First 4Runner Limited! Requesting advice on running board replacement

This is my first 4Runner and I could not be more excited.
I'd like to remove and replace rocker panels so I have more options on running boards.
After my research, I'm thinking I can replace rockers with SR5 rockers and then have a wide variety of choices. Am I wrong assuming that?
Thanks everyone!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome. Yes you can replace the Limited rocker panels with the ones from the other models. There are several YT videos on the swap. Some have trimmed their LTD rocker panels instead, and that turns out nice also, and is way less costly.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/2013-limited-rocker-panel-removal-question.12548/#post-132614

 

welcome

 

Welcome! I have a 2015 Limited and by your screen name, a fellow North Carolinian. I kept my Limited running boards and just blacked out the chrome strip. My better half liked the full length of the running board and the width—she’s petite and made it easier for her to get in—although I recently lifted it so I might be in the dog house lol

 

Welcome to the forum from North Carolina. Assuming by your name, you are also.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome fellow Limited owner!

 

We need a NC get together

 

Sounds good. See that you are a Marine (I’ve heard there is no such thing as an “ex-Marine.”) Army retiree here but that doesn’t mean we can’t get together lol - I’m guessing there are a lot of veteran 4Runner owners out there and maybe an all-services 4Runner rally could work.

 

My SR5 is stock tire size All Terrains and stock suspension. My daughters SR5 is also stock and she has factory runnng boards-work great for her medium height and my 3 year old grandson just climbs into rear seat and his kids chair.
I have Toyota frame bolted rock rails for body protection when traveling on dirt roads or manuvering in rocky areas- especially some Sierra Mt. campgrounds.
They are not useful as a step because they do not stick out, but I just step in from the ground. I got them used for $300.

 

I've got an LE and am glad I bailed on the rocker panels and running boards.auper easy to unbolt and remove. The trail replacement parts bolt right back on. Don't forget the end cap. I also got the front mud flaps. That helps a lot with mud kicking up.

 

Since @ncsuforester is planning the same modification, I imagine he would appreciate any photo(s) you might have.

 

Here you go @ncsuforester ...

 

First pic is showing you the two bolts that are removed to pull the running board. I regret I can't remember which bolts you remove to pull off the rocker panel, but I'll find a link. The rest of the photos just show some detail about what it looks like at the end.

 

It shows some extra work but it has the basics for removing the running board and rocker panel plus adding in the end cap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xQ7bPfIOSw