Hi Golden,
Aesthetically in real life, the running boards make the side profile more aggressive and truck-like appearance.
May I also suggest Black Sapphire Metallic as to Jet Black. BSM looks more dramatic on any lighting conditions.
The bottom rocker panel looks "naked" without the running boards in my opinion.
Benefits are
-washing the roof, loading stuff on the roof rack
-stepping on and off for average height people
-less aluminum to oxidize and take care of especially during winter
-acts like a mudguard, protects the bottom doors from dirt and debris
-aesthetically proportionate
Cons
-narrower than the E70
-could be lower like on other trucks
I am also planning on clear coating the front skid plate. Funny thing is the rear aluminum trim is clear coated from factory.
Now, onto the real life pictures:
