TRD Skid plate bolts free spinning

Hey guys,

this may be a dumb question but I can’t figure it out. Trying to take off my TRD skid plate to service my front diff and gain more access to replace my serpentine belt but all 4 of the 17mm bolts won’t seem to come off. They seem to get almost all the way off and then just start free spinning. I’ve tried applying upward pressure on the skid plate, downward pressure on the plate but nothings working. I tightened them up last night just to see if maybe something broke/cross threaded/stripped but they all tightened up just fine to 33 ft/lbs. what am I missing here?

 

strange, maybe take a pair of pliers and pull down on the bolt and turn??? all i can think of.
stranger yet is all 4?

usually the issue is they break off!

 

The trd skid plate has I think 6 bolts. If at least one bolt is still holding on then the plate won’t come off. This is my experience.

 

I’ll give the plier trick a try, thanks. Ya the back two 12 mm aren’t giving me an issue it’s these four 17mm’s. I’ll let yall know how it goes

 

There's retainer washers holding all the spacers to the bolts. Don't try prying anything apart. Just loosen all the bolts and the plate will vote off.

 

What GDR said.

 

I knew I was a knucklehead, I just needed some proof. Figured it out y’all. To anyone who’s having trouble taking off their skid plate and the bolts won’t come out. In the backside of the bolt is a little retaining ring. It’s keeping your bolt from falling out, thus making reinstall easier. I didn’t realized they were all already loose until it dawned on me… I mean fell on, the skid plate fell on me

 

Sorry y’all who had the right answers. Didn’t see them before I figured it out. Thank you though

 

Yep, captive bolts. Glad you figured it out without damaging anything.