I decided to take off my running boards today. I was starting to have trouble keeping them clean. I think the brake dust was starting to get embedded into the plastic and it just wouldn't come out. I'm happy with the results. I also got my front window tint fixed recently too. The limo tint was starting to fade to almost a mirror tint, which I wouldn't have noticed if the tint was the same all the way around (thanks Ford for stupid factory tinted glass). So now I have 2 layers of 20% film and it's super dark and matches the rears almost perfectly.
Before:


And after, about 4 hours later, a complete detail in and out:


What do you guys think? Look better without the running board? Sorry for the crappy pics, stupid weather looks like rain almost. Figures.
I also replaced the front pads yesterday with some CarQuest Blues. Now that the rims are all shinny I'll report back on the dust after I put some miles on her. My Next mod is factory 20's as soon as I get my tax return.

 

I like it much better without the boards! LMK what you think of the CarQuest pads. I just picked up a set yesterday. I'm still waiting on my Powerslot Cryo rotors.

 

I like it better with them on. I use Turtle Wax ICE on my boards and they look like new. The boards provide lots of protection to the rocker panels and lower body from stones and thrown mud. I'll keep mine on.

 

I was using ICE on them as well. I think that after using it for a while it's kind of drying out the plastic. It doesn't stay as shiny as it used to. I think it's the brake dust that was embeded into them that made me want to take them off.
I don't go off road or in the mud very often so I'm not that worried about not having the protection of the boards.
If I can find a kick *** deal on some 5" oval chrome Ford steps I'll put those on. But not that crappy plastic.

 

All functionality aside, I think it looks better without.

 

i like it better without

 

im a fan of the sideboards, as im short legged, large upper but short legged. so put the steps back on, you done a great job detailing now come and do mine! lol! to each his own, keep them off if you dont like them! i odnt think i will need brakes anytime soon since i only have 14k miles on my truck but when i do i will surely give the blues a try! im one to usally replace with factory! good looking truck ! KUDO'S

 

Looks better without. I don't care for the plastic running boards.

 

Looks fine either way.

 

I also used a couple of zip-ties to hold the parking brake line up a little so you don't see it hanging down. That should be ok, right?

 

yup that will work just fine

 

I was gonna remove mine but then decided not too, i still might though but only if i replace them with some nerf bars.

 

I got some 5" putco boards.....But you already know that...

Looks great BTW!! my truck could use a good detail once I get home. Does your toolbox sit flat against the front of the bed? the chest I bought had to have some spacers to move it out about 3/4 of an inch....

 

I'm in Fairfax, Va also I have been running the carquest blue's on my truck for a while now and after they break in so to speak, I have no dust issues now.

 

Yeah, mine has a notch on the back and it sits right up on the back wall of the bed.