BudBuilt Gas Tank Skid Installation

Well for those of us that don't have the factory skid plate on our gas tanks (ie: base, sr5 and sport.) I decided to do a write-up since there isn't anything on Budbuilt's website.

Tools needed: 3/8" ratchet, 9/16" socket, 9/16" deep socket, 1/2" socket, 5" extension, scratch awl, 2 ratchet straps, welder and a 6-pack of ice cold beer of your choice.


First set the 2 fender washers with nuts above the carrier bearing support



Then with the help of someone or using ratchet straps hoist the skid plate up and slide the carriage bolts through two of the front holes and loosely thread into nuts.



Again use a friend or ratchet straps to support the rear of the skid plate.



Then making sure the skid plate is aligned use a scratch awl to mark the position of where the holes will need to be drilled. There will be four holes that need to be drilled in the straps. Then remove the skid plate.



Then use 2 ratchet straps one at the front and another towards the rear to support just the gas tank while the 2 factory tank straps are removed.



Using a 9/16" socket and extension remove the bolt holding one of the straps to the frame.



Then on the other side of the strap there is a pin that is holding the other half up remove the cotter pin and pull the pin out. Be CAREFUL not to bend the cotter pin. Then take the rubber padding off the strap and with a 3/8" drill bit drill out the necessary holes. You will also need to deburr the holes as well.

Take 2 of the flat head bolts and slide them through the strap and use the washer and nut to hold the bolt straight.





Tack weld the heads of the bolts to the strap. (My welds are super ugly, this is my first foray into welding so bear with me. )





Replace the strap (reverse the removal method) and don't forget to re-install the cotter pin. I did and now I have to get back under the truck

And repeat for the other strap. Once both straps have been welded and re-installed you will need to remove the ratchet straps. Then like the first step loosely install the front 2 bolts on the skid plate. Line up the other 4 studs and loosely use the washers and nuts to hold the skid plate up. Once everything has been aligned, use a 1/2" socket tighten the bolts on the gas tank portion of the skid



then with the 9/16" deep socket tighten the 2 nuts at the front of the skid.



Viola the installation is complete. Oh and of course periodically throughout the install you should have stopped to keep hydrated with those beers mentioned above.