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Pro Skid plate bolt binding/spinning need tips

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by ZooMN, Oct 23, 2022.

  1. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:01 AM
    #1
    ZooMN

    ZooMN [OP] Active Member

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    CC13471E-2B82-442A-B3A9-F19B90A32BF2.jpg I’m trying to remove my pro skid plate to spray with rust prevention. Yesterday’s attempt One of the middle bolts was about out but kept spinning. I didn’t have time yesterday and I tightened all up to specs. Tried again today and same bolt started binding/making a popping sound again tightened all back up to specs. I didn’t find any directions on removing the skid. I removed the factory plate on my 2019 OR and installed a Mobtown skid and removed/replaced factory at trade and had no problems. Any tips on getting the pro skid off and the bolt out. BBEFC36B-6C3E-46AC-A7E9-A83862D73D86.jpg I must be doing something wrong. Thanks
     
  2. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:04 AM
    #2
    SoonToBeOn39s

    SoonToBeOn39s Well-Known Member

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    You don't need to spray the pro skid with rust prevention. It's aluminum.
     
    ZooMN[OP], vicali and Gunshot-6A like this.
  3. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:12 AM
    #3
    soundman98

    soundman98 Well-Known Member

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    The bolts won't be
     
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  4. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:12 AM
    #4
    TRD Ted

    TRD Ted Well-Known Member

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    The aluminum is already coated with the gray you see. Unless you planned on stripping that off I think you might be wasting your time.
     
  5. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:22 AM
    #5
    TRD Ted

    TRD Ted Well-Known Member

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    My truck has been through 3 northeast winters and there is not a bit of rust on those bolts. I actually think they might be galvanized but don’t quote me on that. If you plan on changing your own oil remove the access cover and put some anti-seize lubricant on the threads. Those can be a pain to break loose while trying not to strip with the Allen wrench.
     
  6. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:27 AM
    #6
    Mark77

    Mark77 Well-Known Member

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    Nothing yet
    Maybe he wants to put rust proofing on what the skid covers.....


    Anyways. Try adding s9me DOWN pressure on the skid plat as you are trying to unbolt your problem bolt .

    If the skid came w the truck AND is under warranty, id take it to the dealership and let them deal with the headache AND fix it. Sounds like it was cross threaded/stripped from the factory.....Id just say i tried taking it off, and this just spins. Best idea imo.
     
  7. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:53 AM
    #7
    wfo479

    wfo479 Well-Known Member

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    Release the jack and use a perbar to put pressure on the bolt. Make sure you have others in a few threads so the thing doesnt pin you underneath
     
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  8. Oct 23, 2022 at 9:00 AM
    #8
    ZooMN

    ZooMN [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks all. Yep I was trying to spray what the skid covers. MN roads get treated with all kinds of crap in the winter. I may try again or bring it to the dealer.
     
  9. Oct 23, 2022 at 9:03 AM
    #9
    ZooMN

    ZooMN [OP] Active Member

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    I noticed yesterday the spacers on at least the middle bolts are not attached/welded on. Could be a pain to get it back on.
     
  10. Oct 23, 2022 at 10:03 AM
    #10
    TRD Ted

    TRD Ted Well-Known Member

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    Unless they changed something I’ve had mine off and put it back on with no problem other than the weight and awkward work position.
     
    ZooMN[OP] and shakerhood like this.
  11. Oct 23, 2022 at 4:45 PM
    #11
    CaptainBart45

    CaptainBart45 Well-Known Member

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    Work in progress...
    Yep, loosen the other bolts until they are just in a few turns and maybe weight of the skid plate will help the bolt out as Ya turn it slowly. If not, stop turning on it and try prying pressure on the skid plate as you loosen the bolt. If Ya have some help, have someone else pry down on the skid as ya loosen the bolt. Anyways, I would try that first. If it still doesn't come out then Ya got a little project. If Ya can get a pry bar under the bolt head, aka flat screw driver (not to be used as a pry bar) and a open/box wrench on it , even better. When I was installing my knock off pro skid plate I am fairly sure I felt one of those middle bolts with the same symptoms. If and when I ever take it off I will be in the same boat. Good Luck and let us know how it's going.
     
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  12. Oct 23, 2022 at 5:11 PM
    #12
    Taco X

    Taco X Man of almost frightening genius

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    Pray it's not a nut inside the frame that the welding has broken loose. I had that happen on a completely different vehicle, and the bolt would spin but never come out. Good luck
     
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  13. Oct 23, 2022 at 5:20 PM
    #13
    TwinTaco31719

    TwinTaco31719 Well-Known Member

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    I had something similar happen to my pro skid. I just went to all other bolts and loosened until I could lower the skid slightly to get tension on the problem bolt. When I came back to it at the end it screwed right out. Hope it’s that easy for you too. Sorry OP
     
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  14. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:41 PM
    #14
    ZooMN

    ZooMN [OP] Active Member

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    Third times a charm. Operator error here. I didn’t use the jack this time and just started loosening all the bolts and then removed the back and middle ones and moved the skid around if it seemed bound up. Used my knees to support it. Also realized an internal lock washer holds the spacer and bolt on - I spun it off yesterday on a bolt on my first attempt and didn’t realize it. Went back on pretty easy using the knee method. 9C03C170-1B49-4C03-89B6-1E8938404528.jpg D4F90C12-5ABC-48CA-A940-B7AB622B36EF.jpg Thanks all for the suggestions!
     
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  15. Oct 23, 2022 at 8:51 PM
    #15
    TwinTaco31719

    TwinTaco31719 Well-Known Member

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    The knee method for the win!
     

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