Tricks on Reinstalling Pro Skid Plate

Hey all, I have changed the oil on our Pro several times and the skid plate is a bitch to get back on by myself. Does anyone have a trick they use to reinstall it alone?

Thanks!

C

 

I just wrestled W/mine for 1st oil/filter change last Friday. I started the back ones 1st Then got frt to go. I saw on here someone posted here of installing stud & capture nuts to hold it on. It's a very detailed write up. I am considering this next 5k oil /filter R&R. https://www.4runners.com/threads/trd-skid-plate-mounted-w-studs-2010-2021.27082/

 

Bench press that bad boy in place with one arm, or start hitting the gym. I was able to install mine myself on my Tacoma which is about two times the size.

 

I lift the skid up on a floor jack. Let the jack hold the weight while you get the bolts started. Makes it very easy .

 

I use to lay on my back and hold the skid plate in place with my knees and one hand while threading the bolts in one by one.
It was always a PITA do put back though.

Now, I lift the truck a little higher on 4 jack stands since it makes it easy do my tire rotation.

I have one of those stool on wheels, I just put the skid plate on it so i dont have to hold it and its been effortless ever since.

$25 VEVOR Mechanic Stool, 250 LBS Rolling Pneumatic Creeper Garage/Shop Seat, Adjustable Height 16-22" in Padded Rolling Workshop Stool with Tool Tray, for Garage, Shop, Auto Repair, Black+Orange

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZTSSJM...p_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM

 

Here is the forum & write up:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/trd-skid-plate-mounted-w-studs-2010-2021.27082/

I thought about doing this. Had Jack stand on Pax side & Harbor Freight 3ton Quick lift on D/S W/Jack stand there just in case the jack failed. It's only 4 yrs old not a lot of use. I will probably use my smaller floor jack next time. Unless job changes it'll be quite some months till I hit another 5k @10k total.

 

Forgot to say I remove it the same way . Loosen the bolts a little at a time as you slowly lower the jack. It’s really easy .

 

A hydraulic jack works well, and is good practice when you get real skid plates that can weigh 40-50 lb apiece.

I say this because skid plates don't necessarily line up nicely once you bend them off road, at which you'll need both hands to get the bolts started...

 

^Not advisable for cheap garbage bags; they split open at apogee

 

OP, and anyone with that skid plate, Do this mod and never look back.
When on your back, and you press the plate onto the studs, most likely the friction against the threads of one or two of the studs will help hold it in place.
Pop on one acorn nut and it stays put while you install the reset.