TRD Pro Skid Plate Install Question

Thanks. I haven’t open the box yet.. lol
I’m installing it tomorrow.

 

Yep your correct. Its bigger also but mainly heavier duty. Not sure why I was thinking that. Maybe I was just hoping for some weight reduction!



OEM Skid Plate =12.4 lbs
TRD Pro Skid Plate = 27.2 lbs

 

No way!... the OEM OR skids (front and mid, together) are no more than 5 lbs... probably less. They are VERY thing gage steel.

 

Easy peasy. Start at the front, then the rear and then the middle. At first, just thread the bolts just enough to hold the plate up, until you get all 6 bolts started. Then tighten middle to spec, then front and lastly the rear.

Weight reduction would be nice, but there is just no comparing the protection offered by the stock splash shields and the TRD plate. A measly 15lbs increase is well worth the protection.

When you weight both plates and hardware together it adds up. Your mind is likely playing tricks on you since you are probably used to handling each splash shield separate and without hardware.

 

Don't forget the antiseize on the bolts.

 

Does the TRD skid plate come with the bolts or do you purchase them separately ?

 

It comes with all the hardware.

 

Yes, they do.

I set my bolts all at 20 ft-lbs after reading on here about people having issues with the 33 ft-lb in the install guide.

I actually used the box sitting on top of my creeper to give me an approximate height to easily lift the plate into place.

I'm still salty I got the red letters.

 

How can you be sure it was 32.75 ft/lb ?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf9KoFiTZ4U

 

Like the lady in the movie, I use a Craftsman Digi-Clicker torque wrench. You can set the torque in 0.25 lb ft increments. Check it out.

 

Red letter suck, man. Its like lipstick on your skid!

After ordering the skid, i finally got it home, only to be upset when unpacking it. I them had to order another and wait another 10 days, for one without the lipstick.

 

Yeah, I have a couple torque wrenches. Just my poor sense of humor.

 

So... I was planning in doing it myself... went and spent 30 bucks in the torque wrench and the whatever you call them.. in case I don’t have them at home...
I took off the oem one.. and realized... I’m big chested.. and I have no lift...
To top it off... I’m somewhat claustrophobic... I just don’t fit under her... went to see my mechanic... he told me to comeback a couple of hours later..
And 30 bucks... I returned the tools.. and I’m all good.

 

I ordered PTR60-35160 and got

$415 PTR60-35190

PTR60-35190 and was told Toyota was superseding part numbers. I’m sure I could have fought to get the restocking fee refunded but it didn’t seem like I’d be able to get the correct plate.

It’s not the end of the world and better than nothing but still, it’s not exactly what I wanted. I’m hoping a vendor designs replacement letters at some point. At least my license plate numbers are red so they blend in.

 

Order some tufskinz in any color you want. Just pop those red letters out.

 

There should have been no restocking fee. They could have just done an exchange. Yes, Toyota is superceeding part numbers, but there are still older plates out there. Dealer just had to locate one.

If I had gotten stuck with one of those, I would have removed the letters and added silver/grayish inserts so they would blend.

 

Quite easy, you cut the bolts/nuts off, then widen holes enough to insert new nuts and weld them to the frame.

Some spooky pictures for you all...



and how it looks after with the new owner that I sold it to

 

If/when someone makes a set with posts that snap in, I’ll consider. I don’t want to go with an adhesive sticker that will eventually let go.

 

I hear ya. Im sure you can pop the stock ones out and paint / coat them.

 

Looks like that skid served you well!