Skid Plate Frame Nut - Toyota 4Runner Forum

sigepbiker · 01-08-2023, 01:43 AM

Attempted to remove my RCI Front Skid plate to clean them up. When removing the passenger rear bolt, the threaded nut in the frame spins with the bolt, not allowing it to loosen up to remove the skid plate.

Any suggestions on how to hold the nut that's inside the frame cross member?

Suggestions on repairing the threaded hole on the frame?

@JoshP 767 - please don't tell me I'm the first to encounter this...

Jeremy556 · 01-08-2023, 01:48 AM

Cut the bolt off, pull the broken off part out of the top, and replace with a rivetnut. Use antisieze when re-assembling.

agoff71 · 01-26-2023, 10:55 PM

You could try using a screwdriver or pry bar to put downward pressure on the bolt, this might hold the nut in place as you try to loosen the bolt.

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bayaz · 01-30-2023, 02:11 AM

I drilled it out, and put a rivnut.

fkheath · 01-30-2023, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayaz

I drilled it out, and put a rivnut.

If the nut is rotating and a bolt won't unscrew (see the picture), then how do you drill it out? Even if there is not a bolt in the nut, you still can't drill it out because the nut will just rotate with the drill.

<<<< · 02-02-2023, 12:29 PM

From personal experience: impact wrench is not your friend while removing bolts from frame. It'll bust tac weld on the nut inside the frame right out every time. PB tread blaster and steady force on breaker bar is the ticket. As for the one you have broken off, saw it off, fish bits out and drop a new nut in (stick nut will work best) or as mentioned before rivnut. G.L.

bayaz · 02-03-2023, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkheath

If the nut is rotating and a bolt won't unscrew (see the picture), then how do you drill it out? Even if there is not a bolt in the nut, you still can't drill it out because the nut will just rotate with the drill.

I drilled out a larger hole in the frame. You gotta do that to put in a rivnut.

The hole is larger than the existing captive nut, so you just displace it with the drill and then use a magnet to fetch out.

Lexington · 02-03-2023, 05:12 PM

This is one of the few bad designs with 4Runner. Mine broke because the guy who was changing my oil used a impact gun to remove the skid plate.

A rivet nut will work. My only concern is if I have another guy use a impact gun removing my skid plate will the rivet nut hold? Because of this concern I decided to welding two nuts on top of the frame. I had to buy 2 new long bolts that would fit.

For the Tacoma skid plate they added a removable access plate so you can change the oil filter without having to drop the entire skid plate. I have no idea why Toyota didn’t do the same for the 4Runner.

bayaz · 02-03-2023, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexington

This is one of the few bad designs with 4Runner. Mine broke because the guy who was changing my oil used a impact gun to remove the skid plate.

A rivet nut will work. My only concern is if I have another guy use a impact gun removing my skid plate will the rivet nut hold? Because of this concern I decided to welding two nuts on top of the frame. I had to buy 2 new long bolts that would fit.

For the Tacoma skid plate they added a removable access plate so you can change the oil filter without having to drop the entire skid plate. I have no idea why Toyota didn’t do the same for the 4Runner.

I use an impact now. As long as it’s 1/4 inch you’re good. That said, I’ve replaced rivnuts before too but like because of off-road abuse.

Lexington · 02-03-2023, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayaz

I use an impact now. As long as it’s 1/4 inch you’re good. That said, I’ve replaced rivnuts before too but like because of off-road abuse.

I dont follow. As long is what is a 1/4 inch?

Glenn Goodlett · 02-04-2023, 02:08 AM

Not my video and have no association with it. But it is what I'll do when mine give out.

Repairing Broken Skid Plate Bolts 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner - YouTube

fkheath · 02-04-2023, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexington

I dont follow. As long is what is a 1/4 inch?

1/4" drive impact wrench. Not sure I have ever seen one. But I do have a 1/4" air drive wrench.

bayaz · 02-05-2023, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkheath

1/4" drive impact wrench. Not sure I have ever seen one. But I do have a 1/4" air drive wrench.

I use a Milwaukee with a replaceable bit, so I slide in a 1/4”. Problem with most shops, including Toyota dealer, is that they’ll use 1/2” but that comes on impact used to take off lug nuts - that’s way too much torque.

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