Well, I learned this weekend how to bend the Bud Built belly skid plate. Now I need to learn how to bend it back. Any ideas??






Front skid and gas tank skid after this weekend:



My 4runner is running naked unerneath until I can find the right hardware to put the factory plates back on(I need to fix some other stuff anyways and it's easier without them on)

 

First off, Congratulations on bending it: meaning you wheel it proper.

Remove the skid and flip it bow side up and circle the affected area like a target. Place the skid over two planks under your truck where you can use a bottle jack to push truck up and skid down. You will have to work the targeted area more than a few times to get things somewhat normal. If you really want it pretty, take it to a metal shop with an industrial press. I almost do this monthly.

Think of the damage you would have sustained w/o it. Better it provides some give as our frames can’t handle what the Bud is served. Any pictures of your truck on the rock that did that?

 

might want to try one of these...


If it doesnt work get a bigger one!!!

 

drive over it on a flat surface. I did that a couple of times with the tailgate on my old '84...

looks like it has been serving it's intended purpose

 

x2 on the press idea

 

I'm going to just try and run ove the affected area, just need to find a good spot to do it at. Where it is bent up is right under the transfer case. I would'e hated to see what would've happened if I it that.

This is the best photo that I got of the rocks (also in my Sedona trip report)


Got to fix a few more things now that it is off and stock ones are back on temporarily.

 

Now that’s a trail. I almost guarantee that after your tire passes over the bow it will spring back. I do wish that was the fix though. I’ve had the Idea of using disposable skids made out of industrial cutting boards…

 

A torch along with the hammer will make it ALOT easier.

 

x2 on the BFH - it's also a great way to take out aggressions. before I built a flat bed for my previous toy p/u, i had a bunch of friends over and for a 6 pack each they could have at the bed with a sledge

 

Sledge ain't gonna do Jack on Bud.