4x4 with or without running boards

Eddie Money

Eddie Money

Member
Ok. I'm sure some are tired of my paint thread so I'll start another discussion. I like this forum out of the 5 I'm on because it's not divided into so many sub forums that the topic is missed by most. A lot of the same people contribute to multiple forums as well. I hope to see them here as well.

My driver side factory running board has some significant wear and those that follow my threads know im a bit particular about appearance. Also on my previous rangers I've scoward the salvage yards and u pick lots to find the original screws, fasteners, and body parts to bring my trucks back to as close to original as possible. Even when I do upgrades I like them to appear as if it came from the factory in this manner.
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I will eventually be starting a project build thread which will cover suspension lifts, tires, v8 doner cars/ vs coyotee engine swap etc...once my ranger paint job reaches conclusion. My goal is to build a very comfortable all terrain truck. Stuff im sure has been covered in numerous past threads im sure...

But for now...knowing I want to eventually take the truck offroad, are running boards a hazzard or a blessing when offroading a lifted truck? Also, there are newer trucks with running boards that retract under the body and deploy when the doors are opened. Has anybody tried to incorporate this on their rangers? Or do most just scrap the running boards for a smaller stirrup step? Or get rid of them all together? I'm short in stature as I've stated in other threads( 5' 9") and no spring chicken. Lol.

I'm interested in opinions, pics and any suggestion.

Oh and, anyone know how to add your signature to your posts?

Thank you for reading.
 
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Ok, I can see I'm going to have to keep this conversation going myself to start.

I believe my factory running boards are aluminum by the exposed area on the one on the driver side pictured. First I thought they were powder coated but these may be anodized.

After all the trouble my paint job has been I've really considered doing more stuff myself. I'm pretty handy and I've watched about 50 hours of paint, prep, and paint fixes on YouTube. After seeing the quality and effort of some professionals i think i can definatly do a better job, it may take me longer but not as long as the paint shop. Lol. I'm thinking a hammerite finish would look nice on the running boards. But im only going to restore them if i think i will continue to have them on the truck. Otherwise ill just put them in the rafters of my garage for safe keeping.
 
Interesting. I see you started this thread on Sunday. I have been on this forum every day, but this one didn't show up. That may be why you had no replies. Anyway, on to the topic... I personally, do not like running boards; never have. I don't do the off-roading thing, so I can't say for sure if they would cause issues, but I look at it like this: running boards stick out and down. I can see where twigs, small limbs, vines, etc. could get caught on them and in some cases, drag when you go over a sharp bump (high centering).

As for the signature, click on your name at the top right of the page and then click on signature. That box will give you the tools to create and customize your signature.
 
Yeah, I figure the running boards can get caught when off roading but I see lots of lifted rangers still have them on. So I was wondering if those are city 4x4s or if they unbolt them before they get on trails.

I mostly looking to do some camping and maybe some gold prospecting. Im a big fan of all those gold mining shows. I doubt I will do any crazy rock crawls or stump jumping. I am considering lifting but im not sure whether it'll be a body, suspension or both. I mostly want to improve the stance and want some extra height. I don't want to make it too tippy and I certainly don't want to lose my comfy ride. For a truck it rides sooo nice!!! But those are topics for my project thread once I get things squared away.

I don't use my running boards for anything other than making sure the roof is clean currently, but I can see using it to get in if I lift it. Im pretty rough on the door side of my seat because I'm so worn out after work. (brick mason). Sometimes, after i pull in the driveway, i just sit there. Ive nearly fallen a sleep. Lol. So I should use them instead of wearing out my seat.

I know newer trucks have running boards that deploy when the door opens and retract under the body when driving. I like that idea and if you have the capital, nothing is impossible. Lol.
 
When I was at the line x shop getting my bed liner they had a add for retractable running boards for a full size pickup. I spoke to the line x guy about them, he said you can get them for a ranger but you' have to wire them in is all. Price was $1,699.00. I knew if you have the money you could find them.
 
mhoward said:
So true. I, for one, have NO extra dollars for fun stuff right now. Happy Holidays back at ya!
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Lol. I've been working 7 days a week for the last 2-3 years and have put any free time into home improvements. I paid the truck off last June and so I have the money I was making payments with building up since June. The truck has been a very dependable work truck and i recently retired it so it earned any upgrades I give it. I get a man cave this year and the truck gets pimped!!

I want to hit the trails this coming summer and do some camping and prospecting. In style of course. Lol
 
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