Jhalko
New member
My front RCI has four large holes along the top which would allow for air flow. I think Josh has changed the design since then though.
The skid plate thread
- Thread starter zcruiser
- Start date
My front RCI has four large holes along the top which would allow for air flow. I think Josh has changed the design since then though.
zcruiser
Senior Member
If they are tack welded, that's a concern. I would look to welding them down a little better before install. Good feedback for RCI too.
4RnR Grl
New member
Yeah my Schrockworks does as well. No fancy screen to clean mud out of though.
4RnR Grl
New member
The biggest problem is getting to the nut in the first place... the hole to get to the nut is tiny. If you have giant man hands there could be an issue. We were just barley able to get the wrench in there and around the nut. And... you're going in blind, because you can't see in there.
:faint2:
Boyds4Runner
New member
^^this
I have had problems with both tack welds coming loose (thank you dealer service tech) on the front TRD skid. Those nuts are in the boxed in, lower frame support for the radiator. Had to have a fab shop cut out squares, weld in larger nuts (same size and pitch) and weld the squares back in to the frame support.
Sharing from my experience:
1) remove all skids before going in for any type of service. Although I leave the gas tank skid on and sometimes leave the A-arm skids if it's not going to get an alignment or other front suspension service.
2) Also, put bolts back in where they would otherwise be missing i.e the catalytic converter diagonal cross bar and the front, lower radiator supports. They are left hanging when the related area skids are removed as in my case for the RCI Transfer-front/Transmission-rear and the front TRD skid (ask me how I found that one out).
3) Use hand tools both ways (on and off).
4) Add some anti-seize to the bolts too when you put them back in.
5) Finally, knowing how weak the tack-welds are I don't over tighten the bolts either. Usually just enough with a final push on the wrench.
This won't address the nuts that are already broken free but hopefully won't break new ones.
Simpleman74
New member
cant stress this enough!!!
4RnR Grl
New member
Yup.... in my case it was a good smack on a rock that broke the weld. Since I have Schrockworks skids they are smooth with no bolt protection. SO anything I scrape over, can potentially damage the bolt (bend it) and break the welded nut... Although my SW skids are a little older, so they may have changed the design with some better bolt protection. I may dig to see if I can find the picture of my screwed up bolts.
ToyoDriver
New member
Definitely possible for some, but impossible for the third row of nuts (the ones closest to the front diff - they are recessed in the skid plate)
I have no idea how to get them off aside from cutting the skid off with a angle grinder.
4RnR Grl
New member
Post up a good photo, I'm sure someone else here has had the same issue and came to a solution.
zcruiser
Senior Member
Can anyone post a photo of a Limited with the RCI skid powdercoated in black?
Not a worm's-eye view, but normal viewing angle front view.
I would like to know how this would look on my 2012 Limited before I order. Did a Google image search but all that I could find were TE's...
Not a worm's-eye view, but normal viewing angle front view.
I would like to know how this would look on my 2012 Limited before I order. Did a Google image search but all that I could find were TE's...
Crocket
Member
Just curious, but does this also apply to stock OEM skids as well? Just got my 2017 a few months ago, haven't had the chance to crawl underneath it yet with our crappy Canadian winter, so not sure if this issue applies to only aftermarket skid plates, or all skid plates.
Thanks.
MeanoTorino
New member
Yes, remove the factory skid as well before service. They can cross thread the bolts or lose them. It's best to just remove.
Crocket
Member
Makes sense, and is kind of what I thought based on previous experience with other Toyotas (ie. sometimes dealer forgot to replace all the bolts holding the under engine splash shield in place etc...). Thanks for confirming.
Para8291
New member
Did you install your parts? If so, how are they?
zcruiser
Senior Member
See my pic just above your post. Installed and fits perfectly.
I performed an oil and filter change with it on, and you can do it, but next time I think I'll just drop the skid plate. I just use a floor jack at the balance point of the skid plate, remove the bolts, and lower it. Much easier than the factory skid plates on my 3rd gen!
Oh, I did not get a filler plate as it won't fit the LE. Still not sure what to do about that.
EDIT: Found another pic...
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