Alignment question for those who installed CTH skid plate

Installed Cartrimhome skid plate for my 4runner today, after torqueing 4 bolts I noticed the rear of the plate does not align with the oil pan cover (the plate sits higher than the edge of oil pan cover). I don't think it matters but just want to mention I used the OEM tapered bolts on the frame support for the rear 2 holes. Inside the skid plate nothing seems to be touching anyways, but it does bug me that the rear is not aligning. Is this normal?

My 4runner has KDSS btw.

 

Go actually use it, bash the hell out of it, and report back

 

That looks off. I don't remember the one I had being like that. Maybe someone currently running the CTH skid can comment. I also have KDSS, but no longer have their skid.

 

Do the instructions say to remove the two braces connecting the LCA crossmember to the front crossmember?

 

Yes it does, for KDSS at least

 

Watched a few other videos, found one with camera angle that shows similar gap (also KDSS model), so I guess that's the way it should be? Kind of a weird design cuz when you actually slide on anything, you wouldn't want the gap to catch the edge right?

 

Sure seems like it needs some sort of spacer to even that out with the rear skid. The rear skid in the photo is aftermarket, if that makes any difference.

 

That ain’t right at all. If you leave it like that, it’s the opposite of a skid plate. More like a scoop plate lol. Imagine if the front end touches down on dirt at a few miles per hour it would act as a shovel and pack that area nice and full. If you’re going more than a few miles an hour and you slide over harder dirt, lot’s of things are going to get torn off in the worst possible and destructive way.

Even if you don’t off road, that gap will just act as a scoop for rain and salty road mist (if you live in the snow/salt belt).

Maybe they sent you the wrong spacers. Regardless, you’re gonna figure out a way to space it out and align them.

 

I agree, although I mainly got it for the look, won't be doing a lot of off-roading, I live in Jersey where salt is everywhere in winter months, the thought that it could scoop up salt/road debris kind of scares me. I did get the truck undercoated last week, and was told I should not be pressure washing the under side. I also emailed CTH and will see what they say.