Factory Skid Plate Removal

I have a 2013 Double Cab TRD Off-Road. I am planning to change the oil in my front differential, rear differential, and transfer case. I've read the excellent threads on how to do this, but I can't find any information on how to remove the front skid plate. Does anyone have a link to a video or walkthrough? I'm confident I can do the job (thanks to this forum) if I can get the skid plate off.

Thanks!

 

Without being a dick, I recommend sticking your head under the truck

 

When we did the ECGS Bushing fix we topped off the front Diff without removing any skid plates

 

Dropping the plate is easy. Just lie under it and look up, and you'll see what I mean.
Also, welcome to the forums!

 

Thanks! Is it as easy as unscrewing those two bolts?

 

Yep and the front ones there deep you'll need an extension on your socket.

 

And they thread directly into the cross member? Just want to make sure there are no washers or nuts up there I need to be concerned about.

 

nope.

 

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try to do this Saturday morning and I'll let you know how it goes.

 

If you live in a salt state,I would hit those bolts with penetrating oil.

 

I'm not holding my breath. It'll be easy.

 

You can see the tabs on the rear of the "plate". When you have the bolts out, slide it forward and it will drop onto your nose!

 

So success on 3 out of 4. I easily changed the engine oil, rear diff, and transfer case. Not as much luck with the front diff. I had two issues: First, one of the bolts on the skid plate broke as I was removing it. Second, my torque wrench doesn't have enough room to properly extract and re-torque the front diff drain plugs. I think I may call it a day and have a shop remove the end of the broken skid plate bolt and change the front diff oil for me.

All in all not bad for my first time doing more than changing oil. Thanks everyone for the help!

 

In the meantime I put the skid plate back on using the 3 fully functional bolts.