Hi I have a 97 4runner SR5 and I've Been wanting to change the skidplate for a budbuilt one and also a budbuilt belly pan. But I've been searching the internet for ever trying to see if anyone had any write ups on how to remove the factory skid plate but it came up dry. so i thought i make this thread and see if anyone had any knowledge they can give me on how to remove the factory skidplate and put on a budbuilt one and bellypan. if anyone has anything that can help it be great and if possible post some pix cause im pretty new to all this and its my first car so thanks any help greatly welcomed.

 

uhhh.... hmm, right.

its a bolt on, look under the front of your truck.

 

I would imagine Budbuilt has complete instructions? And have you crawled under and looked at the existing mounts.

 

just crawl under there and look for bolts hahaha

 

The middle plate (is that the belly?) has a notch that goes up under (or over, I forget) the front skid plate that you have to wiggle out if you are taking it apart separate. Besides that, it's pretty self explanatory, find the bolts holding it up and take out. Watch your eyes though, there's going to be dirt and rocks and grass and crap stashed up there though, I learned that the hard way not thinking when I've removed it before.

 

Step 1. Use your head.

Step 2. Look under truck, near the front end. Find the 14MM Bolts.
If that fails, the bolts you need to unbolt to pull the stock skid will be in these locations
Where there is just a dot and not a circle (half way back on the skid) I'm not sure if there is a bolt there.



EDIT: My skidplates are not that shiny anymore