Let's pour one out for my running boards

Myth: running boards are not rock sliders.
Fact: they are good for maybe one or two times where you get in over your head - if you're lucky.


Anyways, these things are trashed but absolutely no damage to the vehicle at all. New RSG slider steps are en route as we speak...

 

They served their purpose. Probably accelerated your slider purchase lol.

 

Ironically, I already had purchased the sliders and was still waiting on them to ship. They arrive in a couple of days.

I was worried about the state of the underside of the body, but the screws came out and went back in just fine and there were no visible issues at all. Good to see that the point of failure is the running boards themselves.

Some pointers for running board removal:

- Use a 10mm socket to take the boards off the brackets. This way nothing falls off your head, and it's easier to maneuver.
- Only use hand tools to remove the brackets themselves (12mm socket with an extension), and the same goes for reinstalling the bolts back into the body.
- Watch your head when removing the brackets and sitting up or lying down. Thankfully I did!
- Hand start the bolts when you are putting them back in after removing the brackets. The angle isn't what you think it is, and by doing this, you can find the right angle and carefully get the bolt started without cross threading anything.

 

I was in Anza Borrego when I had to power out of a wash in a 99 LE. The passenger side running board took a hit and pealed half way off. Got out and unbolted it, tossed it in the back and enjoyed our trip.

Luckily no real rocker panel damage. Ran over to All-Pro (back then in Hemet) and got weld on sliders.

My wife is still driving that old 3rd gen. She refuses to sell!