Operation "Raise Factory Running Boards"

[GucciFreshness]

Had been told 37's wouldn't work with factory running boards so I ordered some Go Rhino RB20s. They are still shipping with wrong brackets and was told the right brackets are backordered with no expected date so I'm sending those back. I tried putting back on the factory steps and after sliding them back slightly they worked fine with zero rub. I just didn't like how low they hung down. I knew that body lift pucks were just poly and could hold a whole unibody so I just ordered a $20 professional cutting board to try since it only had to hold a step. It worked fine. 1/2 thick board doubled up raised the factory boards to exactly where the RB20s sat with just a small part of the pinch weld showing. I ordered some $40 one-inch matte black auto trim and put that behind the steps and now I'm happier than if I had the $500 Go Rhino boards because the tapered design of the RB20s left more space open between the flare and step for dirt and mud to come through. If anyone wants to try this themselves and wants some details just let me know. This forum helped me out a ton and I'd love to give back.

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[WheresMyBronco]

Great idea and it looks much better. Do you have any after pictures from a higher angle? Just curious to see if it'll be more difficult to properly step on it.

 

[GucciFreshness]

Great idea and it looks much better. Do you have any after pictures from a higher angle? Just curious to see if it'll be more difficult to properly step on it.

I wear a size 13 shoe and it still works for me. The factory boards are pretty wide. Here is a pic I took to show how small the gap between the flare and board had gotten and it shows better how far the boards still stick out.

 

[kkenny]

Plus it hides the ugly spot-welds.

 

[Dadsquatch]

Great idea! Wish I would have thought of something like this before selling my OEM running boards and buying expensive rock slider combo steps. I actually like the OEM running boards. But I did gain a full 2 inches with my rock slider steps which is what I wanted, they’re all steel now, and fully hide the pinch weld, so I guess I still made out.

Thanks for posting!

 

[lakesinai]

Had been told 37's wouldn't work with factory running boards so I ordered some Go Rhino RB20s. They are still shipping with wrong brackets and was told the right brackets are backordered with no expected date so I'm sending those back. I tried putting back on the factory steps and after sliding them back slightly they worked fine with zero rub. I just didn't like how low they hung down. I knew that body lift pucks were just poly and could hold a whole unibody so I just ordered a $20 professional cutting board to try since it only had to hold a step. It worked fine. 1/2 thick board doubled up raised the factory boards to exactly where the RB20s sat with just a small part of the pinch weld showing. I ordered some $40 one-inch matte black auto trim and put that behind the steps and now I'm happier than if I had the $500 Go Rhino boards because the tapered design of the RB20s left more space open between the flare and step for dirt and mud to come through. If anyone wants to try this themselves and wants some details just let me know. This forum helped me out a ton and I'd love to give back.

The marine industry has a UV Stabilized plastic boatbuilding product similar to your innovative use of cutting boards. Starboard. https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/cut_to_size_plastic/king_starboard/526

 

[HBTFD]

Those look great.

 

[BigFootie]

Here is an option for black marine grade material. McMaster-Carr.

 

[GucciFreshness]

The marine industry has a UV Stabilized plastic boatbuilding product similar to your innovative use of cutting boards. Starboard. https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/cut_to_size_plastic/king_starboard/526

When I put in the 18x12.5 board in 1/2 inch with rounded edges it comes back at $39.13 plus $19.29 shipping! I paid $20.12 with free shipping for the cutting board on Amazon. Just letting you know so you don't overpay. Thanks for the other option though

 

[GucciFreshness]

Here are the links for the cutting board for $20 and the trim for $40

Amazon.com: Thirteen Chefs Cutting Boards for Kitchen - 18 x 12 x .5" Black Color Coded Plastic Cutting Board with Non Slip Surface - Dishwasher Safe Chopping Board: Home & Kitchen

Amazon.com: Dawn Enterprises, Inc. ES12618-PK Universal Fit Matte Black Body Side Molding Trim Pack 18' Protection for Cars, Trucks, Vans, and More : Automotive

Only other thing I had to buy were longer T6 bolts in 45mm length to reach through the extra inch of material. I just picked those up at Lowes locally.

 

[Tex]

Looks like it would be possible to simply remove the end caps, trim the ends off the running boards, then put the end caps back on to gain tire clearance.

 

[cracKen]

Wow great mod for those with the cutting tools! Looks great too.

 

[Cameront9]

Really like this, looks a lot better. A little more clearance too…
I’m going to have to stop coming on here I’m getting too many ideas

 

[GucciFreshness]

Looks like it would be possible to simply remove the end caps, trim the ends off the running boards, then put the end caps back on to gain tire clearance.

It was just easier to simply shift the boards back by loosening the bolts and move the brackets slightly. I didn't need alot of movement for no rub. I actually wanted the board as close as I could without touching to keep rocks off the doors. The lift had nothing to do with tire clearance. I just didn't like how low the boards hung and wanted them to block most of the pinch weld

 

[HotLap]

Wow, OP that looks great, agree the stock OBX step hangs down too low. Will be looking into this when mine arrives. What fender badge is that? couldn't quite make it out, thanks...

Nevermind saw from your avatar it's a FE, looks great!

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