Factory Skid Plate Removal, how many bolts?

[Recoil Rob]

I have a 97 SR5 that I'm installing a front receiver hitch on. To do so I have to remove the skid plate for the install, it will go back on when the hitch is installed.

Got under for a looksee today, it seems that the skid plate is actually two seperate pieces, the front one extends over the rear one and I only need the front one removed.

I see three bolts up front, two all the way in the rear and two in the middle, inside holes in the front plate.

Can the front one be removed or do they both come off as an assembly? Do all 7 bolts have to come out? Are there any I've missed?

BTW the hitch install requires I drill a 3/8" through each side of the frame, any problem with that?


Thanks, Rob

 

[gapboi210]

I wonder if yours is different than mine. I have one that is one piece up front, one that covers the gas tank and a plastic one covering part of the transfer case. The skid plate up front, has 3 bolts up front 10mm I think and two bigger ones recessed in the middle. Those are 13mm I think.