How to remove this bar and raise skid plate?

One caution here. I really like @EatSleepTacos 's mod, but his Taco is a 2nd Gen. The 3rd Gen has the oil filter and cooler in that area. You would have to plan around it and protect it.

There was a good pic around here of the front end disassembled for the timing cover leak fix that would show this nicely, but it is not coming up on my searches.

 

Do these trucks have a rust problem?

 

There is a recent frame corrosion prevention TSB that has been launched for all Tacos from 2011 on up, if you live in certain areas of the US.

 

Is it about the condensation from the ac dripping on the frame? I noticed that when I got the truck and ran a hose down below the frame

 

Yes and no. I did that same mod to prevent corrosion in that area, but the TSB is applicable to the entire frame.

A lot of folks around here just treat their frames at home with stuff like Fluid Film. Some searches on that will show a lot of pristine underbodies.

 

I'll have to look into it. I havent noticed anything on mine with 46k on it but I'll keep it in the back of my head

 

Same here. It just depends where you live and is why the TSB is region specific.

Here in the NW, rust is a complete non-issue. That was totally unexpected when we moved here from PA a long time ago.

 

My main worry would be humidity where I live I'm not on the coast so no salt water but it does get very humid around here

 

Nah. It isn't humidity. It is salt from winter roads. When I was looking for a Taco, I found a 2007 with 141k on the odo that lived most of its life in Florida. There was some rust around the hitch area that I guessed was from beach driving? Otherwise, it was in killer shape.

I've had mine out on the WA beaches a few times and it still looks great under there doing nothing.


No one believes me, but we have hordes of pristine 1st Gens running around here as well as a lot of 1970s and 1980s Big3 shitboxes.

 

In that case I'm safe

 

Oops that's the engine out not front end

 

Oh gawd. What a crummy situation.

But, I was thinking about the front end disassembly method while the engine remains mounted. I think that one shows a pretty good pic of the relationship between the oil filter cartridge and the stock frame crossmember?

 

Well if you do the this skid plate mod, be proactive pull the engine and replace the timing chain cover gasket!

 

I am really surprised there isn't an external repair for that. It's not like it is sealing out pressurized oil. Just splash lubed.

 

Actually you *may* reduce total rust quantity but increase the rust %.

 

Maybe one day there will be an external solution, but I think @Bishop84 is a paid certified mechanic doing these. At least I hope he's not doing them for weekend fun.

 

A shop will have to follow the TSB unfortunately. But thoughts on an external repair would be great to hear, esp for the home gamer.

 

Lift the truck..and buy a proper skid plate.
TRD plate will help you with looks

 

Why not just raise the truck .. why mess with crap under there and screw some shit up .

 

I was just wondering if it was something possible or was it something complicated. Seems overly complicated so I'm not gonna worry about it, it doesnt stick out all that bad. As for lifting the truck,hell no. I'd rather lower it a couple inches. I dont want to go higher than stock