Advice needed install of TRD skid plate

L

Logansky

Member
I finally got around to installing my skid plate. Watched all the you tube videos, cleaned out the threads, did everything right. Did it with vehicle on ground, stock TRD Off Road suspension. Tight but manageable.

EXCEPT I had a heck of a time man handling it into position and starting the bolts. Sort of dreading the next oil change when I have to remove it and do it all over again.

Any suggestions or little tricks to make life easier would be greatly appreciated.

Logansky
 
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Logansky said:
I finally got around to installing my skid plate. Watched all the you tube videos, cleaned out the threads, did everything right. Did it with vehicle on ground, stock TRD Off Road suspension. Tight but manageable.

EXCEPT I had a heck of a time man handling it into position and starting the bolts. Sort of dreading the next oil change when I have to remove it and do it all over again.

Any suggestions or little tricks to make life easier would be greatly appreciated.

Logansky
Click to expand...

Ensure you use the retainment washers on top of the spacers for the front bolts. I also use an impact so it can spin while I hold the skid in place with my other hand and knees. After you do it twice you get the routine down.
 
Logansky said:
I finally got around to installing my skid plate. Watched all the you tube videos, cleaned out the threads, did everything right. Did it with vehicle on ground, stock TRD Off Road suspension. Tight but manageable.

EXCEPT I had a heck of a time man handling it into position and starting the bolts. Sort of dreading the next oil change when I have to remove it and do it all over again.

Any suggestions or little tricks to make life easier would be greatly appreciated.

Logansky
Click to expand...

Replace the bolts with studs. Makes it much easier to drop the skip plate for oil changes. This thread tells you how: TRD Skid Plate Mounted w/ Studs 2010-2021

I did this a couple weeks ago and it makes a big difference.
 
I just installed mine about a week ago.
Same, stock height & on the ground.

I just balanced it in a floor Jack and adjusted it as I lifted it into enough position to get the rear bolts stared. Was easy after that.

I actually had to do it twice. A factory defect causing one of the radiator support brackets being too low where you remove the bolt at the radiator end. A mount nipple was too low preventing me from starting the bolt. Some factory robot probably had no problem forcing. But I had to grind off the nipple to get it to go up. No fun!

It would be a pain doing that for self oil changes. But I’m a worn out, used up 67 year old & have it done.
 
Last edited:
fkheath said:
Replace the bolts with studs. Makes it much easier to drop the skip plate for oil changes. This thread tells you how: TRD Skid Plate Mounted w/ Studs 2010-2021

I did this a couple weeks ago and it makes a big difference.
Click to expand...

[MENTION=609789]fkheath[/MENTION]
Thanks for the suggested link !
[MENTION=678529]Logansky[/MENTION]

I created this mod for people like you and I.
I used to fight my skid. After talking to other members about the same, I decided to create a solution to the problem.

BTW, even it you don’t do the mod, I would refrain from using an impact wrench on these skid bolts.
Use a floor Jack to Jack it into place. Align & start bolts with your fingers.
 
as long as you use the two bolt clips on the front bolts, you can sit on the ground and use your knees to support the skid plate to remove and install. Once the two front ones are hand turned, the rears can be installed easily
 
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