Modify Skid Plates for Trans Thermostat Pinning??

So I’ve got the full RCI Skid Plates on my 2017 DBLCAB TRD Off Road - they are worth their weight in gold!! Definitely saved truck from damage.

I decided it was time to pin the transmission thermostat again (haven’t added extra cooler yet) after seeing temps while on highway in 100° degree weather.

My install has the Cat Guards as well. So in order to reach the transmission thermostat, I had to remove the engine andtransmission skid plates.

Looking at it, the idea I had was to drill a 2” - 2 1/2” hole in order to reach thethermostat.

Wanted to know if anyone else had done some sort of mod, thoughts, pics, etc.

 

Just drop the plates and pin it with a cotter pin

 

If you're in NV it's already open, you don't have to worry about it.

Guys who pin them are towing in colder areas and want full circulation even when its below threshold. Toyota doesnt have a temp spec, but you at least have the cooler. Many newer 3rd gens dont even have it.

I wouldnt want to cut the shield, it would be razor sharp and still difficult to pin the t-stat.