This is why you get more ground clearance

p-sims · **Joined:** Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:14 pm **Posts:** 14

This is why you
1. get more than stock ground clearance
2. ditch the factory running boards

I went offroading in my 03 KJ Renny for the first time just recently, and I thouroughly enjoyed it. However, I later noticed that the running boards were sitting about an inch farther back than they normally do... and I think they had been in contact with my rear tires!!

Needless to say I took them off, and this is what they look like:

*notice the nasty bend in the brackets*

I could even bend these brackets by hand-- the steel is not very strong laterally

I actually like the way my kj looks better with them off... but boulder bars are definitely in my KJ's future

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

That's why no self respecting off-road vehicle should ever be sold with "running boards." Out here in Colorado I probably see at least one SUV per day with mangled running boards (especially Xterras). Rocks and running boards just don't mix well.

And by the way...Welcome to the forum!! You'll find lots of good info here.

Bullet · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 12:58 pm

Ok, I just gotta ask. I just do scrappin in the mud in my KJ. She is just to pretty to climb rocks with! We use our FSJ for that stuff. So, then am I safe to put the running boards on? I love the look of the chrome tubes, but if they are going to cause problems even just muddin, then I don't want them. Any advise would be appreciated.

p-sims · **Joined:** Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:14 pm **Posts:** 14

Well I wasnt doin too much rocks
I think the problem was I climbed these steep dirt hills, and at the top, a lot of the weight rested directly on the running boards, as there was a steep drop on the other side of the mounds-- clearance would have fixed the problem.
In answer to your question, I think if ur just hittin mud pits ur fine, but as soon as u start hittin bigger taller terrain, the running boards have to go!

p-sims · **Joined:** Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:14 pm **Posts:** 14

Oh yeah thanks for the welcome!!
Im GLAD to be here.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

If you run in to any solid ground (moguls for instance) or rocks you run the risk of denting or bending the running boards. Even just going over the crest of a steep hill could damage them. If you like the looks of them you could probably just remove them while off road. I believe it is just a few bolts per side.

p-sims · **Joined:** Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:14 pm **Posts:** 14

ya they are real easy to remove...
took me 15 min tops
6 bolts on each side

Bullet · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:50 pm

Well that would be easy since I will be switching my wheels out to mud anyway!

MattyMac1 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:09 pm

I took my running boards off about 5 months ago. I love the look with out them while still having the renny lightbar on top. The only time i could see them being handy is when loading things on to your roof rack. the KJ is not high enough to warrant side steps IMHO..It's funny after taking them off i felt like i had just gotten a lift kit due to the clearance diff with out them never mind the weight off them. Make sure you get some sort of rock rail though to protect your rocker panels..

hatteras8926 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:37 pm

Definitely take those running boards off. At Camp Jeep 2004, there was another Liberty on the same trail as myself. It had running boards at the beginning of the trail ride. At the first major obstacle, which was a steep drop where the vehicle would slide down while on its "frame," that Liberty became stuck because of the running boards. I saw it later in the parking area. The running boards were laying on the ground underneath the Liberty, detached from the vehicle.

James

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:53 pm

"The running boards were laying on the ground underneath the Liberty, detached from the vehicle. "

What a fun way to learn huh? :wink:

At the Camp Jeep out here in 04, the guys on the A trail learned that one incline would make your spare tire hit the ground and dent in your tailgate. Sad (but kind of funny) to see all the spares off and dents later.

skrracing · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:02 pm

Boulder Bars...Now that is waht I am talking about... http://www.boulderbars.com Later...Clint

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:15 pm

I think those were the best investment I've made in my Jeep. Great peace of mind with them.

Bullet · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:00 pm

Aren't boulder bars for serious climbing and crawling, or as a friend of mine calls it "stump jumping"? I only and I stress only take my jeep in the mud. Y'all probably think it is a bit of a waste, but my Jeep doubles as my "sweet ride" and I keep her in tip top shape. I am still learning about what all these trick parts are for.

Gringo Loco · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:02 pm

i would say put them on, you can never know what is in that mud puddle that could damage ur sweet ride.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:26 pm

Never say never

Robby_T · **Posted:** Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:18 pm

Tokyojoe wrote:

Never say never

Ahh Mr Bond...vodka martini?

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:13 am

Robby_T wrote:

Tokyojoe wrote:

Never say never

Ahh Mr Bond...vodka martini?

shaken (by a Mr Man Show Juggy), not stirred.

Actally, Romeo Void sang a song with that title.

vxla · **Posted:** Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:54 am

I've been meaning to get some other rails for the sides, but the stock ones (not running boards) have held up rather well for the past year and a half. They're dented to hell, but they still do their job.

p-sims · **Joined:** Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:14 pm **Posts:** 14

hey vxla-- I like ur KJ
Whats ur tire and wheel setup?

This is why you get more ground clearance

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