Running boards/nerf bars?

Amen to that. I just washed & waxed the truck for the first time this year and I was amazed I didn't have more junk stuck to the rockers (my OEM running boards).

I agree with most....if you offroad at all, get rocksliders. The square tube rocksliders (that Demello makes) are awesome for stepping on, peventing door dings, jacking the truck up from, and you could pobably have them covered (flat plate) to prevent road debris. Just not sure they make the square tube sliders for 2nd gens.

 

My truck had them when I bought it used, I wouldn't of put them on but my wife is short so they will stay I guess.

 

Definately Bull bars over Running boards.. running boards are for S.U.V.'s

Shameless plug, but if anybody is interested in a new set of NERF bars, i have a set fs

 

i had running boards until i went offroading with some local people. destroyed both sides in a river bed. i don't have them anymore, but on the bright side, they took it for the team and saved my truck from rocks. one time use i guess.

if you choose to do any real offroad trails, neither one will save you

 

All right, young people, here's an opinion and some questions from a 62 year-old. My '06 Taco has a toolbox in the bed not for looks but for the chainsaw, the comealong, the tow straps, the tiedowns, etc., etc. I am building a house up a "road" and haul building materials like rock and such, after loading it by hand (ahem), so we can knock off the old people/young people stuff! I was driving pickups before some of you had, um, hair, so let's get on with it.
The reason I am looking into some sort of step or short bar is that I have a messed up back that doesn't like torque, as in getting into a high truck. That's all. No image crap, no ego, just function.

So, what are my options? I found simple alum. steps, but they don't attach to the frame, which is where I assume I want to attach something. Not interested in fancy appearance, just function. Don't want plain steel; no time for rust. Stainless or aluminum.

So, youngsters, what do you have to say?

 

Nerf bars mount to the frame. Running boards generally don't. Nerfs can come with a chrome finish to minimize rust issues. The Smittybuilt brand is common for these but there are others.

 

I'm definitely looking for something that mounts to the frame (meaning, to me, the large member I can see recessed in several inches from the outside edge of the body, not just under the door). I don't think I need anything long, either, just a step that's not slick and won't rust. The aluminum cast steps I've seen seem fine, but they don't seem to attach to the frame. Wish I could weld!

 

more clearence,and dont need them to climb into the truck they just take up space

 

I don't like the look of 'em & I was going to take my running boards off when I first got my truck, but it is kinda nice to have that step to get up into my truck. Plus, they are handy as they keep mud & stuff off the side of the truck & I have no rock chips on the sides so that's cool! I guess if & when I get sliders (some day hopefully) they will come off.

 

I've been thinking recently of getting a full OME suspension setup for my truck, but with my wedding coming up in October I decided to hold off. Two weeks ago I got a crazy idea and a sudden burst of energy and removed my chrome tube steps from the truck (Which were already on it when I purchased it 5 years ago)....Now I feel like I gained a full 3 inches of ground clearance every time I look at my truck!! If for nothing else, look at as the poor mans lift!

 

square rock crusher sliders, make great steps, and offer protection.

 

I have some chrome nerf bars on my taco. However, they came with the truck (used) and I don't really like them, especially because they don't match my new wheels. I was going to get some black nerf bars, but maybe I'll invest in some rock sliders instead

 

I installed OEM Running Boards due to it being flat and safe for my kids get on and off my truck. The only time I step on it is when I am washing and waxing my truck and to get to the roof top. I thought it also gives a 'Cool' look effect.

 

I put nerf bars on for 2 reasons
1) Short wife - makes it easier to get in
2) Urban jungle protections - Recaps, Door dings etc.
It also helps to get to spots I can't reach when washing the truck.

 

i have nerf's but im thinking im gonna ditch them. only perk is nice for getting in and out especially in the snow

 

Should have bought a car!!!

 

I put OEM running boards on mine. When I had my Jeep I was a more serious off-roader, so rock rails were a must, but these days I am driving on lots of gravel roads every day for work, so I figured they were a good way to protect from gravel chips. It will also make it easier to get stuff in and out of my toolbox, since I am in there quite a bit.
Normally I don't care for the look of running boards, but the OEM ones for the Taco do look good to me. I think because they don't turn up at the wheel wells.
On a previous Toyota pickup I had nerf bars, but I think the tubular bars look 80s to me, like tubular bumpers.