Need some skid plate help

Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster. I've been using the pandemic time to finally add some damn things to my '07 Tacoma (14 years later). I seemed to have the same challenges getting the BPF skid plate on that a lot of guys do, where you've got everything lined up, but just can't get the bolts to thread on. I probably spent a conservative 2.5 hours fighting to get the bolts to thread on, with all manner of manipulation ... using a jack to support the plate's weight was a lifesaver.

Bottom line, I've got a noticeable difference in gap between the plate and bumper. I've never been in an accident or done any crazy off-road stuff with the truck, so I'm not sure if there's simply some frame bend somewhere.

But has anyone encountered the same distortion, and found a way to adjust? I'm a bit paranoid to drop the bolts unless I have a solid approach.

Thanks!

 

You might use a straight edge or a level to determine if the plastic bumper or skid is distorted. You can plan a course of action once you know where the issue lies.

 

Hobbs, thanks for the advice! I was able to find some unique differences in the angles that allowed my to shift some washers from both driver to passenger side, and from the exterior to interior of the skid plate, and it turned out pretty close to even. I was so worried I'd have to spend another hour rethreading the bolt, but with the other three bolts locked in, the only hard part was wedging the washers between the plate and spacer. All in all, think it turned out ok. Thanks!