cdew002

Hey All

I'm about to hit 200K miles and have developed a leaky airbag. I'm going to be replacing it with an Ironman 2" lift and 285/70r17 tires. To avoid any potential clearance issues, I went ahead and removed the running boards. Very easy process, but I don't think anyone has done a write up yet with pics, so I snapped some while I worked. Just need a 12mm socket, an extension, and a flat head screwdriver.

Step 1
Disconnect the wiring for the running board lights. It's right beside the middle bracket. Pinch and pull.





Step 2
Pop out the clips. Open both doors and you will see them. I used a flat head screwdriver to pop them out. None of them broke amazingly. I pried one side slightly, then the other. They WILL fly off.





Step 3
Remove the 12mm bolts holding the running board to the truck. There are 6 total, 2 on each bracket. I started on the rear and let it sag as I went. It's not heavy. (The pic is sideways)





Step 4
Take the front clip (or whatever it's called) off. It connects the fender trim to the running board. I broke both trying to get them out. (Pic is sideways)





Step 5
Pull rear of running board out toward you and push toward the front tire. There are 2 remaining clips/brackets remaining. Pulling it out should pop the white one out and then you should be able to slide it forward to release the final clip. I wasn't careful with it and if you really just start jiggling it, it will come off.

Before





After





Please note that you will have this part left hanging out there - it isn't THAT noticeable, but it's certainly not seamless. Mine is dirty, so it stands out more than it would otherwise.

NTH

Very nice and detailed DIY. Thanks for posting. Do you foresee any issue with water or debris now that the area behind the front tires are left untrimmed?

cdew002

Nope. :-)

I did put the bolts back in, though. Mainly so I don't lose them, but I suppose it will also eliminate the possibility of anything jumping up in the holes as well.

I also put some electrical tape on the loose connector and tucked it into a hole in the frame.

470SNC

So much better without running boards, I got rid of mine first thing

cdew002

I'm pretty indifferent - I think it looks good either way. With a lift/larger tires, though, taking them off certainly adds to the effect.

DirtyGX

Plans for sliders?

At stock ride height my dwarven legs don't need the running boards, but lifted I use them a lot on my Landcruiser.

cdew002

Ha. I'm considering a set from metaltech, but nothing urgent. My kids are not a big fan of the removal. My four year old especially. I didn't realize how low they hang down until I watched him get in without them. He had issues.