Running boards / side steps removal

[Redtail]

I finally got around to removing the running boards / side steps on my 2011 D4.

I couldn't find any references online, so I thought I'd bung up a few photos and a description of how to do it.

Here's what I finished with ...
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Yes, the trim on the LH side got bumped off a couple of weeks ago during an outing.
There's three brackets each side supporting the boards themselves.
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Looking underneath, you'll see two sets of 10mm nuts with washers securing the boards
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The boards lift straight off - easy.
Then you need to undo the trim. Front and rear there's a couple of philips head screws. The ones on the rear are tricky to get to. You need a very short screwdriver, or remove the back wheel. Luckily, managed the former.
The underside of the trim is held by both clips or the mounting bolts (13mm head, M6 I think?)
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Just to make it interesting, some of the bolts are covered by the trim [tonguewink]
Each bracket has two bottom bolts.
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Having undone the bottom sets, it's easy enough to get to the side ones by prising back the trim - photo is centre (B pillar) mount.
Rear and centre have two bolts on for the sides, the front only one.
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Having the trim loose or mostly removed, it's then a 3D juggle to clear the brackets from the body.
Snap it all back together. In my case I put the bolts all back in their holes to keep them clean while I decide on what sliders I'll install, if any.
Or, I'll have to go find some trim if I want to hide the not too obvious holes.
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I did it all on the driveway with the car in offroad height. Gave me plenty of room to get under it.

[discolandinaus]

I am thinking of installing a step and deciding on whether to go with normal step or the protection bar. However the protection bar with a 100 mm step is not cheap at $1500 from GOE.

[DiscoClax]

Have you looked at the APT ones? Might be a better option for you and Ben is happy to customise if you want to vary from the standard offering.

[Redtail]

I am thinking of installing a step and deciding on whether to go with normal step or the protection bar. However the protection bar with a 100 mm step is not cheap at $1500 from GOE.
The factory steps are quite wide, and at 182cm (6') tall, I found them a PITA entering and exiting the vehicle, especially in tight carparks.
GOE's are 100mm wide, and look a lot neater. As do APT's.
Whether I need steps is another thing. I have no plans for a roof rack yet - everything fits inside the car when I'm away.
I believe that some sliders are attached to the chassis, and some to the body work, or both. That may be important if they's going to take a heavy hit?
More research required.

[l00kin4]

There are quite a few good threads on sliders (I went through them all when doing my research [bigsmile] ).

Just got my APT sliders installed (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/219251-just-got-my-apt-sliders-installed.html)

A question on rocksliders (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/212837-question-rocksliders-3.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/242637-new-deluxe-goe-sliders.html?242637=#post2606115

David


The factory steps are quite wide, and at 182cm (6') tall, I found them a PITA entering and exiting the vehicle, especially in tight carparks.
GOE's are 100mm wide, and look a lot neater. As do APT's.
Whether I need steps is another thing. I have no plans for a roof rack yet - everything fits inside the car when I'm away.
I believe that some sliders are attached to the chassis, and some to the body work, or both. That may be important if they's going to take a heavy hit?
More research required.