runner in terms of size, power, ride, wind/road noise etc. I'm also considering getting some Bridgestone Revos. How did your ride change when you went with the bigger tire?

 

His Runner is 2wd so he's being realistic and removing the boards might be not worth the hassle even tho' they remove in less than 10 minutes.

 

I love my Runner. There aren't too many cars out there that I'd trade it for. If I were to choose between the 2 that I have. I'd get rid of the LC, only if I was getting a newer LC. I like the Runner much more because it doesn't feel like you're driving a tank. It's a little quicker & more agile. I feel that there's more wind noise in the LC, probably because it's an older vehicle. But, I've been in other LCs(80 series) that have had more wind noise inside the cabin. The LC feels like it's a little more stable because its wider stance. We use the LC more for long trips, and it's mostly my wife's daily driver. She likes it more than the 4Runner because she feels safer in it.

As for the bigger tires on the 4Runner, I acquired more road noise for sure when I went with the bigger tires. I went ahead and did a whole suspension work when I went to the bigger tires. I love the way it rides now, and the way it sits so much higher compare to stock. I will try a set of BFG A/T for the next set of tires that will go on the Runner. The Bridgestone work great, but I want to give BFGs a try.

 

Off is good

 

I got sick and tired of rubbing the back of my leg on it getting in and out. I had the paint missing where this was happening to the boards. Now with them off it is much easier getting in and out. Don't know why I waited so long.

 

Just take them off... if you don't like it, put them back on... it's only a few bolts to get them off and on.

 

I took mine off today, it looks alot better. you'll be happy with it... if i do this right, you might beable to see pictures. if not sorry

 

Take them off, I took off my running boards a while back..never served any real purpose for me. + it looks a hell of a lot cleaner.

 

take em off. i agree about the leg rubbing thing, that got on my last nerves. havent missed em, they dont help you get in and out, and they look better off...why keep them on? but if you prefer the look, its only a matter of minutes and a couple bolts...not a big decision

 

It's too bad they didn't make running boards that were as strong as sliders!
Anyone have pictures of their running boards after they tried using them as a slider? LOL