Need Help with Running boards, Nerf bars what ever they are called..

So forgive me for not knowing the terminology yet. Purchased my first Tacoma last week..Not sure if i like it yet or not. Having hard time getting in and out of it, actually have a backache today i am hoping that is from simply not getting in correctly.

When i bought the truck and test drove it it had running boards on it. Dam things were so high and wide that my calf rubbed getting in and out. I asked the dealer to remove them which he did. Now i am having difficulty getting in and out. My salesperson did a followup asking how i liked my new truck and honestly cant give an answer yet. I THINK i like it, but need to get this running board/Nerf bar issue resolved. I did a google search and this seems to be a known issue for us older folks. Any Solutions out there? My salesperson recommended the Predator Steps? For those of you that have had this issue have you rectified it? Looking for advice

PS the Driver seat is horrible too! Need Power adjustable... and if they dont have that maybe they will make a manual adjust seat that goes up and down!

 

This is what the Predator steps look like. I didnt care for them because i just climbed over them but they may suit your needs

 

How is the limited ride quality? Does it bounce a little after going through a dip or over a bump?
My sr5 did, so besides the getting in thing, the bouncing of the suspension made my back hurt more in the driver seat. I put an the bilstein 5100's and that stiffened up the ride and my back feels much better now. The getting in is still a little hard with no driver side grab handle. I suggest you try different ways of getting in the truck, mainly do not just open the door and throw left leg up and in.

 

Jay,
“ how is the ride quality in the limited”. I’m coming from a Dodge Durango and a 2016 Camry XLE so the ride is not very good in my opinion, but it is a “ truck” after all and I am hoping after I figure out how to enter and exit the dam thing it will grow on me. I’m looking forward to being able to haul a piece of plywood or two in it and have a light aluminum trailer to tow behind it.

My neighbors prob think I flipped my lid practicing different ways to get in an out. Going in head first seems to be the least painful thus far. Lol. The throwing “ left leg up and in” ya...not such a good idea. Maybe after I practice I won’t need steps?

 

I'm curious how tall you are? At 6'2" i can just slide in.

 

I’m 6’0 and I had the same issue with the same running boards rubbing the back of my legs... I sold them... I have no trouble entering or egressing now.

 

I took off the factory ones for the sane reason as the OP and had them off for a while. Ended up getting N-Fab nerf bars mostly for the kids so they could get in and out easier. I do use them tonget in and out of the truck. Since we don't have the grab handle on our side I just use the steering wheel and step with my left foot first, duck a bit and get in. I haven't experienced any back pain issues with my truck, but i have the SR5 and not sure how different the suspension is to the Limited.

 

6’0 and fat! (265 lbs)

 

Do you rub the back of your legs while exiting with the N-Fab nerf bars?

 

No, I don't have that problem.

 

I have factory step bars on my AC. Got them mainly to prevent door dings and for my gf getting in and out. 5'11" rub my calf getting out - have you considered a slider? Less wide and better vehical protection - RCI has a 5 degree option for more usability as a step - can order with or with a cover plate. Just pricey -

https://www.rcimetalworks.com/2016-Tacoma-Rock-Sliders-TACO-16-06.htm

 

Forgive me for asking this- what is AC? Sliders looking interesting I don’t think the Mrs would go for them though


I see Westin makes a step as well similar to the predator. I think at this point I need to go back to the lot and try climbing in and out of trucks that have the predator on.

 

AC is access cab. Predators might punch the ticket, but if you like the style but not quite the predators, look up hooped nerf bars. Some may be better for you than others

 

I bought the Rough Country DS2 Steps. Love em . High up. Super Solid. And like the looks. And everyone doesn't have em.

 

I got the body armor step and love them so far. Very solid and like the previous post, not a lot of people have them. That’s a plus to me!

 

Does anyone know if the oem Predator tubes are still available for an 18 access cab? They do not show up on the Toyota web build thing. Only double cab. ??? Thanks.

 

Predators are a nice option as long as you're not going to do any medium to aggressive offroading. You'll tear off the steps if you did.

 

Does anyone know if predator steps from an AC will fit DCSB? I’ve been told both ways from different dealerships and parts suppliers. I found some for dirt cheap and hoping they will work. Just too far to drive if they don’t. Here is the part #...

 

Yes. Go try the Predator steps on a truck already on the lot. I liked them well enough on my Tacoma to get another set for my 4Runner. I use the step for getting in and for stepping out. I did test the steps on the lot first. I do find the front step slightly too far forward but the NFab was worse in my opinion. I’d recommend the Predators. Good luck.

 

Interesting. Wouldn’t they be a bit short?