Lowering the OEM running boards

I have a 2013 TRD Sport V6. Bought a like new 2014 set of boards from a member here. They fit on mine just like they did on his. Main reason I wanted the boards was for my wife and kids. They wanted these so they could get in the truck easier. Me I had no problem without them. They look great.

After using them for a little over a week, I think they need to be a little lower for me. How would I lower these? If spacers were available I would need longer bolts. The only way I see these being lowered would be longer brackets. Does anyone make replacement brackets to lower these boards?

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance,

 

Here's a pic of mine with the new boards. They look great, and my Wife and kids have no complaints. I feel for my height they sit a little close. If I could lower them 2-3 " they would be perfect.

 

I wish I had something constructive to add but I will say that your concern is exactly the reason I'm gonna wind up going with the smittybilt steps instead. I feel like they sit a bit lower and since I don't off road (where can I go on Long Island lol) the slight reduction in clearance is worth it. I just don't like the price of them lol.

 

I have an Access Cab but using Double Cab OEM black running boards to have a rear step for the bed, like Janster, http://www.lieblweb.com/runningboards.html .

Using a bunch of 1/4" U shims from a window supplier for a trial fit I found shimming / lowering the brackets 1" made a better looking and improved step.
I'm going to make permanent shims and because its an Access Cab finish off the modification with a rear support to allow standing on the running board to reach into the bed.

One point to note, lowering the brackets 1" will move in the finished width of the boards, about 3/8" due to the brackets surface angle of the cab.

So my advice, lower away!

 

Interesting as, like you, I purchased the same running boards and after a week I found it awkward getting out of the truck. I ended up taking them off and they have been sitting in the garage for the past 5 months.

 

In time you will get used to it.

 

I'm getting used to them as they are, and my family loves them. I'm going to look into what JBC described. I love the look of these boards, and they only need to be lowered a little.

 

Longer bolts can be found at HD/Lowes. Don't know what grade the ones on the truck are but I would go to grade 8 for the replacements. Metric, I believe.

For a block, which is the easiest/cheapest route, in the plumbing section, you can get 1" or 1-1/4" pipe and make "donuts". They'll even cut them for you on the threading machine while you wait. You can also do it yourself if you've got a portaband or bandsaw at home. Copper cutters will work too but you'll chew the wheel up real quick.

 

The 1/4 " plastic u shims I used are stack-able and make quick work trying different sizing. The 1" lower position I'm happy with is because the cab pinch weld makes it look as if there is no gap between my running board and the body color, and I gained the foot contact that made it easier to step on.

I would look at how the point loading of the pipe shim idea might dimple the body contact surface. I'd want the load area to be maximized and flush in contact. I am trying Delrin plastic and maybe add hard rubber pad to meet the bracket.

The rear two brackets travel with the shims but the front bracket needed to be drilled on one bolt hole to align with the cab mount.

 

I'm interested in lowering them an inch as well. What is the space between each set of 2 bolts? I was thinking of using a few hockey pucks with holes drilled in if the dimension is less than 3 inches.

 

If I understand, using hockey pucks, you can use longer bolts to match the thickness of the material between the bracket and the cab mounting holes.

I found when the lowered front bracket was in its new angle, one of the two holes needs to re drilled to make up for the new position.

What kind of running board do you have?

 

I was trying to decide between running boards and tube steps. I also wanted them to hang lower and stick out a little further. I ended up getting these after I saw this product review by another member. I love mine!

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