TRD Pro Skid Plate Install Question

I just ordered a TRD Pro skid plate for my TRD Sport. After watching a few skid plate install videos I've seen that the aftermarket skid plates require the removal of the 2 braces or supports under the stock skid plate. The videos I've seen for the TRD skid plate keep the 2 braces installed.

Is keeping the braces in for the TRD plate a personal preference? Do they add any strength to the plate or front end? And do the Pro models come with those braces?

Thanks,
Brian

 

Here's the factory instructions. Careful when torquing the bolts, some people have reported breaking the frame nuts loose.

 

I left the braces on. No need to be removed for TRD OEM skid plate. I think the reason they get removed with aftermarket skids is due to the braces interfering with the skids. Nevertheless the aftermarket skids will be as strong if not stronger than those braces.
Pretty sure the Pro has the braces. Is mechanically the same truck minus the suspension.

 

Keep the braces in. Real mechanical engineers designed those braces to be there for a reason. Without having access to the design file (likely a finite element model in LS-Dyna or equivalent FEM software) it's difficult to know their exact purpose, but they are relatively stout and attached with relatively stout bolts, so they are meant to support some significant load (possibly during a crash). They also will act as a back stop to the skid if you manage to bash it in really good.

Also, I dont believe the OEM skid will attach correctly to the frame if the braces are removed, as they do act as spacers where the front four bolts attach.

It is common for aftermarket skids to require the braces to be removed, in order to move the skid a bit further upwards/backwards for clearance or to make attachment more easy in order to simplify the fab design. This is foolish, as the fabricator doesnt have access to the design file, and has no way to know if they are critcally weakening the frame design. That and the braces really dont take up much space. The argument that a steel or 1/4 inch aluminum skid is just as strong as the braces is meritless unless proven with a FEM analysis performed under the same static and dynamic load regime as that used for braces, and also full scale crash tests.

 

Thanks for all the responses! I'll keep the braces in.

 

Yes, I just installed mine and the braces stay on.

 

I would reiterate that. Don't overtorque the bolts. I broke a frame bolt loose, and there is not saving it. I believe it's 33 ft.lbs. for the 17 mm bolts and 21 ft. lbs for the 12 mm. It will be on the instruction sheet with the skid plate.

 

I ran the Pro skid with the braces for a few weeks, but they have been removed and scrapped from the truck for over a year now.

With a sway bar relocation kit included with my coil overs, I had some witness marks from them touching the sway bar, and the Pro skid gave me an excuse to toss them.

I would keep the braces per Toyota instuctions unless you have a clearance issue like me.

 

Hey OP, just installed mine today as well and realized two critical mistakes, maybe more.... 1. Keep the braces on
2. Keep the middle bolt on the one on pax side and the last bolt on driver side, the skid will bolt on to the braces if not the bolts wont reach. Lastly DO NOT Overtighten them as you will break through and crack it. Hope it helps.

 

I picked up my skid plate Friday. Will be putting on this week. Thanks for all the tips!

 

Excuse the ignorance.. but could you please elaborate on that.
I’m getting mine this coming Wednesday..
Stopped working on my cars like 20 years ago.. so I’m somewhat out of shape. And I’m referring to your #2 point.. ... TIA

 

The braces have 3 bolts each, front, center and rear, I would just line the skid right underneath and that way you can see which ones you need to remove. I was going to film it but unfortunately didn’t have a chance to.

 

Thanks.

 

Anytime man. Cheers

 

The install instructions that Bertw192 helpfully posted above explain all, as far as what to remove and how to attach the skid.

 

I installed mine tonight. Very easy. The instructions posted above in the PDF are really well done. The only thing I would add is, because I have a Sport model and the rear 2 holes aren't used, is to run a tap through them.

 

I just installed mine on today with the braces, super easy to do. I think I got the newer ones because it already had the TRD letter inserts. Anyone want to buy a Tufskinz letter insert for your fresh skid plate lol

 

I also have a Sport model. When I installed mine, the rear holes are already present so I just screwed the 12 mm bolts in them. Total of 6 bolts (2 front, 2 middle, and 2 rear bolts) to keep the skid in place.

 

How much for insert ?

 

Yes, the rear tapped holes are already present. But because they haven't been used before on the Sport dirt and crud can accumulate in them. Running a tap through just cleans out the dirt so the bolts thread in smoothly.