TRD Skid Plate install on 3rd Gen Sport (img heavy)

I took advantage of the TRD 40% off sale last week and thought I'd do a write up.


Step 1: Pick up skid plate from dealer and drive it home.




Step 2: Pull skid plate out of the box.




Step 3: Get 2 cans of Krylon Spray On Bed Liner on clearance at Lowe’s.


Step 4: Tape off red “TRD” lettering and hardware. Spray 4-5 light coats, letting each dry 20 or so min in between (or whatever you can recommends). Spray the back if you want – I got the edges and any open holes.








Step 5: Let dry/cure for at least an hour (or whatever the can recommends). Remove tape.




Step 6: Remove ugly chin spoiler. I believe there were 11x10mm screws. There are some on the backside of the corners. Save all the screws and the clips - they’re going back in to keep the highway wind noise/whistling down.








Step 7: Remove stock pan. There are 4x12mm bolts.












Step 8: Remove 4x17mm bolts (skid plate hardware will replace). Get a sight on the lower 2x12mm bolt holes (they’re empty from the factory).










Step 9: Lay down with the skid plate on top of you (DISCLAIMER: don’t do this if you can’t lift skid plate by yourself… it's 34 lbs). Using your knees to press the lower part of the skid plate up, tighten the first 2x17mm bolts, then the middle 2x17mm bolts, and finally the 2x12mm.




Step 10: Enjoy.




Stock vs upgrade

 

How much was the plate? Also what is the plate made out of? I got a 2018 TRD Sport and finally getting into changing some things on her. From what I seen on Ebay they want 400 bucks for this and is made of aluminum and plastic?

 

I picked it up during the TRD 40% off sale and got it for about $250.
It's made from stamped and formed 1/4-in.-thick silver powder-coated aluminum.

 

Ah ok, seen the thread it was an only 1 day event I believe April 4th? Looks good though!

 

Looks beastly, glad you got rid of the chin strap.

 

Nice! I’ve always been curious how much mpg the chin spoiler added

 

Honestly, my MPG has actually gone up

 

I like how you painted it!! It never occurred to me to try that.. Good idea!! I’d like to see how long it holds up!!

 

What torque did you tighten the bolts at?

 

I am looking at skid plates. I really like the TRD plate but not the white. Painting it black was a good idea. 40% sale? Could you tell me who has this sale and is it an annual event?

 

Toyota had the sale but it's over. Paint comes off as soon as the skid plate actually get's used for its intended function...

 

Parts.Toyota.com which is Toyotas official parts site occasionally runs % off and free shipping promos. Its fairly rare so when they do it, people go gangbusters.
Major holidays like July 4, Thanksgiving, Black Friday are typically when to check the forums for activity. I saved over $600 on my laundry list of parts I ordered this past July 4th. These are Factory OEM Parts , not Ebay knockoffs.

 

True, but a sponge and some rustoleum get you back looking new in a few minutes.

 

Is the TRD stamped in or is it just a sticker?

 

OEM is stamped. Mine came with quality red plastic TRD lettering that clipped into holes in the skidplate along with double sided 3m tape. I removed the letters, painted, then put them back on. Taping off would have probably worked just as well.

 

Where did you order it from?

 

Serra Toyota of Decatur
Part Number:

$450 PTR6035190 PTR60-35190

PTR6035190

Free Shipping using FREESHIP

 

Thank you a bunch!

 

For what it’s worth, I just ordered this skid plate from prestige Toyota New York Who is having a sale. Out the door it came to $303.00. Put the order in late Friday night (after hours) and it was delivered to my house, four days later. Previously cheapest I have seen it prior to that was $354 and I don’t know if that that include tax and shipping. So $303.00 out the door was a good price.

Lou the parts guy there was excellent to work with and on top of everything. I would order and probably will be ordering parts from them in the future.

 

In case anybody is interested here is the link to prestige a Toyota a New York:

https://parts.prestigetoyota-ny.com/p/Toyota_2021_Tacoma-Double-Cab-TRD-Sport-SR-5-GLX-35L-AT/TRD-Front-Skid-Plate/75489794/PTR6035190.html