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OR-FAB catalytic converter anti theft skid plate install

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by TexasWhiteIce, Oct 3, 2015.

  1. Oct 3, 2015 at 8:12 AM
    #1
    TexasWhiteIce

    TexasWhiteIce [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I figured I'd post this since it may help someone avoid the struggles I had with this.

    I wanted to prevent my cats from being stolen, so I ordered this from 4wheelparts

    http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDeta...tl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_pDetail_productSpecs

    The skid plate itself was packed in a huge box and was very well protected so I have to give ORFAB props for that. I actually had it shipped to the store for pickup.

    Now the instructions suck, and there is some cutting if you have a prerunner.

    My first attempt installing this back in early September ended with lots of swearing and frustration as the nut plates won't fit in the rear cross member due to a bolt that is inside the rear cross member that blocks one side. Also, when I first attempted to install, everything was about a half cm off from the front to the back due to those nut plates not being close to the edge of the cross member holes. I didn't have anyone helping me and this thing weighs about 45 lbs as well.

    I spent about 3 hours to no avail, im sure the 90 degree humid weather didn't help either.

    So my second attempt this morning ( much cooler weather at 60 degrees):

    I used a Dremel to cut one side of the rear nut plates down about half an inch ( not the 1.25inch the instructions say to do). I cut both( one for the right side and one for the left side) and the key here is put it in perpendicular inside the rear cross member (not parallel to the rear cross member like the instruction picture shows).

    I used twine to hold up the skid plate on both ends and both sides temporarily while I screwed the bolts in.

    Also, in the front of the skid plate, the right mounting hole is too hard to reach due to the oil pan being there. So what I did was use a 3inch stainless steel hose clamp ($1.29 at Home Depot). Since I was only using the left front bolt, I just wanted to be sure it was secure. Also, if I ever need to remove the plate, should make it easier.

    So there you have it, much quicker the second time ( about 30 minutes) with some understanding and planning, and now I have peace of mind that some a-hole won't be cutting my cats when I'm parked. A lot of areas in Houston are really shady.

    I'll try to post pics later today. Hope this helped someone.

    I have a 2010 prerunner doublecab long bed if it helps.
     
    chunt5 likes this.
  2. Oct 12, 2016 at 6:07 PM
    #2
    zerotimeouts

    zerotimeouts Well-Known Member

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    Did you have a factory skid plate up front? The instructions say you need to shim it?? Mine arrives next week, I guess I will find out.
     
  3. Oct 12, 2016 at 6:22 PM
    #3
    TexasWhiteIce

    TexasWhiteIce [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have the factory skid plate, no shim needed.
     
    zerotimeouts likes this.
  4. Nov 9, 2016 at 5:52 PM
    #4
    Toy4me

    Toy4me Well-Known Member

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    #4
  5. Nov 9, 2016 at 5:54 PM
    #5
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    #5
    jpmorrisvb likes this.
  6. Nov 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM
    #6
    Crosis

    Crosis Tertiary adjunct to unimatrix 01

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  7. Nov 9, 2016 at 6:02 PM
    #7
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    :brianr:

    Just wait!

    ;)
     
    Taco_2s_day and Crosis[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Nov 11, 2016 at 12:45 PM
    #8
    Toy4me

    Toy4me Well-Known Member

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    You missed the group buy?
     
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  9. Nov 16, 2016 at 4:51 PM
    #9
    Toy4me

    Toy4me Well-Known Member

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    Okay, my skid arrived yesterday and I installed it today. It took no more than a 1/2 hr to do. First I'm wondering why the op had issues and what skid he got. My attached pics show a difference between what skid is pictured in the instructions and what I actually got. I'm also curious about the questions regarding the compatibility with this skid and the factory skid and a need for shimming, which the instructions mention. My '10 trd sport has a factory skid (lol piece of tin) from the front bumper to in front of the oil pan. The OR Fab skid mounts on the next cross member back, right behind the oil pan, and goes to the next cross member. Do OR models have and additional skid covering the oil pan that my sport doesn't have? Or, this skid also fits FJs and T4Rs, do those have different skid configurations that require this shimming? Also, the instructions say you will use 6 bolts, and show a skid with 6 holes, mine has 4.

    On to what you're all here for - my install and tips for an easy one person install. You will need a 7/32s allen key for the bolts. To start, my truck only has 5100s set at .85"and stock size tires, so I needed to jack it up several inches and put it on jack stands to install. If you're lifted and on bigger tires, you probably won't need to do this. Next, I slid a milk crate under and got the skid on top of that, then put a 2x4 piece between the crate and skid and that got it close enough to the frame that I only had to push it up a half inch and could move it around to align. If you're lifted you might need two or three 2x4s. I had none of the ops' problems inserting the nut plates or with alignment of the holes. Put the plates in and push the skid up, then use the allen wrench or a small screwdriver to center the nut with the bolt hole. I ran a bolt through each nut plate to chase the threads and insure the bolt went in easily and here's why. The plates lay loose in the cross members and you thread the bolts up into them and you have to be gentle, or you knock the plate away. Put the bolt on the allen key and turn it as they meet and the bolt catches the nut no problem. Give it just a turn or two and you'll have plenty of wiggle room to do each remaining bolt then snug them all down once they're all in. Done. Sorry I'm so long winded, I like details, and I hope this makes it easier for someone else. Chads Pride will like this:D.

    IMG_1568.jpg
    IMG_1569.jpg
    IMG_1564.jpg
    IMG_1565.jpg
    IMG_1566 (1).jpg
     
  10. Nov 16, 2016 at 6:15 PM
    #10
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    ^^^

    Yes, the TRD OR has an additional mid skid.

    P.S.: Time to repaint your frame.
     
  11. Nov 17, 2016 at 1:47 PM
    #11
    Toy4me

    Toy4me Well-Known Member

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    So mid skid, thanks tac. You get yours installed yet? And I'm not painting my frame, but I do spray it down liberally with a paraffin wax based aerosol can that I'm happy with. Time to redo before winter.
     
  12. Nov 17, 2016 at 5:20 PM
    #12
    taczilla

    taczilla I intend to live forever; so far.... so good!

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    Installing tomorrow.

    You can paint your frame with rattle cans. I use Krylon Industrial:

    https://www.krylonindustrial.com/product/rust-tough-acrylic-alkyd-enamel/

    Looks OEM and it holds up. You can paint over the light rust on your frame. I touch it up in the summer, and then spray it with Rust Check or Krown in the fall.

    https://www.krown.com/

    My truck's under carriage looks new after 4 years driving in a rust belt.
     
  13. Dec 9, 2016 at 7:53 PM
    #13
    2015WhiteOR

    2015WhiteOR Well-Known Member

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    I bought this and installed it just today. Came in a big ol heavy box but well protected. This sucker is HEAVY.

    Took me about an hour to get it installed and in the process broke one of the nut tabs. Not a big deal since you only need 4 to mount it up (comes with 6). As with most things like this, the install instructions suck. I initially tried using the bigger holes in the plate, since this seemed like a good way to allow for some wiggle room, but quickly realized my mistake.

    I was damn surprised that it bolted right up using the small holes and fit exactly. I don't know what the note is about the front skid plate, because my 2015 has the factory under belly cover and I have the TRD front-ward skid plate. No overlap issues.

    I think I'll go back over it this weekend and use some blue loctite on the bolt threads, plus I'll put some fluid flim in any spot where the plate rubs against the cross members.

    Does anyone know if having one of these makes the catalytic converters run too hot? I would be worried about less airflow now.
     
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    #13

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