removing the running boards on Gen 3.5... easy?

[Skidmarkart]

Okay, so I have the running boards. Ordinarily, I'd have pulled them off when I got the SUV, but I have little ones (5 and 3), and they actually use them all the time. They are also at that stage where they want to do everything themselves. I encourage them to do anything they can, and pulling the boards would mean I have to pick them up and put them in again. So, for the moment the boards stay.

That said, I am going to Canyonlands if a couple of weeks, and I could probably use that clearance. I would love to pull the boards off, and put them back upon my return. Is the possible? Is it easy? Should I just leave them and hope they don't get mashed?

 

[Imnosaint]

Six bolts per side, disconnect the power for the lights and they're off. From a clearance standpoint, the stock muffler and gas tank are close to the running board clearance height, at least they were on my Gen III, so I'm unconvinced that removing them is going to buy you any additional track clearance.