Thoughts on removing running boards

[Mark K 2]

I'd be interested in purchasing a pair of running boards.

 

[Jim parnell]

I thought about taking my steps off and did for about 10 mins, looked awful imo, and put 'em back on. Too much of the frame rails exposed, nothing like the Gen 1 look.

 

[user 64972]

Yes, when I was looking at them the tracks without the running boards had too much of the frame and wires/cables showing. That's when i decided that running boards were going to have to be on any Gen 2 ST that I bought! Gen 1's look good without them.



'07 ST

 

[Johnny O]

I removed mine. They just got my pants dirty. I like the look much better also.

Dittos. I had an '02 Ranger with step bars, so I purposely got my '05 Trac without them. Agree that the '07+ will have too much frame showing without them and look worse. It seems that Advance Auto is the only place that sells mudflaps these days, I got two pair of truck-sized ones, plain black that you hardly notice, and the step bars on my '08 stay relatively clean.

 

[EddieS'04]

One of our members moded running boards from another truck. Put them on his Gen 2. They looked much better than gen 2 running boards. They had a more tucked in look. Cant remember who it was.

 

[gary s]

eddie,



still want to remove the roof rails on the escape, wifey dosen't :smile0003:



[Broken External Image]:

 

[EddieS'04]

Gary, Maybe you can talk her into temporary removal. It might grow on her. I removed them on the ex's '08. It is a much cleaner look.

On her '01 escape I also installed a lund down draft spoiler on the rear hatch. It not only looked good without the rails. It also help keep the back window and hatch clean, in bad weather.

I should have removed it before the '01 went to flood salvage.

 

[Les]

There are a number of after market side-steps (running boards) now available.

 

[Jimmy Lavoie]

I agree with the other Gen 2 owners. The frame is VERY EXPOSED without any running boards. You really should have something there.

 

[chargedtrac]

Les - Yep, I have seen some aftermarket ones online. I'd be hesitant unless someone went that route already on a Gen2 and had some photos. I'm not giving up just yet. It may take some time though. :smile0005:

 

[Brian Thomas 2]

I think I'm going to remove mine. I just bought the truck, and find these annoying. I'm 6'2 and find myself stepping over them to get in the truck, and not actually using them.