Running boards?

[Nato224]

Hi everyone, new here. Just a simple question. My Explorer is stock hight, just wondering if y'all think they look better without the running boards? Does it make it look higher off the ground?

 

[87350gta]

In my opinion, I like the look of the molded running boards, but I can't stand the tubular running boards. My explorer is lowered and I still have the running boards because it kinda finishes off the bottom of the body. If I had the tubular ones, they would have came off the day I bought this. Also, if you removed them the frame looks funny underneath, at least to me.

 

[awarner]

this is my 05 x before i put the rancho high lifts on i like the running boards

 

[96firephoenix]

Mine has the factory tubular-style running boards. Every time I see an Ex without them, I think it looks naked.

 

[Number4]

I took my running boards off. All I need to finish it off, is the frame covers.

 

[Stick4503]

Took my plastic boards off. Truck looks like it has a smalll lift now. You can see the frame but to m it does not look out of place. Will look tomorrow when I get home and see if i can find before and after pics.

 

[extra-medium]

I took mine off a couple years ago when I went to Moab, but being a Mountaineer it didn't look right without them. They help hide the frame, but also give it a more rugged look without them on.

 

[Fordman999]

I took my running boards off because they were bent and scraped from hitting so many curbs. It looks ok, I liked the running boards but it doesn't look bad. Why do you want to remove them? For looks?

 

[IIGood]

On my previous '03, it had the factory tube-style running boards/nerf bars. On my current '03, it's got a set of nerf bars on it but I'm pretty sure they were installed by the previous owner. They aren't level. I can easily fit my foot on the bar if I'm climbing up on the rear of the bar but my foot doesn't fit if I'm at the front...there's less space between the bar and the rocker panel.

I think Explorers do look better with some kind of running board on them. Whenever I see one without them it does look a little weird.