New side steps installed...

I really, really like these!

I don't need rock rails, but I did need steps with easier access to the roof rack, better clearance off-road, and that the design did not include boulder catchers or places that collected ice and snow, and better door ding protection.

These were perfect. $286 on Amazon with rave reviews. They were shipped extremely well with no damage. Unwrapping them took longer than installing them. They bolted perfectly in the factory inserts where the OEM running boards mounted, but these are much beefier and look so much better.

Only gained 1" of clearance over stock, but these are designed better and shouldn't get jammed on rocks or trees.

 

Looks good, got a link?

 

Looks like it might be these...

$338 Tyger Auto Star Armor Compatible with 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner (Exclude Limited; Nightshade; TRD Sport; 10-13 SR5) | TG-AM2T20148 | Side Step Rails Nerf Bars Running Boards

https://www.amazon.com/Tyger-Auto-T...ta+4runner+accessories&qid=1603931437&sr=8-26

 

People will rip on the body mounted sliders, but I wheeled an F150 aluminum truck and even hit them a few times and it was fine. Most Jeeps are body mounted too. I'm not saying use em like sliders, they are not sliders. I'm saying those look good and will likely do you well if you stay out of rock gardens.

 

Side note, how you liking those Coopers?

 

Only had them a week, but they are excellent in the mud and snow, but loud on the highway. Ride nice and smooth. If they wear decent, then they will be an excellent tire.

And after running around town today, I found the Achille's Heel of the steps. Every time I get in or out, I rub my left leg on it. Not a big deal when the weather is nice, but those steps are going to get covered in slush and mud and my left pant leg is going to be dirty.

I'm 6'2", so don't need steps. But with the lift and taller tires, it is just the perfect height where I can't clear the step without barely rubbing it. Will have to figure out a different approach angle.

 

All sliders are like this too unfortunately.

 

look nice

 

I don't have this leg rubbing problem. Do you guys not use your hand/arm strength when getting out? I do this on all my cars, whether lowered or lifted. A way to enter and exit a vehicle without causing wear to the vehicle or person is a must. I'm not as concerned with my clothes as I am with the seat bolsters.

I'm not sure if this method works for all, but I too am 6'2" and this is the best method I've found yet. I believe another option would be to exit the vehicle in exactly reverse order of how you entered it. It might seem odd but it's possible. Think about it.

Anyway, what I do..

First thing you do is place your left hand (palm) on the black plastic step area that is in the cabin, on the "floor" to the side of the seat. I place my hand toward the rear of this area. (I do not step on this area when entering the vehicle so it stays clean.) Then, simultaneously rotate your body and (gently) slide out, over where you are holding yourself up with your arm. It gives you a third contact point to hold your weight up so that you can "pop" out of the car and onto the ground far enough away from the side of the vehicle so that you don't touch anything. As you exit the vehicle, continue twisting your body around, and if you're tall enough, you might be able to get a foot on the ground without even hopping.

I'm sure people judge the way I get in and out of my cars, but I couldn't care less. I'm taking care of the vehicle and not being a lazy slob. I cringe when I see lazy fatties slide off of their seat, destroying the bolsters in the process. Some people cannot help being overweight but that is definitely not the norm. Of course I feel for those with non-self-inflicted health issues.

 

I'm seeing this step design around a lot lately. Cool. I think it's the "coolest" looking step, since it's clearly designed to look like a true slider. In fact I thought they were sliders at first and was like "wait how did I not see those when shopping for sliders!?" lol. Good price, too, when compared to the OEM Predator Steps at ~$550.

Cheers

(Since you just replaced your tires I'll refrain from giving you too much shit for your wheel paint lol..)

 

Do you have more stepping area than the stock steps. My wife complains there is not enough step for her to use.

 

I believe he had the predator steps before which basically offer an unlimited area for stepping, since it's more like a stirrup that you can place your foot through. You pick what area of your foot you want to place on the step.. but really, one should always be using the ball of his or her foot almost exclusively.