Affordable, Bolt-On Steps That Imitate True Rock Sliders
I’m the proud owner of a 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport 4×4 Double Cab with a 5 ft bed. After searching for quite a while, and trying two other types of running boards, IRONBISON came out on top for their aesthetic, weight capacity (500 lbs per side), functionality, and quality.
In my opinion, the biggest improvement with these over the OEM predator steps is that they don’t hang low, impacting ground clearance. So, you get the benefits of a sturdy sidestep without having to worry about them getting ripped off on the trails.
These work with the 2005-2023 double cab short bed Tacomas.
Overview
Tools Required:
- Torque wrench (3/8 is fine)
- 12 mm socket
- 2-inch extension (helpful but not required)
You can find the full installation guide here.
The installation was a breeze and I managed it by myself. However, I’d recommend having a second set of hands to help make it even easier.
I’ve had the boards for approximately three months with zero issues. They are easy to keep clean thanks to the durable e-coating and heavy-duty powder coat. This coating also provides scratch resistance and more traction when it’s raining.
Hardware
Unlike the other options I tried, the brackets for these running boards appear to be stronger and coated well to prevent rusting. The bolts are also solid.
Aesthetics
The understated logo contributes to a clean look without heavy brand advertising like other budget-focused options. The coating is evenly layered and the welds are smooth.
Functionality
Similar to rock sliders, these sit high and tight to the rocker panels. They stick out enough for a wide step area but not so far that your truck looks like it’s growing wings.
These are not a true slider (they function more as a step for truck access), so they bolt to the body of the truck. This is not as strong as a slider that bolts or is welded to the frame. The IRONBISON certainly provide some protection, but they are not meant for hardcore abuse. Will they protect your truck in minor/moderate wheeling? Very likely. But do not buy these and head straight to the rocks.
Compared To OEM Predator Steps
The IRONBISON boards don’t impact ground clearance like the OEM steps and help protect the side of your truck from dents and scratches in the parking lot or light impacts on the trail.
Note: These are not advertised to support the weight of your vehicle.
They outperform the OEM predator steps in many ways…
- Roof accessibility – Accessing the roof is much easier as they run the length of the truck versus just having two steps like the OEM version.
- Vehicle protection – Greater protection for your doors against parking lot dents.
- Aesthetics – These look more rugged (while still looking sleek) than the OEM steps and have a higher-quality finish.
- Ground clearance – These don’t hang down as low, therefore providing greater ground clearance and won’t get hung up on obstacles off-road.
- Durability – The OEM steps are made of thin metal and are notorious for breaking on the trails relatively easily. The IRONBISON boards are more solid metal pipes with fewer failure points. For example, mine took a hit from an unavoidable semi-truck tire on the road and didn’t even have a scratch.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I highly recommend these. In every way, they are an improvement over the factory predator steps. They have a larger step area, making it easy to get into the truck for shorter people (my wife is under 5 feet tall and has no issue getting in) and makes accessing and washing the roof easier.
My favorite improvement as mentioned earlier though, is the additional ground clearance. With most side steps, you sacrifice this and I wasn’t prepared to spend the money or add the weight of true rock sliders. The IRONBISON boards offer light protection and convenience perfectly suited for a daily driver.
