Skid-Plate Bolt Question

So I took my skid-plate off to do some work and decided to clean it. Found out one of the two bolts that connect both skid plates together was missing. The other one was bent. So I cut the bent one off and bought some new bolts at Lowes. I attached a picture of the bolt all the way through. Is this too long to worry about anything or will it be okay?

 

That area of the skid plate looks like it is shaped to protect the bolt when you hit something. With the bolt sticking out it will bend if hit hard and may bend the plate. IMHO

 

My 1998 does not use nuts on any of the skid plate bolts. Each bolt screws into a captive fastener (spelled "welded").

 

Mine(2004) is the same.

 

My skid plate has a captive fastener on the other side (sorry, should have got a picture of that). The other captive fastener was higher up (came apart from the plate somehow) and bent on the threads of the other bolt which is why I cut it off. That is why there is a nut there.

I put the skit plate on to see and there is a little bit of space between the end of the bolt and the build above it. Do the bolts on your skid plates stick out that far or just enough where it's visible from the captive fastener? I've been trying to find my skid plate online with the bolts showing on the end like my picture to see but there's nothing online with images of it...

 

That pic doesnt show much, but i agree with this guy. Flip the bolt around if possible, or weld the nut on if possible. Id cut it down so a thread or two were sticking thru. Id also get one of those nylock nuts instead, if you're not going to weld it on. I think thats what they are called. That thing is way too exposed...

 

Thanks guys for all the input. I have done what you requested and got shorter bolts and also the lock nut. I attached pictures just in case I missed something but I feel better about it.

 

Here's the part number for the bolts from toyota if you need it -

90080-11373

81 cents each I think

 

Dang, and I've been trying to find that part number...thanks. Do they have a part number for the welded nut? Maybe I'll switch them out unless you think the bolts I already have in are fine or do you think the actual part withstands the outside conditions better?

 

I don't have part numbers for the welded nuts - but since they are welded - I suspect the part number wouldn't be for the nut but the entire skid it's welded to.

 

One more thought - You might consider using bolts with button heads instead of regular hex heads. Button heads are smooth and somewhat convex, and need Allen head tools. The advantage is that they will "glide" (if that's possible) over rocks whereas regular hex-head bolts will drag and possibly bend. You can get button-head bolts at any nut and bolt shop (maybe even at Lowes and/or Home Depot. Just my 2-cents worth...