Welcome to Talons Garage!

This was before I got the TRD Skid...as you can see it's only the TALON skid in the pic.

 

Got mine installed today. Great product!

 

I'm about to order one also but can't justify $60 for 6 security bolts. I found 10packs on ebay for about $1 each plus shipping, granted they'll take a month because they come from China but still, 90% savings. Anyone worried about corrosion, you can get a can of CRC rust inhibitor or fluid film and spray each bolt head to prevent it from rusting out. Worked great for me in New England area on the rest of my truck, salted roads were no match.

Search for M8 304 Stainless Steel Torx Security and you'll find plenty of options, all different lengths.

 

Just got mine. Very nice quality

 

It's for 10 security bolts and security adapter but still, $60 is not cheap.

 

Has anyone painted or plan on painting their skid and or cat shield?

I’m thinking of hitting it with a 300+ sandpaper sponge then hit with etch primer and finish with paint.

any other suggestions?

 

I haven't yet, but plan on doing the same to my skid. Sand, etch primer and got some herculiner to cover it. Just need to find the time to get it done. I'm not going to bother with painting the cat shield though. If I get it done anytime soon, I'll post pics.

Over in the cat prevention thread, someone used undercoating to cover it as a different approach:

 

Question for everyone cause I ain't great at this stuff. Talon's instructions say to use a thread lubricant. I see others say Never Seize (as quoted here). I see others say they used blue loctite to make sure the hardware doesn't back out.

What is the best thing to use and do they all pretty much do the same thing, prevent galvanizing (I assume)?

I am NOT getting the security hardware, just Talon's standard mounting hardware if that makes a difference on what I should be using on the threads.

 

I used copper based anti seize but it's a little pricey. Nickel based is a good alternative and a little cheaper, both are usually sold at auto parts stores. It just creates a barrier so the moisture doesn't cause corrosion. I wouldn't worry about them backing out, just make sure everything is good and tight and check they haven't loosened after a couple weeks of driving. There's lots of threads on the bolts so you won't have to worry about them falling out anytime soon and even if they do, M8 40mm bolts are sold are most hardware stores.

 

Good looking out! What length did you go with?

 

Amazon has them cheaper and arrived quickly. M8 40mm security torx bolts in stainless steel. I ordered extra so I can see how hard it would be to remove caulk/gasket material that gets applied to the bolt head. Need to keep it serviceable for the tranny fluid every few years but don't want to make it easy for thieves. Since criminals will adapt to the shields, they can easily buy the bit adapters and have the shield removed in no time. Also why I put braided wire in strategic spots in case they want to try to cut through the soft aluminum. If it's worth doing it's worth over doing. GET SOME.

 

This is a great product! I do not plan on paint them, used some Never Seize, took me a little longer than I thought it would to install, but I usually have a tough estimate w/time...I'm usually wrong! Great fit and I feel very protected. Went w/the Cat-protector and the skid plate. A friend has a shop so it was way easier to use his lift than lying on my old back in the driveway. Just need to clean them up post install and good to go! Thanks Shaun & Crystal...

 

This looks great! It makes me happy to see the front skid plates out there. Lets me know I may have a future when the cat shield need goes away!

 

I also want to point out, This tacoma front is a slightly different redesign. The two plates meet up slightly further back than before. I did this to get the crack away from the bend, as I feel that is the most vulnerable spot for a hit.

 

Hi everyone - this thread is super helpful but I rec'd my shield and opened it all up yesterday and I am still confused. Hoping to get some clarity. This is for a 3rd Gen Tacoma with TRD Skid Plate.

1. I rec'd 4 of the large spacers. I think I only need to use 2 of them?
2. I did not get the security bolts. I cannot find specs on the standard bolts or details if I treat them differently or not, but based on other comments some people reference the differences. Are they standard steel? Zinc coated? Do I still use Anti Seize on them?
3. I rec'd 2 larger 1" OD diameter washers. Where do I use these? I assume it is on the area where the shield gets wedged between the body and the skid plate? If yes, do I also use one of the smaller washers between the larger washer and the bolt head? The ID of the larger washer vs. OD of the bolt head doesn't seem ideal so again I am assuming yes.
4. If galvanic corrosion is a concern due to dissimilar metals, am I wise to somehow treat the areas where the steel washers meet up with the aluminum shield? If yes, what do I treat it with?
5. As I lay everything out, I have 4 extra small washers. Is that intentional. I have one per bolt including the area I mention if #3 where I use a small washer and a large washer together. Plus 4 leftover?

Sorry this is long. I just want to do it right.

 

My post# 56 on this thread shows what I received. You'll only need two spacers but you must see which one fits snug onto the frame.



I used some washers to make up the difference before I got the spacers above. I bought the security bolts & adapter.



This is what it looks like with the TRD Skid attached:

 

They're M8 bolts, I think they provide 50mm long ones, galvanized steel. I personally am using copper based anti seize to prevent corrosion. Copper is a great barrier for steel and aluminum to prevent corrosion. Applying a gasket sealer to the bolt head is a great way to add security. Takes a little more effort for thieves to clean it out before unbolting it if they decide to put in that much effort.

There's also instructions on their website you can download.

 

When you purchase the security bolts does it come with an adapter for the $60 price or do you have to add the “extra adapter option” for the $85 price?

 

If you want 2 adapters, add it to the basket...otherwise, the $60 price includes 1 adapter.

 

Awesome thank you.