Just voicing my opinion and past experience. My 84 Bronco had running boards on it for 17 years - until i bought it. Those were the first thing I took off. I think they're out of style, too. Nerf bars would be better, give you a little rocker panel protection. I run those on my ext. cab work trucks, mainly for other folks to help them step up into the cab. Black only, please. I have used steps that hang down under the rockers, but these tend to gob up with mud too much, and will get caught on 'stuff' on the trail. I'd have to say a set of rock sliders with some kind of step is the best way to go. Protects the body, helps your girl get into the cab, and is the current style. At the moment, I don't have any steps on the 84 or 78 Broncos, which are lifted. JSM84