Just ordered a Gladiator and have a question about running boards

[Tom C]

On March 31st I ordered a Gladiator Overland with the following:
3.0L Turbo Diesel
Bright White Clear Coat
Satin Black Grill
Side Steps
Black Freedom Top® 3-Piece Hard Top
Premium McKinley-Trimmed Bucket Seats
Trailer-Tow Package
Cold Weather Group
Jeep Active Safety Group
Auxiliary Switch Group
Premium LED Lighting Group
Trail Management System
Spray In Bed liner

I’m vertically challenged, so here is my problem. I really like the depth and length of the running boards, but even on the overland, they are a bit of a high step up for me. I wasn’t going to order them, and was going to order aftermarket drop step rock sliders, but was told by the sales manager that Jeep wouldn’t make the order without them. They were a $170 option, so it’s not nearly as expensive as the rock sliders.

Is there a way to lower the factory running boards? I know that I can replace them, but this seems a waste.

I’ve done numerous searches on this forum, but I haven’t found a solution yet. If you know of a topic that covers this, please share the link.

On another subject, my first mod will be the CoverKing headliner.

15 weeks and counting for my delivery.

Thanks,

Tom

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[Florida Mojave]

Hey Tom, welcome to the forum! Best answer IMHO, start looking at pictures of JT's with side steps to see what style you like and what fits your budget...your going to end up nearly giving away the OEM steps because they are not in demand. There is no lowering kit that I have ever seen, besides it probably would not be safe. Good luck in your search and take your time!

 

[mdyucca]

What Florida Mojave said. Before buying a set of steps you should find another jeeper that has the steps you like and try them out. For my wife and me the factory running boards just don’t work. So far the pricey electric drop down steps look the most functional.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

No, you cannot lower the factory Overland running boards. I've found most steps don't go down far enough to be much help.
Not cheap, but I put RSE power steps on both my Overland any my wife's Wrangler.
Ironically, measuring the grill and door hinge areas, both of our Jeeps sit at almost the same height.
So it made sense whatever I did on one would be good for the other as well.

The steps/running boards of Overland are not standard - they are an option. They were standard when I bought my 2020 but when I bought my 2022 they were an extra, an option, they came without anything if you didn't order the running boards!

IMO, other steps are STILL too high to step up onto. These come down roughly half-way, maybe a bit lower than halfway, from the door sill area.

Frankly, some steps I've seen don't really come down much lower than the stock Overland running boards which sit down from the sill already. You may gain a couple of inches on most steps.

 

[MPMB]

Best bet is the Rock-Slide Engineering steps. Unfortunately, they're a pretty penny.

The MORE steps don't really solve the problem. There are other running boards with a drop step, but it's not a lot. Check ExtremeTerrain.com for options.

When I finally move to 35" tires and a 2-3" lift, the RSE steps will be a requirement.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Best bet is the Rock-Slide Engineering steps. Unfortunately, they're a pretty penny.

The MORE steps don't really solve the problem. There are other running boards with a drop step, but it's not a lot. Check ExtremeTerrain.com for options.

When I finally move to 35" tires and a 2-3" lift, the RSE steps will be a requirement.

Yeah, I tried the other bolt-on step solutions but due to them being steps all the time, they never come down far enough to be a lot of help. They can't, not and not get hung up on things. Compared to nothing on a Rubicon they would be fine but compared to the stock running board on an Overland, they aren't much of a gain.

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