OEM Cast Aluminum Running Boards vs. OEM Predator Tube Steps

Then there's the sharks!!

 

They look good

 

Yeah I like 'em okay since they came on it. The name just struck me funny 'cause they're sharky like that.

 

I opted for the flat style because of two reasons. One, what's already been said, that they can catch on the step for the predator.

Two, because I am 6'5 with work boots and you know where that step is when I hop in or walk around the truck? Perfect shin height. I kicked the ever piss outta one getting out of the loaner I had making a decision on which '17 I wanted. As bad as kicking a tounge left in a hitch. Flat boards decision was made then and there.

 

I will probably end up getting these. The dimple-dyed plates look like they will provide good traction, plus the company is local. Link

 

I didn't care much for the factory Predator running boards with the drop steps. Every time I got out of my truck a rubbed my calf or brushed my pants. When I would walk up to the truck with the door open the steps would hit my shins. My truck isn't high enough to even require me stepping on them. I also felt that they hung too low and would possibly rub on terrain if I found myself off road.

I decided to take them off and drive around for a while. I liked the way it looked without them however I didn't care for the look of seeing the frame rail hanging down under the truck. I considered purchasing rock sliders but couldn't and still can't decide which ones look the best that don't cost a fortune. I honestly will probably never go rock crawling or hopefully won't put myself into a position that could damage the underside of the truck but there is always that possibility.

Temporary solution:
I had a friend of mine, that is very handy at fabricating and has access to several tools, cut the steps off, then grind and sand down the tubes. I purchased a few cans of RUST-OLEUM truck bed coating and painted them up. I bolted them back up I got the look I was going for. Only time will tell how them hold up and how they are to live with. Let me know what you guys think.

 

Where can i purchase these?

 

Yes, these are exactly the same as the ones that came on my 2006 Taco.... they were great for 10 yrs and I thought I'd get the same ones in 2016... I'm happier than a clam with these....!!

 

I have 5" Lunds and I think they are great. They allow me to step on them and reach my roof rack. Have a buddy who hates them and keeps nagging about getting sliders. I just don't need them. Also I like the ding protection I get with the Lunds.

I never liked the predators. It's surprising more people aren't snapping their ankles.

 

I went with chrome tubes because the ol’ lady didn’t like the predators. With your options & kids, I would take running boards

 

I went with the predator steps so my 5 year old daughter (and eventually her 1 year old sister) can easily get in and out of the truck. She's never had any issues with the steps as far as I know. I will note that the lower steps are a shin hazard for adults though. My wife has hit them a couple of times, although after that you learn to avoid getting that close. Another issue with them is how low they drop. I'm just waiting for the day that they catch on a rock or something when going off road. That's why I plan on eventually replacing them with a set of aftermarket sliders.

 

I'm the exact opposite, I got the predator steps and am looking to switch to the cast aluminum. The steps are a little awkward for me to use, it feels as though I'm too tall to use them at 5'10 but when I don't use them I feel like I'm putting unnecessary wear on my seat edges. It would probably work well with kids. FWIW, when I bought my truck the salesperson called the steps shin killers, I bought them anyway because they look so good.

I'd love to trade my predators for someone's cast aluminum if they're in the north east.

 

From the OP: "Cons: While it sticks out away from the body and provides protection for the truck, it also will jab you in the calf when you are stepping out of the truck and directly on the ground. (Happens when not using the running board to step down... I'm 5'8. Probably not an issue if you are over 6'0.)
2. When stepping up, it is at an uncomfortable height to use! It's too high to use as a step up.

I'm 6'2" and I hate those damn aluminum boards! Just test driving one with them, they got me twice. Not only did they get me right in the back of the calf, they are rough, so it takes some skin too. Not a fan.

I do like the idea of having some extra mud and rock protection, but at my height I don't need any steps, and they all seem to be in the way for me getting in and out...

 

oem tube steps

 

Personally I like the running boards and actually prefer them over the predator steps. The running boards give you more places to step foot on to actually use them, whereas the predator steps you had to be careful with your foot placement to actually make use of them. The predator steps are lower so are easier to step on height wise but you have to be careful whereas the running boards are a little higher but care free with foot placement. Mine are the Stealth Black Running Boards and they go well with the magnetic gray color.

 

I like both the cast and 05-15 boards that are similar. I would be concerned with the Predator steps with children.

I always like the idea of sliders, especially with the kickouts, but with Toyota's rust history, I'm always reluctant to think about welding something to the frame when it comes to coatings and repairs.

 

Maybe I’m in the minority but I love the Predator steps. Liked them so much on my Tacoma I got a set when they became available for the 4Runner. I like that I can use them stepping out as well as stepping in. The drop step is at a useful height. I don’t climb rocks, though, so mashing them isn’t a concern for me.

 

Cast aluminum here! At first they felt awkward and I did scrape the rear of my legs getting out a few times, but quickly got used to using them as a step. The ding protection is great too. They are very solid steps and looks nice. Another perk is I don't lose much if any clearance while off-roading compared to the predators.

 

It's a matter of which best fit your needs. Very happy with my Predators. I just wanted something to kick my boots off on before I got in and the kids could use. I also prefer the way they look.

 

I went with the Gen 5 running boards. I really like the way they integrate/cover the pinch seam.