Running boards? Rock sliders? Side steps?

I’ve been posting here the past few months. I finally found my unicorn.
It has a 2-3” (I think) Toytec lift on it and 285 75R 16 tires.
I want to add steps to get into the truck, but I’m not sure what.

I’m thinking rock sliders, but I’m not sure who they’re different than running boards. I want all black powder coat, no chrome.
Suggestions?

 

Rock sliders tend to be more expensive as they are built more strongly and attach to stiffer parts of the frame. They are designed to literally let your truck slide across a rock rather than jam or bend up the body. Nerf bars/Steps run a bit cheaper and aren't made to the same standards. They will hold you up and they will help protect the truck from door dings a bit. Some are "predator style" which means a step literally sticks out beneath each door location. Those can also sometimes be called "rock grabbers!"

There are many many options but I suggest you narrow down what you need/like and do a hunt through your local classified sections a bit!

 

I prefer nothing, it ain't that hard to get into the truck. But if I were adding something it would be a low profile slider. They do very little to help get in the truck but could prevent damage to the body if you slide into something.

I've seen running boards ripped off. It doesn't make sense to lift the truck, then add something that hangs down to make it easier to get in. Sorta defeats the purpose.

 

I prefer having sliders. They work OK as steps, protect from some door dings and don't get in the way/protect me on mild offroading. They saved me twice - once when I slipped down off a rock and would have dented my rocker panel; another time when a guy would have side swiped me, but only rubbed his tire on the side of the slider. A friend has steps and the brackets are bent back from very mild offroading.
My vote order - sliders, nothing, steps.

 

Love my sliders…family loves using them as steps.

Get sliders!

 

Those look good. What brand/model? Link?

 

Looking for a sleight step. Something low pro.

 

Ok. I’m on team sliders now.

 

i picked up some slee sliders sencond hand for less than most side steps are new. They never even touched a rock before I got them. If you are going to wheel the truck at all sliders are one of the first things you should buy. I aslo agree whats the point of lifiting a truck if you are going to put low hanging side steps on it?
https://sleeoffroad.com/product-cat...le]=0&ixwpsf[taxonomy][product_tag][filter]=1

 

CALIRAISED
https://caliraisedled.com/products/2005-2021-tacoma-step-edition-rock-sliders

 

Sliders all day. I have a set ready to be installed

 

If you plan on off-roading, sliders 100%. I have the RCI 20 degree angle ones and they don't make much of a step because they are tucked up near the door sill to increase clearance. However they will actually protect the body in case of contact while off-roading or from some door dings in parking lots. They do offer a 5 degree one with top plate option for a bit more of a functional step.

If you don't plan on off-roading, running boards or predator steps are just fine and usually more functional as a step.
Used predator step takeoffs can be had on this forum for quite cheap $200ish. A good set of sliders new will run you around $1000.

 

Like others have said, no off roading then go for steps. Some off roading then go with sliders.

one thing I wish is did different on my sliders was how far they kick out. They have saved me several times from smashing my doors but mine stick out pretty far so when I get out of my still dirty truck to walk into work on Monday after a weekend of wheelin, I always end up getting my fancy work pants dirty lol

 

run a long bolt into your cab holes, beat it with a hammer to damage the truck.
Smack the truck a few times.
Tape some tinfoil on.

that’s basically what a step bar is.
Don’t forget the ugly looks and reduced ground clearance.

consensus on sliders is
Kickout
15-20deg
Fill plates
Large frame coverage

best one for that appears to be RCI.

 

Depends a lot on your actual use. I’m cheap and I don’t wave my petus around flexing like i offroad every day

I went with steps from Amazon that seem like quality ones and fit well… Durable coating , no separate endcaps to rust away in a few seasons, and under $200. They make them for ACs and SCs

Tyger Auto 3.5" Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | Access Cab | TG-SS2T35218 | Side Step Rail Nerf Bars

$189 Tyger Auto 3.5" Rider Running Boards Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma | Access Cab | TG-SS2T35218 | Side Step Rail Nerf Bars

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089XWF8YV

 

sliders can work as steps, but steps don't work as sliders.

Mall hoppers dig steps.

 

Anybody here running this brand? They seem to be well made.
https://www.rocky-road.com/tacoma-rock-sliders.html

 

If you are wanting something to step on to get into the truck, rock sliders do not really provide much space for you to step. Rock sliders are either welded onto your frame or bolted onto your frame and you can beat the hell out of them, steps/running boards are not, and will break easier off-road.

 

I agree with the above. If you want something to help you step into the truck, sliders won't work as well as a dedicated side step will. My sliders are more of a hinderance for my passengers to get in and out.

If you just want sliders, then go for it. They gave me much more protection against door dings and is the reason I prefer to park next to cars. They've also saved me from rocker panel damage off-roading.
Know that true sliders are significantly heavier than side steps. Mines are 140 lbs. I have Mobtown Offroad bolt on sliders. Also know that a bunch of companies out there indicate to drill more holes into the frame (for bolt-on style).

 

Team slider. I had these made by Stubb's Welding but I don't think he's in business anymore. My wife is short so she didn't want to step over the hoops. I had him leave those off.
They are weld on, but I didn't have a welder when I bought them and wanted the welds to look good. My local muffler shop in Nashville, Illinois welded them on for me and did a great job. He was really affordable too, I think he charged me less than a hundred bucks.
I like them because they help stiffen up the frame as well. My wife uses them as a step.