Remove side steps all together?

I really hate the look of my side steps -- and I don't use them. I only left them on because I thought that after the lift and tires I would need the step, but I still don't use it.

My wife is not going to have a problem without them (she's probably 5'6 but she's athletic, runs marathons, etc). My son is only 13 but he's tall and plays basketball, can touch the rim...very athletic kid. I'm the least athletic of the bunch but I just step right into the truck at just 5'11"... Any time I do transport kids around (which is pretty rare), it's usually part of the basketball team anyway...so they're either tall or super athletic point guard type kids anyway.

I considered the fact that they could prevent mud/dirt/rocks from flying up, but if you look at the two comparison pics below (first one is my truck) (thanks to the guy whose truck is in the second pic, I can't remember your name, but you inspired my build)...the mud flap seems to be doing a great job of catching his debris.

Plus, I'm not going to lie, I don't mind some mud on my doors...and have zero problem applying a thick clear protection coat to the bottom x inches on my doors, honestly, in the future anyway.

I'm definitely not wheeling hard enough where a rock would contact the rocker (and if I were, i would not be running these factory steps anyway...I'd get a real set of sliders).

Looks wise, the answer is clear...not sure why I'm even posting instead of just ripping them off honestly. Maybe to get some opinions, or potentially someone shares something that I haven't thought of yet.

Anyway, comparison pic (my truck is first)...

 

Your truck / main squeeze. Do whatever makes you / her happy.

 

Are the the factory tube-like "running boards"? My husband and I just ordered a 2023 TRD OR and the truck available did not have this option. Are you interested in selling? I dont know where you are located and shipping may be pretty expensive.

 

Yeah we're near Hagerstown, MD. You guys anywhere close? And yes these are the factory ones from a 2023 TRD OR - I only have 310 miles on the truck now, so they're basically new.

 

No, unfortunately we live in Misssouri.

 

I mean I would list them for sale assuming i do take them off - but I usually have a strict no ship policy (so I only sell stuff locally) - because I know that my procrastination leads to me never getting to the shipping drop off place...and then buyers get mad at me...plus I've sold too many items in the past where shipping has cost me more than I made for the part hahahaha. I'm sure someone more local to you will be taking theirs off (probably even someone on these forums). Also, oddly enough, Toyota seems to have really good prices for OEM parts, from what I've gathered doing research and the few things I've ordered / priced.

For example, I got my rubber floor mats right off of Amazon (i verified the part number first)...and then some dealership in Florida sent them to me...I ended up saving about $40 from what my local dealership wanted...and I didn't even have to leave my house.

I think the worst thing I ever sold was a $120 dirt bike helmet probably back in 2001'ish...It ended up selling for $18 on ebay...and then shipping was like $23. I was so mad, but what are you going to do.

 

I've always liked the "no side steps" look, but I'm afraid of dirt/damage to my doors. You've given me something to think about...

 

Think about how thick you can get some of that clear protection stuff at least right on the bottom of the rockers. You can basically make like a 1/8" nearly-impenetrable layer of protection...and you won't even be able to tell from looking at it really.

I think if I did go up to that line in the door, I'd have a professional place apply it for me though.

 

deaps, I get it. I will look online for them. Do you know how to find parts number for a 2023 Tacoma TRD OR?

 

For some reason, this place is the one that always comes up for me on google:

https://www.priceleblanctoyota.com/parts/index.htm

Then I just take their part number that I get, confirm it some other way, and then order the proper part number from wherever seems reputable and the cheapest (or has the best shipping options).

I think these are the steps:

https://www.priceleblanctoyota.com/parts/index.htm?path=/oem-parts/toyota-assist-steps-oval-tube-steps-black-pt76735111?c=Zz1leHRlcmlvciZzPXNpZGUtc3RlcHMmbD0yJm49Q2F0ZWdvcnkgUGFnZSZhPXRveW90YSZvPXRhY29tYSZ5PTIwMjMmdD10cmQtb2ZmLXJvYWQmZT0zLTVsLXY2LWdhcw%3D%3D

You'll have to be diligent in finding the right part number for double cab / short/long bed I would guess - or at least verify fitment somehow. A good old fashioned phone call to the dealer parts department wouldn't be a bad idea - just have the VIN handy.

That said i think there are *far better options* available for side steps in the aftermarket world than the factory ones. But I do understand wanting to keep everything OEM as well. Good luck.

 

I took mine off. strange you need other peoples opinion on removing them lol.

 

You don’t need our permission, just sell them and use the money on your honey

… then get a lift and she’ll ask you for steps and you’ll say ok. Short story- you get her permission to get sliders and she’ll think it was her idea! Win win!

 

Yeah, side steps generally look silly. Especially those terror, or raptor, or tremor, or whatever-they're-called that come on the pros.

Even sliders don't look great, if mine weren't scratched to hell, thereby justifying their use, I'd take em off and sell em in a heartbeat.

 

We live in a world of self validation. Very bizarre how this behavior has become so mainstream so quickly. Gotta love social media!

 

On a truck this size all those things do is get mud on the back of your jeans when you get out.

 

I have the same factory steps that came with the truck when I bought used. I think they look OK but I have been considering taking them off as well. They don't really help getting into the truck, they just provide a good way to get mud and salt up the back of your pant legs when you are getting out haha! Thanks for posting the side-by-side pics something to think about...

 

Oh if you and yours can live without 'em then take them off. At 65+ getting in and out was an adventure so I use mine all the time. Really like stepping
out and onto them with my camera to get-the-shot when needed as well. I also use them to clean the top and windshield of the truck.

But if you don't need 'em - dump 'em. Keep them for a month and if you miss them put them back on otherwise sell 'em for a few dollars.

 

You mean predator bars? Like this? I have them because my vertically challenged 5'2" wife with the bad back can't get in the truck without using them. They extend lower than the tube steps which is why I got this particular style.

 

I like my tube steps. So does my short Corgi.

 

A person asking knowledgeable and informed folks about their experiences who maybe traveled down a road they are considering going down themselves - is certainly not self validation.

I certainly know that I need absolutely no one's permission to do anything to my vehicle. To assume that I'm looking for *your validation* as opposed to opinions of people who have felt the same way or asking for them to share their unique experiences, thoughts, pros, and cons ... is honestly narcissistic on your behalf.

Social media / the internet / forums - are what makes these people's experiences so available...which is not a bad thing.