Skid plate removal question.

[GiantsWSC]

So I read the Oil change DIY and seems the initial removal of the skid plate can be a pain? If the front end is jacked up slightly will it facilitate the removal of the plate a little easier? Like allowing more room for it to swing down?

I know to dremel off the hooks once it's off to make life a lot easier.

 

[Drew Dumas]

It's really not that bad. Use a jack to support the front skid while you remove the bolts, same for when you go to reinstall.

 

[Okki]

I had no issues getting mine off on my LE. That said, Mine didn't have to go back on because it got replaced with Shrokworks skids and a RCI bash plate.

I didn't feel the need to jack up the truck.

Okki

 

[MikeDUBS]

I left the tabs on. Once you know how they work, they really aren't too bad. Jast make sure you remove the back bolts last. You don't want a face full of skid plate.

Having said that, I don't find the need to jack the front of the truck. When my skid touches the ground, it's at the right angle that if I slide it straight forward it comes right out. Just my personal preference though.

 

[GiantsWSC]

OK thanks, so from what it sounds it's not necessary to grind the hooks off. Sweet!

 

[krravi]

I went through this hassle when I changed my oil for the first time myself.

I had the vehicle on ramps and yet it wouldn't come off even after swinging, pushing and pulling. Something was holding it back.Finally when I removed it I saw that the hooks were bent like an "S" instead of the normal "U" shape in the end of the hook.

I put it back the way it was as I was running out of time. Next time I have to straighten the hooks and just leave the bend in the end of the hook. I guess the dealer must have just swung them hard down to remove the oil filter without having to remove the skid plate off and leave it hanging...

 

[Sempre Nissart]

I removed the skid plate without too much problem without lifting anything.
Putting it back wasn’t the worst but definitely would have been easier to have someone hold it in place to put the bolts back in.
I read somewhere to torque the 4 bolts to 22 lb/ft. Can anyone confirm that these are the correct torque specs?

 

[slixx1320]

I went through this hassle when I changed my oil for the first time myself.

I had the vehicle on ramps and yet it wouldn't come off even after swinging, pushing and pulling. Something was holding it back.Finally when I removed it I saw that the hooks were bent like an "S" instead of the normal "U" shape in the end of the hook.

I put it back the way it was as I was running out of time. Next time I have to straighten the hooks and just leave the bend in the end of the hook. I guess the dealer must have just swung them hard down to remove the oil filter without having to remove the skid plate off and leave it hanging...

Just remember one thing, most oil changes done at the dealers are done by rookies. They will not put a senior tech in the bay to do oil changes.

I know this is a super old post so these weren't really out back in 2014 but to remedy this without having to remove the entire skid plate every oil change and is cheaper than most aftermarket skids

Free Shipping Bumper Skid Plate Protector Guard For TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2010-2021

If you do plan to use the dealer for oil change, you can just remove the access door to the oil filter so the tech can just do the work w/out having to remove the skid and possibly strip the nuts/bolts/threads.