All-pro IFS skid bolt issue

So since all-pro aint open till monday thought I might ask here. I have mounted the skid on the first 2 and middle 2 bolts fine, but the rear 2 bolts...don't fit..are you supposed to have all 6 bolts in on the skid? i have tried both the stock frame bolts and the smaller factory skid bolts but neither go in very well.(frame ones dont fit at all lol)



bolt holes on far right and left on the crossmember

 

Try keeping all the bolts loose until they are all started. I imagine you torqued the fronts down and now cant get the rears started.

 

^yup. Did that the first time I put mine on.

 

Actually I took the whole plate off just to see if the frame ones would fit and definitely too big..the skid plate ones seem to fit but dont go in right so didnt want to strip them.

 

You should use the smaller bolts, IIRC like a 12mm head.

They won't go in easily with the skid off either? If that's the case you need to find a tap and die set, find the correct ones and run a tap up through those holes, then run a die on the bolts.

If they go in fine without the plate on then it's just a matter of lining everything up. I'd suggest a floor jack (with a block of wood) to push the plate up into place, don't install any bolts, just position it until all holes align with the bolt holes on the frame and get it pushed tight up against your truck then thread in all your bolts. Sorry for the run on sentence.


Coat all bolts in anti-sieze!

 

Frame bolt is a no..its too big..the only option is the the factory skid bolt.

 

Yeah, that's what you're supposed to use.

Coat everything in anti-sieze while your truck is nice and new.

 

Yea..ok so I was wrong..indeed the skid plate bolts work..now a bigger issue as to why i can't line both up(I used a jack to push it up in the back)..I got the passenger side bolt in, but the back of the slid plate hits against the crossmember so no way in hell i can put in other side. I am almost wondering if they made it a inch too short..i loosened everything and tried to line both up and i did..but when i pushed it against the frame the back part of skid slid up the rail..ill take pic in a min..while i was under the truck some ants decided to piss me off. lawlz

All in all. The skid needs to move forward a few mm but the flap on the back of the skid hits the crossmember. I am going to call all-pro monday to check and see if they have never had issues on 12's yet.

 

I also complained to them about this. Start what bolts you can then you need to use a jack and get it to where you slowly start lifting the vehicle, then put the last few in

 

Should have read all posts before i posted, disregard mine

 

Skidplate against the back of crossmember



And for giggles...the pic ill put in my build thread (Always say ill sell my cameras but gosh..so hard to)


Altho i think the idea is to have it against the crossmember so when you put the transmission cover on you can screw into it..hmm..ah well..so at least I have 5 of the 6 bolts in..i rust the front 4 the most. Stupid to not have the frame bolts for the back to..

 

You don't need those bolts in the rear to be massive, they're really only supporting a small load, any shear they encounter when you knock the skid in a horizontal plane and the weight of the skid itself. How much is that last bolt hole off? Take a round file or a dremel to it.