TRD skid plate 2019

What’s up guys. recently purchased a TRD skid plate .
For some odd reason the middle bolts won’t screw in. I got the front and back just fine.
Should I get new screws ?
Or is there a trick to put it on?
Thanks guys

 

Pictures of the issue?

 

Maybe put the middle screw in first?

 

Yeah loosen the others. I have to keep all loose until all 6 are in.

 

You have a diff drop?

 

Going to try that tomorrow morning. And update you guys

 

I’m new to the truck world. Im going to sound dumb but what is the diff drop?

 

Bro same here!

 

It’s a permanent modification of the front of the truck in which you cut out a cross member and drop the front differential using pucks, or spacers. In theory they drop the differential to maintain better cv angles when lifting to higher heights. These are widely looked down on here on tacoma world and are not necessary.

 

It's removable.

 

Screw in the middle bolts first and then start screwing the rest evenly to prevent one side from pushing in to far. Also, avoid a diff drop .

 

It’s a spacer added to the mounting brackets that hold the front axle to the frame cross member...I see shiny aluminum in the photo you provided which leads me to believe you may have a diff drop which would explain why the skid plate won’t fit without persuasion as the center section of the axle is in contact with the skid plate see photo for clarity on diff drop spacer

 

I think your right

 

Why is this a nono in the Tacoma community ?

 

That’s crazy I just installed mine 3 hours ago- no issue. All 6 bolts (4) 17 mm and (2) 12mm had been pre- screwed. I just used Hydraulic jack to hold on place/ line up . Started with rear Bolts and worked my way up.

Good luck bro, hope it goes smooth for you with install. I had no issues on my 2020 and I know it’s same skid plate for all 3 generations.

 

I use a front diff drop with no issues at all and my trd skid plate bolted up fine. Put the front bolts in first a little then the rear.

 

installed mine in a few minutes on a stock truck. Keep all bolts loose until you get them all threaded a bit and then tighten them.

 

Ran into the same issue yesterday. Took a little finagling, but as others have said - Use a jack and keep all bolts loose to start. It also helped when I started with the back bolts first and worked my way up to the front.