remove mud flaps and running boards for better look?

i have the factory black running boards and all four mud flaps still on my taco. just wondering what ya'll have to say about removing them. the running boards and flaps give it the appearance of looking lower to the ground because there is less distance between the ground and the truck. the only thing that holds me back is the effects of removing them. will it sling more road grime up the side of my truck with the flaps removed? the truck is white and every speck of dirt shows. also, i have a gravel driveway, and i get gravel in my tires all the time. i've never slung a rock up the side of my truck, but it may be because of the running boards deflecting rocks. i'm not trying to be a girl about my truck, but i want it to be in decent shape, considering what i pay for it. just wondering if anyone has had any negative effects from removing either of these.

pro's: flaps keep mud/grime from being all up the side of my truck, flaps and running boards possible protection from rocks, both add to "black and white" theme
con's: one mudflap already broken, i don't use the running boards, both give illusion of truck being lower, flaps will rub when larger tires are added


here's picture with the mudflaps and running boards in all their oem glory for example:

 

+++1

 

+2, I don't understand the hate on here sometimes for mudflaps and running boards/sidesteps. I put steps on because I thought it greatly improved the look of the truck, plus the protection. I say leave 'em.

 

keep them. if not your super white taco is going to look super ugly with a bunch of rock chips everywhere like mine.

 

i don't hate them. i just don't need the running boards. they were already on the truck when i got it and they are of no use to me. i just get right into the cab. also, one of my mudflaps is broken.

 

The mud flaps also ruin the paint.

 

Take the mudflaps off and keep the running boards

 

the flaps may have to go because one is already broken, plus i will getting bigger tires soon. the running boards also, because i don't use them. the guy that had the truck before me put them on even before the lift, but he was like 5'6", lol.

 

I'm 6'2". I don't use the step to get in either, but it sure deflects more than its fair share of rocks. Plus, like I said, I just prefer the looks. Sounds like you already had your mind made up before you asked the question.

 

good point. i have noticed paint that is rubbed between the flap and fender. anybody know if there is a way to get that paint looking decent again?

 

take the running boards off and put on rock sliders
I personally don't like the OEM flaps, but especially after getting wider tires I know I'm chuckin' a lot of rocks

 

i am 6'2" also, so they are kind of useless except for the girlfriend. i might leave the passenger side one on for her . and no, if i had my mind made up already, i wouldn't have asked and would have already taken them off. i was just asking everyone's opinion, and that includes you. and i thank you for your opinion.

 

Cool, no problem. To be more "technical"...I think the black of your running boards goes well with the black wheel. Maybe a black slider instead?

 

sorry if it sounds like i'm leaning towards taking them off already. i was just stating some pro's and con's of having them and not having them.

pro's: keeps mud/grime from being all up the side of my truck, possible protection from rocks, add to "black and white" theme
con's: one mudflap already broken, i don't use the running boards, give illusion of truck being lower

i was just making points. and in turn, asking for your opinions

 

that is also a good option. i also like the "slider" style step bar; with the main bar attached to the truck and the actual step sort of hanging down. definitely don't have the money to buy either of those right now though.

 

add to the cons of keeping the flaps: the super long front flaps are prone to getting ripped off when reversing during off road situations, as they'll get pinched in between rock/log/trail/etc and the tire

also, some think it's a pro to throw mud up the side of the truck

 

thanks man, and the extra cash would be nice also. nice looking truck lol

 

lol, that is the exact reason why my front flap is sort of dangling right now.

 

I would take the front ones off and leave the rear flaps. The running boards will do some of the job your front mudflaps do. I notice a lot more dirt on my running board now since removing the fronts. I'm anal about the car so I wouldnt' kept them on just to keep things cleaner, but they were getting caught on everything. After reading all the posts, I knew it was just a matter of time before they would be gone. At least I have them in new condition now so I can put them back on when I sell the car someday. Also after 5K miles on a new 2011, I saw a scratch staring to wear in my fender where the mudflap attaches.

I do like the look without rear mudflaps better, but the trucks I see driving around without the rear mudflaps are throwing crap constantly on their rear panel during bad weather.

 

I say take off your front mud flaps and just leave the rear ones that say 4x4. Now for the running boards, I dont think they look to bad but maybe go with some other ones like from Avid!!