Modifying Factory Predator Tubes?

I am planning on replacing my factory pred tubes with rock sliders on my 19 Taco OR 4X4 at some point. However, this will not happen for at least several months (it's a few down on the armor list). Has anyone ever removed the individual steps from the pred tubes for makeshift rock sliders? We already have some off-road activities planned, so I would like the body protection. I have read that the individual steps can actually catch on rocks and other obstructions and risk damaging the vehicle more by having them. So...

1. Remove the pred tubes completely
2. Remove the 4 individual steps and leave the tubes
3. Don't worry about it (You're being that guy!)

If by chance someone has done this, could you post pics? Thanks!

 

Predators won't provide any body protection for you. If you haven't taken them off yet, when you do you'll be surprised at how light they are. I'd imagine that they'd crumple at the first sign of a rock.

 

There have been a few on here that have done that. A bit of searching and you will find them.

 

Sliders should be 1st on armor list in my humble opinion.

 

they may look kind of like sliders when you remove the steps, but they will not provide the protection sliders do

 

The predator tubes are aluminum. If you bash them on a rock, they are gonna bend like a Coors can and likely won’t prevent damage to the truck.

Sell the predators and get real protection if you need it.

 

If those are the only choices. Remove them. It will give you better clearance. Less chance of hitting a rock and having the running board bend up into the rocker panel.

Sell the predator to some Schmoe and get some sliders. One hit, and it’s paid for.

 

Thanks for all of the replies. I will be removing the predator tubes before heading out this weekend. I am going to try to sell them and purchase some decent rock sliders over the next few weeks. Cheers!