How to lower running boards

I just installed 5" Railway running boards and I find that they sit a little too high and close to the truck.

I've searched for ideas on how to lower them a couple inches, but so far have come up empty...

Does anybody have a suggestion to lower them?

Thanks!

 

local wielding shop wanted $200 to add 2" to my brackets = lots of $$$$ if you ask me.

 

If you're really attached to your current running boards, either get longer mounting brackets fabricated or modify the ones you have.

If you don't mind buying different running boards/tube steps then try to find some that sit where you want them.

I was trying to decide between running boards and tube steps. I wanted something that hung lower and stuck out further than the OEM steps because they are up so high and so close to the truck that they are useless.

I finally decided to go with Go Rhino 5" Xtreme Ovals. These worked out perfectly for me. They stick out enough to protect against door dings in parking lots. The extra added bonus with these is they will never ever rust because they are made out of high density plastic and are very durable.

Here is a review that another member did on these.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/pr...o-5-xtreme-oval-nerf-bars-product-review.html

 

Too bad they do not fit access cab, any other suggestions

 

Sounds about right labor wise unless you just took a drawing to the shop and said here make these

To the OP about the only thing you can do is modify the brackets which could turn into a major project or get different running boards that mount in the location you want.

 

I'm going to remove a running board, then set it on blocks to determine the best height.
Then, when time permits I will:
Remove the boards and brackets
Lay the brackets on their side across two pieces of wood
Secure the brackets somehow
Sawzall the brackets in half
spread the wood and the brackets by the amount I want to lower the boards while keeping the brackets straight with guides, maybe stuff in another bit of wood.
Cut some square tube to fit the gaps in the brackets
Find somebody to weld the pieces together.


that should do it. might be a few weeks before I can start....so don't hold your breath for photos!

 

I had the same problem with my Taco. I used hockey pucks as spacers to lower them 1" (it also moved them out about 1/2"). Wasn't hard to do, took about an hour of my time and very inexpensive. Process was simple. Used a miter saw to cut the appropriate angle on the puck to match the bracket/truck frame, drilled holes in the pucks, had to split pucks for the front bracket to make the correct angle, had to drill a new hole in the front bracket to match the new angle (middle and rear bracket were fine)
Final result is better but not perfect. I think a 2' spacer would be better but would probably have to refab the brackets for that to work.
The pics show before/after. 2

 

I have been thinking about this too, my running boards are nice, but too close to the cab, then need to be lowered 1-2” to be useful, and looking at the attachment points a set of longer bolts and spacers would achieve the desired outcome.

 

I love this idea! Do you think two pucks per bracket would work or would it be spongy?