Gen 3 Pro skid plate on Gen 2

What's funny is mine is a Southeast US truck and I tried using shorter bolts of the same thread from the hardware store and jumped the threads on accident, I had to backtrack and carefully put the factory ones back without having to re-thread them. Definitely use anti-seize when you put the skid on lol.

 

I lucked out for how much I got it for…$250cdn locally lol!

 

Did you leave the middle spacers? I'm wanting a closer fit just wanted to do it right. Did you bolt the front first then the middle?

 

I remove the front spacers, the bolt wouldn’t reach the threads because of the spacers for the swaybar. Other than that, it’s a nice tight close fitment.

 

I have a demello front bumper and it doesn't sit up too close in front...

 

Thanks to the OP for posting this! I just did mine today, getting all 6 bolts lined up just right is a little tricky but very happy with the way it looks. I left the spacers in

 

I took the spacers out.

 

I removed the 2 braces. Guess it doesn’t matter cause it still bolts up. All spacers used.

*Update* I reinstalled both braces the next day cause I didn't like extra parts laying around.

 

I feel really dumb asking this, but can somebody please explain the bracket and spacers situation? My 3rd gen skidplate only came with long bolts and spacers in the middle 2 locations.

Earlier in this thread someone said "it bolts right up, but it does not seem to use the same bolt location as the skid plate that I took off.

Are guys removing the two brackets in the front? Or just adding longer bolts and spacers? I haven't even gotten to the rear or middle yet.

This is the bracket in question , and the middle bolts the skidplate I bought had on it.

 

Oem new it comes with spacers in front and middle with Long bolts. Short bolt in rear no spacer.

I have installed the skid with the two front brackets removed and with it not removed. Works both ways.

brackets removed it’s easier to see where the skid lines up.

bracket on you’ll have to figure out which of the bolts to remove from the bracket to align skid. Not all bolts are removed with bracket on.

I used all supplied 3rd gen spacers and bolts to bolt on. No 2nd gen bolts used on skid. Longer bolts are needed in front, 2nd gen bolts are too short.

hope this helps.

 

TYSM for that, turns out the other hardware was in the bottom of a bucket of parts that came with it. With your pic I was able to identify it easily so thanks again, you saved me a ton of time and effort!

 

Going through some minor issues with my install, the seller supplied the wrong size bolts, and only 4 not 6. Can anyone tell me what the bolt length and size the front 4 bolts are that go through the reinforcement brackets? I have a feeling by looking at them that its not a typical size/thread that i might find at the big box hardware stores.

I have already sourced bolts that fit the rear 2 positions in the crossmember (i used m8x1.25 25mm length)

 

I can measure the bolt and spacer length for you tomorrow, if you don't figure it out by then (you can measure the threads on the bolts on your truck now). But try calling a dealer, i bet there is a part number for the two mid and two front bolts, as they are more like assemblies. There is a 'press fit style' washer that sits on top of the spacer, to keep the bolt and spacer together.

 

So i just went to HD and Autozone, struck out at both places but the auto parts store at least had a thread gauge so i could figure out the size, seems to be 1/2-20 thread but that doesnt seem right since id assume everything on a Tacoma should be metric. Can anyone confirm if the bolt in the picture looks like the factory bolt for the support brace?

 

For other folks reading this - dont remove those braces. They’re there for a reason. They significantly reinforce the weak axis of the skid plate against impact loading.

Believe me, Toyota wouldn’t have spent the money on those braces if they didn’t have a function.

 

I’m 99p sure there’s a TRD Pro skid plate parts kit you can order for $60 or so. Let me see if I can find the part number

Ya here it is -

$64 PTR60-35160-HW Front Skid Plate, 1 Pack

PTR60-35160-HW

 

These are the bolts to remove. The braces are the same for 2005-2023, they should be left in place for sure.

 

Yes that is the stock bolt with the tapered threads at the end. The 3rd gen hardware is the same but longer, and obviously includes the spacers. Everything bolts on to the braces. No need to remove. Only gives about 1/8" of tighter fit anyway...