'03 Skid Plate Bolt

[bradentyrer]

I recently purchased a 2003 Sr5 V8, which is missing one of its skid plate bolts. Anyone know its dimensions and if I can get it at a hardware store?

Thanks

 

[Lineman]

LOL... If it's only missing 1, take 1 of the other ones out into the hardware store with you :shocked:

 

[djlandkpl]

The bolts are M8x1.25

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Problem is its probably missing because its stripped out... For some reason these stock skidplate bolts strip out like crazy, even on normal 4Runners...

 

[bradentyrer]

So is it the bolt that has a history of stripping or the plate and frame in which the bolt goes?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Both, I don't know if its because Toyota used soft bolts & nuts or if they became weakened due to spot welding to the frame and not given enough time to properly recrystalize the structure. But usually they tend to cross-thread easy, and even when they thread in good, they get over tightened easily and wipe out the threads on both the bolt & nut.

A lot of guys just drill and re-tap the bolts to M10x1.5mm bolts and it works well. Unfortunately in my case my M10's are starting to strip out and I don't think I have enough meat in the bolts that are welded inside the frame rail to go to a M12.

 

[bradentyrer]

I put in a M8x1.25 today. 30mm length. Gripped well, didn't need washer, although it would have been nice. It was a lot longer than stock but all of it went in nicely.

 

[Cougar8000]

I have had this problem with my wife's Montero as well. They all use cheap metal in those places. Most of the time it is a bolts.

For the last 4-5 yrs I have been putting this on the thread before putting them back in and it seams to do the trick.

For the last 3 yrs I have been using Amsoil oil, so had to remove them only once a year and no issues.